Monday, February 28, 2011
Untold until now: Story of slave acted out in Clarksville
SC-based consulting firm Wilbur Smith sold to CDM
Columbia-based transportation firm Wilbur Smith Associates has been bought by Cambridge, Mass.-based CDM.
Construction complete on Portland emergency clinic
Franchise fair lets prospective owners sample their options
Today's franchise fair is a first for the region. On Friday, Lea Willingham, mall manager for the Fashion Mall at Keystone at the Crossing , and Eva Cheung, assistant mall manager at Circle Centre, set things up.
No strike, at least not yet, against Hawaiian Electric
Talks are scheduled to resume Monday between Hawaiian Electric Company and the union representing electrical workers on four islands.
Compact R&D Warrants Trying Niche Aerial Equipment
If you’re evaluating the pros and cons of renting compact equipment vs. purchasing it, and you focus only on mini-excavators, backhoes and skid steers, you could be shortchanging your analysis. Earthmoving machines are not the whole “compact story” anymore. Demand for smaller aerial equipment is growing, and manufacturers are devoting resources to develop a variety of compact lines.
Small, self-propelled vertical lifts are extremely productive rentals due to their versatility.
Discounts for foreclosed homes rose in 2010
The gap between the average sale price of a foreclosed home and that of other properties grew wider last year, giving homebuyers who snapped up bank-owned homes big discounts.
Street Crane's new LX hoists are ideal for localised workstations and production line applications
Street Crane has designed the new LX chain hoists for precise and safe lifting for a range of industries such as automotive, commercial transport, construction, aviation, light marine and general engineering workshops. In capacities from 125 to 5000Kg, the new LX chain hoist opens a new market segment. Flexibility was a key project goal there are hoists to meet every need. Eye suspension models for stationary lifting, powered or
Scottish Government should incorporate specific provisions for the construction industry when bidding for public sector contracts
At the moment, there are many different procedures for pre-qualifying to bid for public sector and local authority contracts. They differ between authorities and sometimes even between different departments in the same authority.The Holyrood Parliament has just concluded a lengthy consultation process involving key stakeholders from both suppliers and purchasers within public procurement. Its aim is to deliver a more standardised
Ensure Unhindered Power Supply With Solar Power Products
And one such eco friendly products range includes the solar power gadgets that are in great demands today. These have completely changed the entire scene of power generation. The Boost to the eco friendly product market has also come from the rising concerns for global hazards and environmental warming. Each day you can read out the news for the changing global environment issues and multinational conferences being held around the globe. All these things have given the necessary boost required for the eco friendly products. And solar energy being available and present at all sources has got the advantageous position and significantly promoted the use of solar power products.
The job that just began with the cooking, heating and electric generation has now entered each and every source of life. There may be hardly any area where these solar products aren't finding their utility. From the smaller range products to the larger areas solar powered gadgets are everywhere. Solar energy is driving cars and now even planes and is used in furnaces for high temperature smelting and melting operations. You can have the solar panels installed in your homes that will certainly supply unhindered power to your place. Solar power generators can supply electricity over a large scale. Solar lighting, solar power gate openers, solar RV Panels, solar Marine panels and many more, there are so many solar gadgets that you can use in your daily life. These solar products are very clean and affordable source of power.
With the solar chargers you can charge your car batteries, laptops, mobile phones etc. These solar power products use nothing but the power of the sun and emit no fumes or unwanted elements. With the use of these solar products nothing harmful is emitted that spoils our environment. So leading global brands are today manufacturing these solar gadgets and there are so many online stores from where you can make a purchase for these green and energy efficient solar products. If you are looking for an online solar product store from where you can have the wide variety of solar gadgets and at very affordable and discounted prices then you can feel lucky to find one here. All the solar products by leading global brands can be found at: http://www.everythingsolar.net
San Antonio Satterfield & Pontikes office tapped for Texas State project
Satterfield & Pontikes Construction Inc. is moving on from the elementary and middle school arenas, and going to college.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Winter: A Great Time to Inspect Your Home's Foundation
Draw Your Home's Footprint. Make a basic sketch of the outline of your home using a computer drawing program, graph paper or plain paper. Be sure to indicate doors and windows.
Inspect Your Doors and Windows. Whenever an opening is cut or created in a wall, such as a door or window, it becomes the weakest point in the wall. Because of this, doors and windows often display the first signs of settlement. Three common observations to look for include: 1) gaps between the frame and door or window, 2) cracks extending from the corners of doors or windows, and 3) the separation of a door or window from the framing or exterior finish. You can also check for misalignment by opening and shutting doors and windows to see that they are operating properly and that they lock or latch properly too. Note any of these signs on your sketch.
Check Your Floor. Walk through your home and note any abrupt changes in the floor such as cracks, sudden drop offs or rises. You may even notice the floors dropping and separating from walls, forming a gap between the floor and the wall.
Another way to check if your floors are sloping is to take a gas or laser level and set it on the floor of the main level pointing toward the walls. Measure the difference between the laser line and the floor on one side of the room and compare it to the distance between the laser line and the floor on the opposite side of the room. Make a note of any differences on your sketch.
Check Your Walls and Ceilings for Cracks. Cracks in drywall throughout the house are a good indicator of settlement and may be more obvious in the uppermost levels of your house. Look for these common signs and note them on your drawing: 1) drywall cracks extending from the corners of doors and windows 2) cracks that follow drywall seams 3) drywall tape buckling, pulling or ripping. Note on your sketch the direction, width and severity of the cracks.
Article on the value Revit Structure Extensions
Zero Net Energy
What's the best way to maintain clean windows in multistory homes/buildings?
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We will be constructing a three and four story home on the side of a slope with very difficult access to the numerous windows that will be used for daylighting. Do you have any suggestions for a way to clean these
CertainTeed offers shake-style siding made of polypropylene (PP). Is PP is a greener substitute for PVC?
PP is greener than PVC. It is also easily recycled.
I would recommend fiber cement over either, though. I also live in NJ and have designed a LEED Silver certified, net-zero-energy home that was built two years ago with the fiber-cement, cedar-shake-pattern siding. If you select one of the standard colors available, fiber cement comes prefinished with a 50-year warranty on the finish, and is therefore very maintenance-free.
CertainTeed makes this
San Antonio Satterfield & Pontikes office tapped for Texas State project
Satterfield & Pontikes Construction Inc. is moving on from the elementary and middle school arenas, and going to college.
HDR Inc.
The construction of a 35-acre park in the Historic Fourth Ward was not an idea that developed to beautify one of Atlanta's oldest neighborhoods.
Mortgage-Servicing Methods, Exposed in a Court Case - NYTimes.com
With Federal Help, 84 Lumber Pays Off $195M, 18% Loan
Real estate awards honor Houston's...
From left, Katie Aguilar, Mindy Tribolet, Suzie Davis and Roberta Bernstein, all of Bernstein Realty, at the 2010 HBJ breakfast honoring the top 25 individual agents and teams in real estate.
Given that my wife is pregnant how long should we wait for new hardwood floors to offgas?
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We renovated and put in Stained Red Oak hardwood floors. The house is in N. California so we can keep the windows open often. Our wall paints are No VOC
The Stain isn't low VOC but the clear coats are no VOC.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
A look at BankAtlantic's key leaders
While BankAtlantic Bancorp is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, its chairman and vice chairman have effective control through a company that trades on the pink sheets.
Investors snap up cheap homes, new buyers miss out
Home sales are starting to tick up after the worst year in more than a decade. But the momentum is coming from cash-rich investors who are scooping up foreclosed properties at bargain prices, not first-time home-buyers who are critical for a housing recovery.
Penney's 4Q profit rises 36 percent
Cutting costs and selling more exclusive brands like Liz Claiborne drew new customers and helped J.C. Penney Co.'s fourth-quarter profit rise 36 percent, the company said Friday.
Baker Announces New Appointments
Pittsburgh,PA --an engineering unit of Michael Baker Corporation is pleased to announce the following appointments within its Geospatial Information Technology Service Area: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it -- Allen Wainger, P.E. vice president, GIT Service Area.
Which is better for energy saving: a white or a dark roof?
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I think a dark roof gets more heat than a white roof due to radiation. But most of the roofs in my area are dark. I live in San Antonio.
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Recycled PET Polyester Insulation
For innovative Green Design, LEED credits, Superior Thermal/Acoustic performance, Fiberglass Free solutions, or ease of installation, EnGuard™ is a smart choice.
Key attributes include:
• 100% Formaldehyde free Fiberglass
Columbia's Wilbur Smith Associates sold to CDM
By RODDIE BURRIS Columbia-based transportation giant Wilbur Smith Associates has been acquired by CDM, a global water and environmental consulting firm, the two companies planned to announce today.
Foster Wheeler Reports Results for Full Year and Fourth Quarter of 2010
Lenders Aim to Push Nevada Development Into Bankruptcy - WSJ.com
Hidden Medical Debts Kill Refis - WSJ.com
Friday, February 25, 2011
Crate & Barrel: Improving the Design and Build Process with Autodesk Revit
Granite Reports Full Year and Fourth Quarter 2010 Results
The Outlook: Housing Market on Edge as Lenders Get Tougher - WSJ.com
WMF and Prince Claus Provide Emergency Aid for Threatened Historic Sites
By David Sokol
Two preservation groups have teamed up to launch a $1 million global initiative to protect historic sites damaged by natural or manmade disasters.
The World Monuments Fund, a New York-based nonprofit, and the Prince Claus Fund, an Amsterdam-based
Freddie Mac posts $1.7 billion loss for fourth quarter
Government-controlled mortgage buyer Freddie Mac managed a narrower loss of $1.7 billion for the October-December quarter of last year.
Scouting The 2011 NFL Combine: Target Numbers
Today I'm going explain good measurables or "Target Numbers" to assist you in making your own player evaluations.
Construction News Headlines for February 25, 2011
Construction Unions Under Fire in 20 States
By late January, with the swearing-in ceremonies complete in the twenty-one states where Republicans control the governor’s office and both statehouses, hundreds of bills had been introduced seeking to hem in unions if not ban them altogether. Government-employee unions are being challenged in every state, and construction unions face a daunting lineup of bills that would gut prevailing wage laws and Project Labor Agreements (PLAs). Twenty
Stantec Posts Strong Year-End 2010 Results
Stantec announced today strong results for the full year of 2010. Gross revenue was C$1,513.1 million, and net revenue was C$1,226.0 million.
China sends navy ship to protect Libya evacuees
Ringway works with Lincolnshire school to provide a safer way for pupils to navigate around hazardous roads
The Staniland Primary School, based in Boston, Lincolnshire, ran a competition for its pupils to design a road safety plan for the area which had to cover all modes of transport from cars and lorries, to cyclists and pedestrians. The plan was to raise awareness of road safety among the pupils at the same time as highlighting ways in which all modes of transport can safely maneuver around the road works at the same time.Ringway
Big Builders Report Dreary 4th Quarter
Thursday, February 24, 2011
WorleyParsons' outlook upbeat (The Australian)
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| Lybia Protests News, Industry - Construction News, News Feeds and News via Feedzilla.Wife defends guardsman charged in Afghan murder
NAR Reports Improved Sales in January, Though Data is Questioned
Retailers: Home owners spending more on renovation
Home owners are starting to spend more on home-improvement projects despite the weak housing market, quarterly results from Lowe's Cos.
Florida regulators issue warning to mortgage professionals | Jacksonville Business Journal
Housing start hit a four-month high in January
Bay Area Home Sales Drop Slightly
Bay Area home sales have dropped since December, but sales are still higher in early 2011 than they were during the same period in 2010, a real estate information service said.
Blair Kamin: Presidential Towers making big change from original fortress look
We are considering a 10,000 sq ft steel building as a childcare center in WV. Is it worth going solar?
I am planning to build a modular home. Passive solar, smartglass, geothermal system, radiant floor heating desired. Can you give advice?
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The property is in the mountains: 1200', 38N, Nellysford, VA. Front door will face W-NW, view is E-SE. That's the side where we'd want windows. I would really like windows along the two downhill sides of the house, E & S,
What is the most sustainable wood?
Harold Remlinger, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB
Warren, MI
remlinger_Architekts, Plc
February 24, 2011
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Wednesday, February 23, 2011
William Lyon Homes: Upgraded Homes and Luxury Models for Sale in Pasado's Final Phase (Market Wire)
| | Lybia Protests News, Industry - Construction News, News Feeds and News via Feedzilla.Canadian businesses wary about Middle East operations as unrest spreads
Canadian businesses with a presence in the Middle East are dusting off and, in some cases, putting into effect employee evacuation plans as political unrest and bloody revolts spread across the Arab world.
Sealaska cultural center takes shape
Plans are taking shape for Sealaska Heritage Institute's new cultural center in downtown Juneau.
Quebec's Crown attorneys: We're being punished
A special law that will force Quebec's Crown attorneys back to work on Monday is meant as punishment for calling a public inquiry into the construction industry, alleges the lawyers union.
Thomann-Hanry gives a facelift to top Gentleman's Club
Founded by the aristocracy nearly 250 years ago, Brookss in St. Jamess is one of Londons most famous gentlemans clubs. It is still frequented by many of Londons wealthiest and most influential gentlemen today. Despite its location in the heart of London and its high-brow clientele the brick and stone faade on this Listed Building had never been cleaned, until now. Using the unique faade gommage system, London-based masonry
RMD Kwikform engineers help B and K Structures construct geodesic dome for Scunthorpe leisure centre
The new 21m leisure centre project in Scunthorpe will transform the lives of local residents, creating one of the UKs most lively and interesting facilities that will complement the adjacent Central Park, which will also be refurbished as part of the scheme. Housed within the geodesic dome pods will be a large fitness suite, a 25m swimming pool and a training pool, a dance studio and a six-court sports hall. A crche and a caf
Construction News Headlines for February 23, 2011
Fannie Mae: Housing Starts to Triple by 2013
Federally sponsored lender Fannie Mae is predicting housing starts to triple by 2013 to 1.5 million starts, returning the industry to 2007 levels, about 30% below the 2006 housing-start peak of 2.2 million starts. According to the agency’s economic outlook, housing starts are predicted to increase 17.3% and hit 710,000 this year, well below 1991?s recessionary housing-start nadir. Another 47% increase to 1.1 million starts in 2012 looks
Plan to Wind Down Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Unveiled
KB Home to lure buyers with energy bill savings
KB Home is going to start giving prospective buyers an estimate of how much money they can save on their monthly energy bill if they buy one of the company?s homes.
Warren Watch: White House honoree
Susan Buffett snapped this photo of her father at a White House ceremony last week as he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
New Complex at USC School of Cinematic Arts
Many expats decide to return to - a new Egypt'
Faith themes click with Oklahoma City homebuilder | NewsOK.com
Headlines: Pulte to look for new CFO
HOME BUILDING PulteGroup said Friday that Chief Financial Officer Roger Cregg will retire from the homebuilder this year once a successor is named.
I am starting the planning for my first home, and I know that I want to install solar panels. What should I know before starting?
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I live in middle Tennessee, and the land that I own is a farm of 104 acres. We are also looking into geothermal heating and maybe even adding a greenhouse attached to the kitchen. Is this reasonable for a residential
In Manhattan, Luxury Real Estate Market Continues Steady Growth
ISG Jackson secures contract to extend and enhance Essex Church
ISG Jackson has secured a 2.5 million project to extend and enhance existing facilities at All Saints Church in Woodford Green, Essex. Both church and community facilities will be targeted for modernisation, with major improvements made to disabled access and special needs provision. Focusing on the adjacent church hall, the contractor will also carry out a comprehensive programme of refurbishment and modernisation works that
Time to Make the Donuts
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After a million and one Powerpoint Slides, proof-of-concept demos, conference calls and a strong opinion or two, product development for Geedra’s Online Photo-Data solution is underway.� More details to follow, but in the meantime we’re looking forward to offering the AEC industry’s first ever Online Photo-Data Solution in the summer of 2011.
Florida regulators issue warning to mortgage professionals | Jacksonville Business Journal
I have a 2,000 sq. ft. mobile home that I'd like to transform to a self-sustaining structure with solar power. Help!
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Monday, February 21, 2011
Vox Pop: So what agency would you audit?
KB Home to lure buyers with energy bill savings
KB Home is going to start giving prospective buyers an estimate of how much money they can save on their monthly energy bill if they buy one of the company?s homes.
The Construction Contractor's Digest | Construction Executive Advisory
Acquiring profitable work is not an easy task. It involves dozens of steps to ascertain a good quality work. The more formalized internally and externally the better a work acquisition process. Having a scientific and monitorable approach is key and having an artful approach is not recommended.
There is a harsh rule about pricing or proposing construction work ? ?it is a one way street.?
? Too high and there is no phone call and no chance of winning the job.
? Too low and there is a phone call every time to contract you to a money losing proposition.
Any mistakes in work acquisition affect a company greatly. First, let me define a mistake as a wrong action that is controllable.
Let me illustrate the impact. First, if a price is too high from estimating, no client will buy, and the cost of estimating is sunk with no revenue generated.
So there are two costs:
1. The sunk cost. Labor, material, and other costs to produce the estimate.
2. The opportunity cost. That is, the cost of the business (rent, insurance, vehicles, salaries, etc.) still exists and has to be paid for this month, but there is no billable revenue to pay for it due to this missed job.
Second, let me illustrate the loss problem.
1. The sunk cost. Labor, material, and other costs to produce the estimate and the job that is a no profit or money losing project.
2. The opportunity cost. That is, the cost of the business (rent, insurance, vehicles, salaries, etc.) still exists and has to be paid for this month, but there is no profit to pay for it due to this no profit or money losing proposition.
Use of a formal pricing policy gives sureties and prospective construction service buyers more confidence about a firm?s operations.
Those firms who tend to be very entrepreneurial but undisciplined, don?t build confidence from these same outsiders, as construction is the second riskiest business in the United States.
Undisciplined entrepreneurs in construction will suffer the ?one way street syndrome.?
This is an excerpt from our recent book, The Practical Construction MBA (2011, 458 pages) for more information ? go to : http://stevensci.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=SCII&Category_Code=PCMBABook
Arab revolts boost oil prices and slow US economic and construction recovery
Volatile diesel prices will be an immediate consequence of the uncertainty of the outcome of the Arab revolts which are now underway in seven
City readies plan on rail transit finances
The Federal Transit Administration is awaiting an updated financial plan from the city as Honolulu's $5.5 billion rail transit project moves forward.
Owlett-Architectural's range of versatile door closers will suit almost any commercial specification
Owlett-Architectural has unveiled a new range of versatile door closers. The door closers, fashioned to CE and Certifire marks where possible, supplement an already comprehensive catalogue of quality architectural ironmongery.Owlett-Architectural door closers are available by spring in a power size 3 and by either spring or by template in power sizes 2-4 - making the range suitable for a variety of different applications. Each
Banks Chase Small Builder to Offer Cash
Sutton Group FM secures the mechanical and engineering contract for Glasgow's St Enoch Centre
St. Enoch Centre, owned and managed by Ivanhoe Cambridge, is located in Glasgow's busy city centre, one of the UK's top shopping destinations outside London. The first of its kind in Scotland, St. Enoch Centre was officially opened in 1989 and has since become one of the city's favourite shopping destinations. Ivanhoe Cambridge has awarded Sutton Group FM the mechanical and engineering contract for Glasgows St. Enoch Centre. The