Job Pricing
More and more contractors are being asked to bid on jobs that are 12 to 18 months out. Assuming your crystal ball is in the shop, how do you go about pricing jobs that are that far out? There is only one way to bid any project with a significant lead time: You […]
The Latest Power Tools and Accessories for Drywallers
When it comes to power tool and accessory technology, the old adage certainly applies; “If you blink, you might miss something.” From new screwguns and cordless tools to specialty bits and blades, it can be hard to keep track of the latest innovations in ergonomics, power and design. But with the right tools you can […]
Office Gift Giving-
Who among us doesn’t like to get a gift occasionally? It doesn’t have to be expensive or even something tangible. The act itself is one of the most longstanding practices all cultures engage in. Like a smile or a simple “hello,” it is a way to acknowledge someone else and show some gratitude for that […]
Checking Into Hotels, USA
This article on hotel and motel construction goes beyond the usual challenges of telescoped deadlines and complex designs. It seems contractors are running into a variety of issues, which might be useful to share. The Great Rush The most common issue, says a Floridian contractor, “Hotels are fast-paced, get-them-done-in-a-hurry, so you man […]
Leads on Holidays
It is Thanksgiving Day, and you take a break from watching football to check your computer, only to find that two new leads have come in. The leads say you can contact them at any time. Do you call them on Thanksgiving Day, or do you wait until Friday (or even Monday) and possibly lose […]
Tools Have Come a Long Way
When we sit down and begin the bidding process on that next job, it is a given that most of us are using computers that have the newest technology and the latest versions of estimating software. But what isn’t a given is whether your crews installing the materials (such as framing and drywall) also are […]
AWCI is Moving, 2007 Academy
AWCI Is Moving Update your address books; AWCI is moving next month! By Dec. 1, AWCI headquarters will be located in a larger, newer office building just a block away from its current location. The move was brought about by the need for more space, but it also shows a bright financial […]
Construction Trends
Revised Prescriptive Method Approved as National Standard The American Iron and Steel Institute announced Sept. 25 that the revised Standard for Cold-Formed Steel Framing—Prescriptive Method for One and Two Family Dwellings, 2001 Edition With Supplement 2 is now approved as an American National Standard by the American National Standards Institute. In response to the […]
The Board of Directors, Part 3
For the last few months we have been talking about what makes for a good and proper functioning board of directors. This month we present a questionnaire that can be used to help a director and a board to be more focussed. As you consider these questions, be sure to approach them from […]