Contractor articles from August 2002

Contractor archives from August 2002

Radiant ceiling is high-tech cool.(QA Technologies)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... HAMPTON, N.H. -- The Web site for high-tech manufacturer QA Technologies notes, "The goals of our company are pursued in a manner that is socially responsible and commands respect for its integrity and for its positive contribution to our...

Nevada contractors battle trial lawyers.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... LAS VEGAS -- Nevada builders and subcontractors are locked in a battle with trial lawyers over construction defects. Contractors, who say they no longer can buy liability insurance, plan to introduce legislation in the 2003 session of the...

Geberit buys Chicago Faucet.(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
August 1, 2002... SPECIAL TO CONTRACTOR DES PLAINES, ILL. -- Switzerland-based Geberit Group acquired 100% of the shares of the Chicago Faucet Co., located here, effective July 9. The purchase price was $33.3 million, paid in Geberit stock and cash. ...

Gain customer loyalty by design, not by accident. (Industry News).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... LAS VEGAS -- If you're a contractor, you really don't want satisfied or even happy customers, said Dennis Sowards, quality manager for Kinetics Construction in Tempe, Ariz. Loyal customers should be your goal. "Loyal customers get excited...

In-Sink-Erator announces hot water dispenser recall. (Industry News).(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
August 1, 2002... RACINE, WIS. -- In-Sink-Erator, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, is voluntarily recalling about 252,000 half-gallon instant hot water dispensers. Water can leak from the metal holding tank, wet insulating...

A.O. Smith dedicates customer care facility. (Industry News).(A. O. Smith Water Products Co., Ashland City, Tennessee)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... ASHLAND CITY, TENN. -- Saying that it is one company that takes customer service seriously, A. O. Smith Water Products Co. on July 17 officially opened a new a 20,000-sq.-ft. facility here that will provide technical support, training and...

UA apprentices earn while they learn. (Industry News).(United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing, Pipefitting and Sprinklerfitting Industry)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
August 1, 2002... SPECIAL TO CONTRACTOR WASHINGTON -- Service technicians who become certified in a new United Association program can be awarded 30 college credits if they successfully complete the training and certification process--and they get paid to...

Kohler's response to 9/11 results in mobile showers. (Industry News).(Kohler Mobile Plumbing Systems)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
August 1, 2002... KOHLER, WIS. -- An entirely new line of business has developed out of Kohler Co.'s response to the events of last Sept. 11. Kohler Mobile Plumbing Systems, a division of Kohler Co., has introduced a line of custom decontamination showering...

Montreal-based Dectron Internationale expects "to achieve tremendous commercial success" with the acquisition of technology that can transform humid air into potable water.(International Water Maker)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... * Montreal-based Dectron Internationale expects "to achieve tremendous commercial success" with the acquisition of technology that can transform humid air into potable water. Using minimal energy, the process provides filtered, de-mineralized...

Quality Service Contractors hired Mike Maynard on July 1 as a business management coach who will help QSC members get the most out of their investment in the subgroup of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Quality Service Contractors hired Mike Maynard on July 1 as a business management coach who will help QSC members get the most out of their investment in the subgroup of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors-National Association. The purpose...

The 2003 AHR Expo is on track to become one of the largest gatherings in the show's history when it convenes at Chicago's McCormick Place Jan. 27-29.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... The 2003 AHR Expo is on track to become one of the largest gatherings in the show's history when it convenes at Chicago's McCormick Place Jan. 27-29. Show management reports that nearly 1,200 companies have reserved more than 360,000 sq. ft. of...

The University of Massachusetts.(central heating plant expansion)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
August 1, 2002... The University of Massachusetts has filed for environmental permits for an expansion of its central heating plant. The plant is expected to produce 525,000 lb. of steam and 10 Mw of electricity per hour. Construction is scheduled to begin in...

The Packers.(football team Green Bay Packers, Neville Public Museum exhibit on waste disposal, Wisconsin)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
August 1, 2002... The Packers may have competition this fall since The Neville Public Museum in Green Bay, Wis., opened its "Privy to the Past" exhibit detailing toilets through history. Funded by an $86,951 grant from toilet-paper maker Georgia-Pacific, the...

Someone has to be the rainmaker. (Schmitt On Management).(importance of marketing in building a successful business)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... I THINK OF successful contractors and contracting businesses, and one commonality shines through all the other ingredients of their success. The founder, or one of his first employees, was an excellent salesperson. And this reality moves...

EMCOR wins $100m Bank One deal. (Schmitt On Management).(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
August 1, 2002... NORWALK, CONN.--EMCOR Group announced in mid-July that it has entered into a three-year agreement with Bank One to provide comprehensive facilities and maintenance services for all Bank One locations nationwide. The agreement, which was...

Reader seeks to solve toilet mystery. (Letters).(Letter to the Editor)
August 1, 2002... ALFRED STATION, N.Y.--I read Dave Yates' articles in CONTRACTOR magazine, so when I ran into a problem with a plumbing system, I thought of him and wondered if he could answer my question. The history: I have a customer who called because...

'Net surfer thanks Yates. (Letters).(Letter to the Editor)
August 1, 2002... VIA E-MAIL--Just caught one of Dave Yates' columns on www.contractormag.com while searching the Internet for info on worn faucet seats. I want to thank him for his joyous enthusiasm--he sounds like a man who really likes what he does!...

Filter business requires service too. (Letters).(Letter to the Editor)
August 1, 2002... VIA E-MAIL--In Robert Mader's feature article in your July issue ("Unclogging the filtration business," pg. 15), he refers to carbon or carbon filters as an absorber. Carbon filtration is done by adsorption and not absorption. There is a...

Top 10 reasons for `cheap' plumbing.(Letter to the Editor)
August 1, 2002... SOUTH BEND, IND.--These are my top 10 reasons why plumbing contractors take jobs "too cheap": 10. Contractor wants to get "in" with the general contractor. 9. Contractor wants to keep his men busy. 8. Contractor wants to get "in"...

Field-grown PMs not a lost breed.(Letter to the Editor)
August 1, 2002... ALBANY, N.Y.--I enjoyed Kent Craig's column in the March issue of CONTRACTOR ("A day in the life of a project manager," pg. 32). I was recently promoted to PM by the mechanical contractor I work for. No, I don't have an MBA or a PE...

Harnessing the power of the shower. (Forum).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... EVERYDAY LUXURY IS making its way into the homes of America as homeowners strive to create personal oases from the madness of everyday life. With people feeling ever more stressed and time-constrained, their desire for comfort and simple...

Don't be a victim of toxic mold: you can protect your firm from this spreading problem.
August 1, 2002... Toxic mold is being compared to the asbestos problem of the late 1970s and early '80s. Of the 100,000 species of mold in the world, about 1,000 are common to United States, and while most of these are not dangerous, some contain mycotoxins,...

Bradford White buys tank maker. (Yates On Plumbing).(Niles Steel Tank Co.)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... AMBLER, PA. -- Bradford White Corp., a manufacturer of water heating equipment, has purchased the Niles Steel Tank Co. of Niles, Mich., as the first of several planned acquisitions designed to extend Bradford White's product line offering to...

The art and science of leak sleuthing, part 2. (Eatherton On Hydronics).(Brief Article)(Column)
August 1, 2002... IN LAST MONTH'S column (pg. 18), we began looking into a typical below slab-on-grade leak. The next step of sleuthing is to feel the inlets and outlets of all the baseboards to see if you can feel the water flowing toward the leak. We did,...

Three laser printers, mobile wireless software. (Feldmans On Computers).(Hewlett Packard's HP 1200 LaserJet, Brother HL-1450, HP LaserJet 1200)(Brief Article)(Buyers Guide)(Evaluation)
August 1, 2002... FOR SERVICE contractors, hardware to run an efficient contracting business can be as humdrum but necessary as a reliable printer or as innovative as a wireless device and software that keeps communications lines open between personnel in the...

Halsey Taylor CD features Voyager. (Feldman On Computers).(King Seeley Thermos Co. Halsey Taylor on new compact disc)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... OAK BROOK, ILL. -- Halsey Taylor has announced the availability of a new CD-Rom featuring its new Voyager water cooler. "We wanted this CD to serve as more than just an introduction of our Voyager water coolers," said Al Huneycutt, vice...

What did I just sign? (McGreevy On Law).(Michael Melillo vs. William Rund and contract law)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... MOST BUSINESS operators treat advice from lawyers like advice from their grandmothers: Well meaning, perhaps, but overly protective and oblivious to the practical demands of the real world. Occasionally, however, a court comes out with an...

Process is key to transferring your business. (Blackman On Taxes).(business succession)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... WHEN DAD OR MOM want to transfer the family business to one or more of the kids, some challenging problems arise. But, in practice, the parent-to-kid business transfer is a piece of cake when compared to any other kind of transfer or succession...

You're the captain, not the crew. (Craig On Project Management).(Brief Article)(Column)
August 1, 2002... RECENTLY A FRIEND of mine got fired from his new job as project manager because he was simply too dedicated, too loyal and too much of a "company man." The saddest part about his firing was that he had been on the job as a PM less than six...

Murphy Co. Mechanical Contractors and Engineers. (Contractors). (personnel issues).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... James Chambers was promoted to senior project manager of Murphy Co. Mechanical Contractors and Engineers in St. Louis. He had been a project manager. Christopher B. Hiemenz also joined the firm in business development. He had been vice...

New England Mechanical Services Inc. (Contractors). (personnel issues).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... New England Mechanical Services Inc. has hired Matthew Mullen as engineering consultant and business development manager for NEMSI in Connecticut, Maryland, Rhode Island, Vermont and New Hampshire as well as all of Consolidated Engineering's...

Marlin Mechanical Corp. (Contractors). (appoints Chris Burlaka controller).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Chris Burlaka has been named controller for Marlin Mechanical Corp., Phoenix.

Union-Affiliated Contractors. (Contractors). (elects 2002 leadership).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... The Union-Affiliated Contractors elected its new 2002 leadership at a recent Unity meeting. Buddy Parkes, Parkes Mechanical and Metals, Muscle Shoals, Ala., was elected chair. Karl Bykowski, John W. Danforth Co., Buffalo, N.Y., was elected vice...

Encompass Mechanical Services. (Contractors). (appoints David E. Westrich director).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Encompass Mechanical Services--Central Florida, Orlando, appointed David E. Westrich director of construction services. He had been global program manager and project executive for Honeywell International's Industrial Infrastructure Solutions.

ServiceMaster Co. (Contractors). (appoints Jonathan P. Ward chairman of board of directors).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... ServiceMaster Co. has combined the offices of CEO and chairman and elected Jonathan P. Ward to be chairman of the board. He succeeds William C. Pollard who has been chairman of the board since 1990. ServiceMaster owns American Residential...

Associated Builders and Contractors. (Contractors). (Expert Plumbing' Stephen Brockman and Ken Stevens rewarded).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Stephen Brockman and apprentice Ken Stevens of Expert Plumbing, Naperville, Ill., received recognition from Associated Builders and Contractors for their contributions of time and materials to the Habitat for Humanity project in Elgin, Ill.

Mechanical Contractors Association of North Central Wisconsin. (Contractors).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... The Mechanical Contractors Association of North Central Wisconsin at its annual meeting elected the following officers: president, William Bassett, Bassett Mechanical, Appleton; vice president, Alan Dvorak, Aldag/Honald Mechanical, Sheboygan;...

Alsons Corp. (Manufacturers). (Todd Talbot appointed resident, Brass Craft).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Brass Craft has appointed Todd Talbot as company president. He was most recently the president of Alsons Corp. Both are divisions of Masco.

Swan Corp. (Manufacturers). (appoints Peter Warren president).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... Peter Warren was named president of Swan Corp. He succeeds his father-in-law, the late Jack Moore, founder of the company. Warren joined Swan in 1998 and most recently was executive vice president. Lori Werner has been named customer service...

Victaulic Co. (Manufacturers).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... John F. Malloy has been named president and chief operating officer of Victaulic Co., as well as being elected to the company's board of directors. Previously, Malloy was president of North American HVAC for Carrier. Joseph M. Trachtenberg will...

The Aquastar 125HX tankless water heater. (editor's choice).
August 1, 2002... THE AQUASTAR 125HX TANKLESS WATER HEATER requires no standing pilot, electricity or batteries--the flow of water powers a small electric generator which in turn ignites the burners. The water is then heated in a copper heat exchanger. The...

The dimension shower/tub valve. (Products).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... THE DIMENSION SHOWER/ TUB VALVE features both CC connections and IPS connections to help contractors reduce inventory. The vane body with high-cycling cartridge allows for a flow of more than 7 gal. per minute with low water noise. Ceramic disc...

The Vesuno. (Products).(KWC Faucets)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... THE VESUNO line of wall-and deck-mount faucets features a ceramic disc cartridge in the base of the spout, allowing temperature regulation with a single motion of the integrated lever. It is offered with soft curves or deliberate angles to suit...

The model 9740 Tiger Claw reciprocating saw. (Products).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... THE MODEL 9740 TIGER CLAW RECIPROCATING SAW offers a 180[degrees] pivot adjustment and a 360[degrees] blade rotation for close-quarter cutting and angle scrolling. It features the keyless blade clamp that allows the user to change a blade in...

The model TL valve. (Products).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... THE MODEL TL VALVE is designed for temperature control of steam systems. Typical applications are in winterization protection of process lines, steam tracing, instrument tracing and other systems requiring control based on ambient temperatures....

The Power-Vee. (Products).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... THE POWER-VEE automatic feed drain cleaner unclogs sink, shower, toilet and laundry drains up to 3" and can quickly adjust to take any diameter cable from 1/4" to 3/8" without requiring the use of tools or additional parts. Cable feeds at a...

The SDS Max. (Products).(DeWalt's heavy-duty demolition hammer)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... THE SDS MAX heavy-duty demolition hammer has a powerful 14 amp motor with anti-vibration control that reduces user fatigue. It has spring-loaded dust seals and is designed to keep dust out and extend the life of the motor. Variable speed impact...

The Bridgeport. (Products).(sink)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... THE BRIDGEPORT style sink has undergone the SanaGloss glazing process to resist dirt, bacteria, scratches and stains. The 10 1/2"-deep dual basins provide space enough to soak deep pots and pans. It features tight radius corners and straighter...

Megabubble leak detector. (Products).(Hercules Chemical)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... MEGABUBBLE LEAK DETECTOR comes in an easy-to-apply spray. The high viscosity formula produces large, bright blue long-lasting bubbles. It can be used in temperatures ranging from -50[degrees]F to 200[degrees]F. It works on lines carrying most...

This line of decorative lavatory accessories. (Products).(Geberit)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2002... THIS LINE OF DECORATIVE LAVATORY ACCESSORIES includes traps, grid drains, pop-up drains, angle stops, riser tubes and lav-paks. Each is offered in a wide variety of colors and finishes to accentuate any decor. Geberit CIRCLE 110 ON...

The meta series of fixtures. (Products).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
August 1, 2002... THE META SERIES OF FIXTURES has been pared down to a sleeker interpretation. The series includes a full range of fittings for wash basin, shower, bathtub and bidet. A single-lever wall-mount option is offered, as is a two-hole single-lever...

The RB-6 pneumatic clip gun system. (Products).
August 1, 2002... THE RB-6 PNEUMATIC CLIP GUN SYSTEM is a fast, easy method for installing PEX and other types of plastic pipe. As easy to load as a staple gun, it shoots two galvanized nails through a polyethylene clip and 5/8" into the wood, securing the...

The Axor Uno. (Products).
August 1, 2002... THE AXOR UNO faucet offers a sleek, ultra-contemporary look. This single-hole mounted lav mixer features a "zero handle" design: no levers, loops or other hand extensions protrude from the top of its smooth, cylindrical form. The top third of...

The rapidgrip wrench. (Products).
August 1, 2002... THE RAPIDGRIP WRENCH is a heavy-duty, self-adjusting pipe wrench designed for one-handed operation with a rapid ratcheting action. The spring-loaded hook jaw design quickly adjusts to any size work surface and grip securely. A thumb trigger...

The DS15 family flow meters. (Products).
August 1, 2002... THE DS15 FAMILY OF FLOW METERS uses a variable area principle design and features an integrated magnet. Users can monitor flow rates on a visible scale displayed on the transparent PVC-U measuring tube while having those measurements output to...

The NE-type side-cutting pliers. (Products).
August 1, 2002... THE NE-TYPE SIDE-CUTTING PLIERS come in two models: one for pulling flat fish tape and the other for crimping sleeve connectors. Both have smooth, streamlined noses with knurled jaws and a high leverage design for greater cutting power....

The Victorian faucet. (Products).
August 1, 2002... THE VICTORIAN FAUCET features a vintage style combined with a contemporary custom finish. The single-hole fixture has a single hot/cold lever design. The pull-out faucet is practical for filling larger pans or getting to hard-to-reach areas. It...

The UHE 22 and UHE 28 multi hammers. (Products).
August 1, 2002... THE UHE 22 AND UHE 28 MULTI HAMMERS allow users to switch from drilling, percussion drilling or hammer operations with a single tool. They are fitted with electronic speed controls and temperature monitors. The 22 model provides 133 in./lb. of...

The Victoria two-handle kitchen faucet. (Products).
August 1, 2002... THE VICTORIA TWO-HANDLE KITCHEN FAUCET is now offered in an antique copper finish as well as chrome. It features stylish handles and a pyramid base and 9 1/4" spout with a 9" reach. A washerless flow control cartridge helps prevent drips. An...

The metroflush manual flush valve. (Products).
August 1, 2002... THE METROFLUSH MANUAL FLUSH VALVE is piston-operated, and crafted of solid brass with a polished chrome exterior. It is ADA-compliant and has a non-hold-open and no leak handle feature. It offers siphon-guard backcheck protection, vacuum...

The Archive Collection. (Products).
August 1, 2002... THE ARCHIVE COLLECTION includes this pedestal lavatory and faucet inspired by the 1920s. The lavatory has a wide basin measuring 26 3/4" wide and 21 1/2" long standing 33 1/4" high. The faucet features classic cross handles with the modern...

The Victorian Kitchen Collection. (Products).
August 1, 2002... THE VICTORIAN KITCHEN COLLECTION combines old world charm and modern technology. Single-handle and two-handle models feature a high-rise, swivel spout and are available with the matching, finished sprayer. Single-handle models include a soap...

The elite whirlpools. (Products).
August 1, 2002... THE ELITE WHIRLPOOLS are offered in 16 different models to suit almost any homeowner's needs. The whirlpools come with up to 10 strategically positioned, fully adjustable jets, including interchangeable jets that allow users to customize their...

The wave plus platinum series sink. (Products).
August 1, 2002... THE WAVE PLUS PLATINUM SERIES SINK is made from 18-gauge stainless steel. Its integrated design eliminates the traditional sink cut-out and eases installation for natural stone and solid-surface fabricators. The sink has a squared, flush front...

The Curvo. (Product News).
August 1, 2002... THE CURVO is a compact electric tool for cold bending of hard, half-hard and soft pipes up to 180[degrees]. It can be used in a variety of sanitary, heating and hydraulic applications. The drive unit weighs in at 17.6 lb. with a universal 110...

This natural gloss bathtub. (Product News).
August 1, 2002... THIS NATURAL GLOSS BATHTUB is made from a compression-molded composite material. It is available in standard white, bone and bisque colors and seven granite colors. Because the color is molded throughout the material, there is no coating to...

The fresh-air II SA 9000. (Product News).
August 1, 2002... THE FRESH-AIR II SA 9000 is a supplied air respiratory system appropriate for many welding applications that generate high levels of particulate fumes and gasses. A user-adjustable, belt-mounted airflow valve supplies filtered air to the...

Dura-Pex piping. (Product News).
August 1, 2002... DURA-PEX PIPING provides homebuilders and contractors with fast, reliable plumbing installations. It is chemically free, flexible and has been shown to save as much as 50% of the installation time as compared to copper. It is cross-linked for...

The 1/2" super Hawg high torque drill. (Product News).
August 1, 2002... THE 1/2" SUPER HAWG HIGH TORQUE DRILL is available in two models, 1680-20 and the 1680-21 (kit). The drill features a powerful 13 amp motor giving it the highest speed rating for its class. The low-speed clutch protects the gear train from...

The 700PD power drive. (Product News).
August 1, 2002... THE 700PD POWER DRIVE is a portable, electric, heavy-duty drive for threading pipe and conduit up to 2" (50 mm) in diameter. It uses segmental dies and dropheads or 12R dies and dropheads. It comes with a free safety vise and features a...

Don't let this happen in your state.(Nevada contracts and shoddy construction legislation)(Brief Article)(Editorial)
August 1, 2002... ONE DOWNSIDE TO almost any building boom is that contractors can get so caught up in making money that they lose sight of what else is going on around them. Everyone knows that few industries are as cyclical as construction, so who can blame...