The number of Americans who signed contracts to buy homes rose in March to the highest level in three years.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
The AACE-ETS section now has a Facebook page. Facebook users can view the page by clicking the icon at the top of the AACE-ETS website....
SHoP Construction
SHoP Construction uses Autodesk BIM 360 Glue to enhance project visualization and collaboration on the world?s tallest modular building.
Grease Trap Maintenance
Grease traps are an important part of any water treatment system where fatty oils, sludge and grease is entered into the plumbing system. As the name implies, the grease trap will trap the grease and other oils and separate it from the water. This is designed to ensure the heavier solids are not passing into the city sewer lines and/or clogging your own drains.
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How it Works
In many instances, businesses will have a company come in to perform grease trap maintenance. This includes emptying out the collection bin as well as making sure that the catching system is working appropriately.
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Problems to Avoid
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How it Works
The oily and greasy substances will pass through a catching system that is designed to cool the substances off and allow them to solidify. Any water will pass through and go down the drain as usual. The items in the grease trap will need to be disposed of properly and frequently to avoid problems with the system.
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In many instances, businesses will have a company come in to perform grease trap maintenance. This includes emptying out the collection bin as well as making sure that the catching system is working appropriately.
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Problems to Avoid
Without proper grease trap maintenance being conducted, there are a lot of problems that can arise. These problems are usually expensive, which is why it?s critical to understand how to clean a grease trap properly.
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When the grease is not being effectively trapped, the oil and grease will solidify into the drains. This can lead to blockages in the drain line as well as back-ups. This can cause health and sanitation issues as well as foul odors.
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If there is too much FOG (fat, oils, and grease) being deposited into city sewer lines, it can also result in significant fines as a result of breaking city ordinance.
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Maintenance Tips
Check on city and state ordinances. Many will dictate how often the grease trap needs to be pumped out. This should be scheduled by a company ahead of time to ensure that it is being done on a regular basis to avoid any kind of unnecessary fines.
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Liquid waste can be dealt with appropriately by having the necessary dry powder to help soak it up. Even though it is liquid now, it won?t stay that way for long. Proper training of your maintenance staff can ensure that everyone knows what FOG is and what is considered FOG within your facility. Many times, the issues stem from ignorance on the staff?s part. This is always directly related to the amount of training that they receive.
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A bacteria additive can also be used within the collection tank for the FOG. These will reduce the fats, oils and grease levels as well as any other organic waste. It works by breaking down and digesting the waste. The benefit of using an additive is that it can cut down on the amount of pump-outs the collection tank requires, which can greatly reduce costs. These are available in a liquid form as well as a bacteria block.
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Avoid letting staff rinse hot water down the drains and into the grease trap because this will prevent the grease from cooling and thus it will be flushed into the drains and into the city sewer lines, where fines will eventually be generated.
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Slow draining sinks and odors coming from the drains are often a sign that FOG is lingering and that grease trap maintenance needs to be improved. When you want to learn more about grease trap maintenance, start with city and state ordinances. They will dictate what you can and cannot use as well as how often you need to be emptying your tanks. Additionally, a little training can go a long way with your staff. Once you have your grease trap in place, maintaining it is of the utmost importance ? whether you do it in-house or hire a company to do it for you.
U.S. homeownership rate falls to lowest level since 1995; Portland among tightest rental...
The U.S. homeownership rate has fallen to its lowest point since 1995 as more renters put off or forgo the decision to buy a home.
Hoar Construction: Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children
Autodesk Building Design Suite and BIM solutions help Hoar Construction accelerate delivery of a $450 million expansion of a major children?s hospital.
Flood risk not scaring off potential home buyers
Heightened flood risks as a result of the Waldo Canyon Fire aren't having a negative effect on the real estate market in the area, experts said.
Architecture Billings Up for Eighth Consecutive Month
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Monday, April 29, 2013
The Walsh Group: Military Barracks Renovation
Autodesk BIM 360 Glue helps The Walsh Group accelerate collaboration among subcontractors.
Bottom May Be Near for Slide in Housing
Bottom May Be Near for Slide in Housing: How low can the market go? For real estate, some economists...
More d-line depth: 49ers select Alabama's Dial in Round 5
The 49ers, who had not drafted a defensive linemen since 2009, have taken two in the last two days.
Boosting Profitability for General Contractors
As profit margins drop past the 2% mark, general contractors are compelled to look for more innovative ways to drive profitability. Recently, I learned of a GC that hired a third party services firm to photo-document its work on a large school project and passed the cost onto the owner with a slight markup. While I see the rationale behind adding value-added services as a way to improve revenue, I find this particular choice questionable.
Construction Photo-documentation firms offer a valuable combination of construction knowledge and photography services to owner/developers who lack the experience and resources to scrutinize the construction of their buildings. Most also offer a deliverable that includes construction photos delivered via the web.
However, does this make sense for a GC? Can these firms offer expertise that the GC doesn?t already have on staff? Do they hold the secrets to construction photography that a GC can?t match with a $500 camera purchase�and a basic photography course at a local community college (or even online)? The answers are obviously no and no.
So, therefore, the missing piece of the puzzle must be the ability to deliver construction photos with a web interface offers more than a link to a Sharepoint folder. If a GC could deliver a comprehensive package of photos to an owner that offered a complete record of as-built construction and critical installation details, now that would be valuable.
And now, the GC can offer just such a deliverable. In my next post I will describe how Geedra enables GC?s to self perform the photo documentation of their projects, and in doing so transforms an overhead cost, into a value-add service that boosts profitability.
Tags: construction, construction photo documentation, construction photography, construction photos, Gafcon, Geedra, general contractors, MultiVista, qualitybuilt, self perform
Markup and Profit Blog | Construction Programs & Results Inc
Ever been around someone whose foul mouth offends you? I'm not talking about their breath, I'm talking about their language. Do you have a potty-mouthed employee who is offending your clients, subs, suppliers and maybe even your other employees?
First, be sure this individual isn't you. If it is, you need to find the self-discipline to clean up your language. Learn a new vocabulary. It's a tough dragon to slay, I know, because I have dealt with it my whole life. Read more about Profanity on the Job
Weyerhaeuser 1Q net income jumps on housing rebound
Weyerhaeuser Co., one of the world's largest lumber companies, said Friday that its first-quarter net income soared, as the continued rebound in the housing market boosted demand for its products.
The Lock, Stock, and Barrel Listing
The Lock, Stock, and Barrel Listing: Long common in resort and second-home communities, the practice...
Do Hedge Funds and Insiders Love Versar Inc. (VSR)?
If you'd ask most investors, hedge funds are seen as slow, outdated investment tools of the past.
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Who is responsible for repairs during a home sale?
RIVERSIDE COUNTY Many questions can arise during the home-buying process. Buyers looking at homes that require a good deal of TLC may wonder who is responsible for the home's repairs, particularly if such repairs are needed to meet lender's requirements.
Markup and Profit Blog | Construction Programs & Results Inc
Ever been around someone whose foul mouth offends you? I'm not talking about their breath, I'm talking about their language. Do you have a potty-mouthed employee who is offending your clients, subs, suppliers and maybe even your other employees?
First, be sure this individual isn't you. If it is, you need to find the self-discipline to clean up your language. Learn a new vocabulary. It's a tough dragon to slay, I know, because I have dealt with it my whole life. Read more about Profanity on the Job
Pent-up demand spurs more remodeling projects
Elaine Dorsher checked out an artificial stone sink at the Universal Stone Inc. display at the Minneapolis Home & Garden Show.
Your Home: What to expect with the changing real estate market
With the changing real estate market, expectations should change as well. For this edition of Your Home, YNN's Solomon Syed said it's important to find a real estate agent that you're comfortable with.
SHAREHOLDER ALERT: Pomerantz Law Firm Reminds Shareholders With Losses on Their Investment in Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation of Class Action Lawsuit and Upcoming Deadline -- GLDD
[GlobeNewswire] - NEW YORK -- Pomerantz Grossman Hufford Dahlstrom & Gross LLP has filed a class action lawsuit against Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation ("Great Lakes" or the "Company") and certain ...
West Fraser Timber swing to Q1 profit of $67M; revenue rises to $863M
West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. swung to a profit in the first quarter as the forestry company reported improved lumber prices.
Add Your Open House To Our Weekend Listings
Realtors, this is your space. Upload photos of the houses you're showing this weekend and enter the property's details in the caption.
Saturday, April 27, 2013
RI median home price jumps 9 percent in March
The Rhode Island Association of Realtors released a report Friday showing that the median price of a single-family home in the state increased 9 percent to $190,000 in March, compared with the same month last year.
Orders for U.S. Durable Goods Decline by Most Since August
Orders for U.S. durable goods fell in March by the most in seven months as demand slumped for commercial aircraft and business investment cooled.
West Fraser Timber swing to Q1 profit of $67M; revenue rises to $863M
West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. swung to a profit in the first quarter as the forestry company reported improved lumber prices.
Bond Architects: Ladue Education Center
The new Ladue Early Childhood Education Center is completed early and under budget with help from Autodesk BIM.
Bears take a Long-shot with 0-lineman
No one outside the Bears' war room saw this coming. Especially with seven offensive linemen already taken in the first 19 picks, few anticipated the Bears would make it eight in the first 20 picks by choosing inexperienced but athletic Oregon guard Kyle Long, the younger son of Raiders Hall of Fame defensive end Howie Long.
US rate on 15-year loan at record-low 2.61 pct.
Low rates are increasing the affordability of buying homes and refinancing. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday the average rate for the 30-year fixed loan slipped to 3.40 percent from 3.41 percent last week.
Friday, April 26, 2013
Local lineman included in TV documentary
Bobby Waddle, a Bartholomew County REMC lineman, will share the spotlight with 27 other linemen from around the state in a documentary that airs at 9a p.m. today on PBS station WFYI in Indianapolis.
Housing rebound in U.S. hampered by success as costs soar
Even as U.S. housing rebounds from its worst downturn since the 1930s, production bottlenecks are pushing up building-materials costs, land prices are rising and skilled labor ready to begin work is hard to find.
Argan, Inc.?s Wholly Owned Subsidiary Gemma Power Systems Enters into an EPC Agreement with Moxie Liberty LLC for a Gas Fired Power Plant
[Business Wire] - Argan, Inc. announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Gemma Power Systems entered into an EPC Agreement with Moxie Liberty LLC in connection
URS Corporation (URS) - Oil & Gas - Deals and Alliances Profile: New...
The company operates through three divisions, namely, infrastructure and environment; federal services; and energy and construction, through which it offers various services to distinct industries such as transportation, power, industrial infrastructure and process, environmental and nuclear management, facilities, water/waste-water, mining and ... (more)
West Fraser Timber swing to Q1 profit of $67M; revenue rises to $863M
West Fraser Timber Co. Ltd. swung to a profit in the first quarter as the forestry company reported improved lumber prices.
UPDATE 1-D.R. Horton profit soars as housing market strengthens
ROB Insight is The Globe and Mail's exclusive feature led by a team of award-winning editors and writers who provide you with in-depth analysis on breaking business news and the issues that matter most.
Hawkins Construction chosen to complete new Manukau campus for MIT
Manukau Institute of Technology Manukau Institute of Technology has chosen Hawkins Construction to complete its new Manukau campus project, which has been on hold since the Mainzeal collapse.
New Market Study, "Construction in Greece - Key Trends and...
The Greek construction industry valued EUR10.7 billion in 2012, after declining at a CAGR of -19.32% over the review period .
Thursday, April 25, 2013
REOs: Where Are They Now
REOs: Where Are They Now: What?s become of all those properties seized by banks? CoreLogic delved...
Existing home sales edge down, prices rise
Home resales edged downward in March, pointing to some slowdown in the housing market recovery pace as overall economic activity cools.
Orders for U.S. Durable Goods Decline by Most Since August
Orders for U.S. durable goods fell in March by the most in seven months as demand slumped for commercial aircraft and business investment cooled.
Workers win right for day off
A major contractor has backed down on its threats to punish workers who take time off today for Anzac Day, amid union claims some had planned to defy orders to attend work.
Asia stocks mixed after US durable goods falls
A man checks share prices on the electronic stock board of a securities firm in Tokyo Wednesday, April 24, 2013.
Fluor Receives Corporate Leadership Award from Transparency International-USA
[Business Wire] - Fluor Corporation announced today that Transparency International-USA recognized the company with the organization?s Corporate Leadership Award for Fluor?s glo
Workers win right for day off
A major contractor has backed down on its threats to punish workers who take time off today for Anzac Day, amid union claims some had planned to defy orders to attend work.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
March home sales contrained by tight inventory
Existing-home sales slipped 0.6 percent from February to March as a lack of home inventory continued to constrain purchases, the National Association of Realtors reported today.
Are these robots ready for real estate?
The fast-moving world of technology offers real estate pros opportunities a future that seemed impossible just a few years ago.
USAID bettering safety conditions for PESCO linemen
ISLAMABAD: United States Agency for International Development Power Distribution Programme in partnership with Peshawar Electric Supply Company launched one of its major interventions on Tuesday with the practical start-up of linemen safety training for PESCO.
Architecture Billings Up for Eighth Consecutive Month
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USC Football Recruiting: News, Notes and Offers
As most "recruitniks" know, the signatures secured in February are gathered in the months leading up to national signing day.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
YMC Board interviewing for new county administrator
GRANITE?FALLS?- After taking care of business in its regular morning session on Tuesday, the Yellow Medicine County Board reconvened for a second round of interviews to fill the county administrator position left vacant by the resignation of former administrator Ryan Krosch.
Tutor Perini Announces Pending Award for $840 Million San Francisco Central Subway Project
[Business Wire] - Tutor Perini Corporation , a leading civil and building construction company, today announced that the Company has been identified by the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency as the low bidder for the Third Street Light Rail Program Phase 2 ? Central Subway.
Bay Area construction stages big rebound
A building is under construction at 5409 Stevens Creek Blvd. in Santa Clara, Calif., on Tuesday, April 16, 2013.
Housing, Ailing for Years, Starts to Recuperate
After six years of declines, residential construction spending rose 12 percent last year.
Monday, April 22, 2013
Petrofac Ltd's Overweight Rating Reaffirmed at JP Morgan Cazenove
's stock had its "overweight" rating reiterated by investment analysts at JP Morgan Cazenove in a note issued to investors on Friday, Analyst Ratings Network.com reports.
Calhoun County has best first-quarter home sales since 2007
A home for sale on Sky Drive in East Anniston. In Calhoun County, the number of mortgages are up when compared to this time last year.
Pace of Home Building Rose at Vigorous Clip in February
Builders began construction on more homes in February, and permits for future construction rose at their fastest pace since 2008.
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