Contractor articles from February 2006

Contractor archives from February 2006

Advanced Comfort Systems advances comfort.(Company overview)
February 1, 2006... BARRINGTON, R.I. -- Art Cannon knows his technology. An engineer by training, he runs an electro-mechanical sales business that specializes in heating and cooling equipment. So when it came time to build his 3,500-sq.-ft. waterfront dream home...

Home Depot buys Hughes.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
February 1, 2006... ATLANTA -- The mid-January announcement that The Home Depot would buy Orlando, Fla.-based plumbing wholesaler Hughes Supply did not surprise Hughes' biggest competitor, said John A. Stegeman, president and CEO of wholesale giant Ferguson...

EPA data lacking about lead in water: GAO report.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
February 1, 2006... WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency can't properly protect children from lead in drinking water in schools because of inadequate oversight of its 1991 Lead and Copper Rule, the Government Accountability Office reported in...

What to do about pending labor shortages, part 2.
February 1, 2006... IN THIS, THE second of three installments, we'll continue to look at the many options for replacing our dwindling workforce. Hire from the returning military veteran pool. With the returning wave of Iraqi Freedom veterans returning home...

New age piping: a modern hydronics phenomenon.(HYDRONIC SYSTEMS)
February 1, 2006... ALTHOUGH I ENJOY working with copper pipe, and I really like a good design challenge, I've come to the conclusion that a well-engineered low-loss header, out of the box, makes a lot of sense. Modern high-head condensing boilers pretty much...

How you'll benefit from Home Depot's move.(EDITORIAL)
February 1, 2006... Will you see better service from your local wholesalers as a result of The Home Depot's blockbuster purchase of wholesaling giant Hughes Supply? John A. Stegeman, president and CEO of even bigger Ferguson Enterprises, thinks so. He told us...

A contract writer and two desktop domestics.(FELDMANS ON COMPUTERS)
February 1, 2006... To take advantage of computer assistance when preparing contracts, you don't have to re-invent the wheel. Various organizations and software developers have created easy ways for general and specialty contractors, their legal counsels and...

How to make 16.28% annually--without risk.(tax exemption methods)
February 1, 2006... Being a tax guy, the most common questions I get from owners of privately held businesses are about estate planning--transferring their business and wealth to the next generation. The second most common question is what to do with their money....

Use a water jetter to clear clogged drains.(FORUM)
February 1, 2006... RUTH COLEMAN, a schoolteacher in Somerset, Pa., came home to find her basement flooded. The whole house was tied into the floor drain, so when it was clogged, nothing in the house worked. She called Barry Frazier of Frazier Plumbing, Heating...

Contest winner shows how you can build sales and increase profits.(Basnett Plumbing & Heating)(Company overview)
February 1, 2006... Rob Basnett, owner of Basnett Plumbing & Heating, says: "I'm sick of hearing people say, 'What if it doesn't work?' I'd rather try it and say, 'Look what we did!'" Enthusiasm for action was the main reason Basnett entered CONTRACTOR's...

Additional insured endorsements still an issue.(McGREEVY ON LAW)
February 1, 2006... IT HAS BEEN common in construction for a long time--as long as this lawyer can remember anyway--that contractors were required to show their customers that they carried liability insurance and to include the customer as an "additional insured"...

ICC Mechanical class set.(McGREEVY ON LAW)
February 1, 2006... HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILL -- The Building and Fire Code Academy will hold its "Understanding the 2003 International Residential Code--Mechanical" class March 16 at the academy, which is located in this Chicago suburb. The fee is $160. Registration...

Not screening applicants risks your business.(BEST PRACTICES)
February 1, 2006... THE STAKES HAVE never been higher for construction industry contractors when it comes to finding the right employees. Not only do they face the traditional challenges associated with hiring and keeping dependable workers, but they also have to...

Contractors face roadblocks to growth: Intuit survey.
February 1, 2006... ORLANDO, FLA. -- Contractors seem to be aware of how to grow their businesses, but only one in five plans to take the necessary steps to achieve that growth, according to the third annual Intuit Construction Industry survey, released Jan. 11...

Watts Water Technologies buys Dormont Mfg. Co.(Dormont Manufacturing Co.)
February 1, 2006... NORTH ANDOVER, MASS. -- Watts Water Technologies has acquired Dormont Manufacturing Co. in a stock purchase transaction. Dormont's annual revenue for 2005 is expected to be $56.5 million. Under the terms of the purchase agreement, Watts...

GAMA upgrades database for energy-efficient products.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
February 1, 2006... ARLINGTON, VA. -- GAMA has upgraded its recently launched database search Website for energy efficiency-certified products. This latest upgrade to Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association's certification programs site, created in late 2005,...

Online power tool purchases rising for contractors: survey.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
February 1, 2006... DES PLAINES, ILL. -- For the second straight year, the number of CONTRACTOR readers who buy their power tools online has increased, according to a survey conducted in January among this magazine's subscribers. Up from 6.5% in 2005, 7% of...

Tyco to split into three companies.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
February 1, 2006... PEMBROKE, BERMUDA -- Tyco International's board of directors in mid-January approved a plan to split the company into three separate, publicly traded companies: a combination of Tyco Fire & Security and Engineered Products & Services; Tyco...

Mid-Atlantic to see biggest industrial growth.(Brief article)
February 1, 2006... HOUSTON -- Manufacturers in the Mid-Atlantic region are expected in 2006 to break ground on the largest increase in industrial project spending in the United States. The Mid-Atlantic region is showing a 38% increase in planned project...

The New Jersey Plumbing-Heating-Cooing Contractors and Pennsylvania PHCC are teaming up for their third annual two-state trade show May 19 at the Trump Taj Mahal Casino and Resort in Atlantic City, N.J.
February 1, 2006... The New Jersey Plumbing-Heating-Cooing Contractors and Pennsylvania PHCC are teaming up for their third annual two-state trade show May 19 at the Trump Taj Mahal Casino and Resort in Atlantic City, N.J. More than 150 exhibitors plan to attend....

The Palm Beach Association of the PHCC will hold its 18th Annual Plumbing Trade Show from 5 to 9 p.m. April 12 at the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo East.
February 1, 2006... The Palm Beach Association of the PHCC will hold its 18th Annual Plumbing Trade Show from 5 to 9 p.m. April 12 at the South Florida Fairgrounds Expo East. More than 1,000 participants attend the show geared toward the South Florida plumbing...

Grundfos Technical Institute.
February 1, 2006... Grundfos Technical Institute's 21/2-day training programs are designed to equip HVAC and hydronic distributors and dealers with product and technology knowledge about the application and sales of Grundfos' line of wet rotor circulators....

Workplace alcohol use and impairment directly affects an estimated 15% of the U.S. workforce, or 19.2 million workers, according to a recent study conducted at the University at Buffalo's Research Institute on Addictions.
February 1, 2006... Workplace alcohol use and impairment directly affects an estimated 15% of the U.S. workforce, or 19.2 million workers, according to a recent study conducted at the University at Buffalo's Research Institute on Addictions. The sample of...

Greater Cincinnati Region--Excellence Alliance.
February 1, 2006... The Greater Cincinnati Region -- Excellence Alliance will hold its ninth annual spring meeting April 25-27 in Virginia Beach, Va. The meeting is designed to promote networking, introduce new business ideas and showcase the products of EAI's...

State's Herb Lindahl, 78.(of State Industries Inc. passes away)(Obituary)(Brief article)
February 1, 2006... ASHLAND CITY, TENN. -- Herbert Lindahl, 78, one of the founders of State Industries, died Jan. 2. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Chen Lindahl; brother, John R. Lindahl; daughter, Evie; son, Eric; and stepsons, LiWei Chen and Paul Chen. ...

Sloan's Ren Owen, 60.(of Sloan Valve Co. passes away)(Obituary)(Brief article)
February 1, 2006... FRANKLIN PARK, ILL. -- Ren Owen, Sloan Valve's vice president/business development, died Jan. 6. He was 60. Born Aug. 2, 1945, in Oak Park, Ill., to Ivor and Florence Owen, he attended the University of Illinois' Chicago campus on Navy...

This 18-V cordless combo kit.(editor's choice)
February 1, 2006... THIS 18-V. CORDLESS COMBO KIT features two of the new Bluecore batteries as well as a 30-minute dual-bay charger. The batteries deliver 50% longer life with half the charge time, thanks in part to internal cooling rods able to absorb and...

The advanced groove system.(PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2006... THE ADVANCED GROOVE SYSTEM is the company's strongest mechanical coupling assembly in the 14" - 24" pipe size range. It features an innovative wedge-shaped groove that provides high-pressure ratings (up to 350 psi) service for large-diameter...

The TI20 thermal imager.(PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2006... THE TI20 THERMAL IMAGER is designed for use in maintenance and trouble-shooting. It includes a portable, non-contact, fully radiometric camera that measures temperature from -10[degrees] to 350[degrees]C (14[degrees] to 662[degrees]F). Along...

The Z5795 waterless urinal.(PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2006... THE Z5795 WATERLESS URINAL creates a sanitary, maintenance-free restroom without using water. It is environmentally friendly and reduces sewer and water costs for the building owner and operator. It is ADA-compliant, and fits existing...

The metro-rooter root cutting machine.(PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2006... THE METRO-ROOTER ROOT CUTTING MACHINE handles roots and other stoppages in 3" to 6" lines. It holds 75' of 5/8" wire rope center cable, or 100' of 1/2" cable for smaller jobs. It is light and compact with a narrow profile for handling in tight...

The new code blue line of pliers.(PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2006... THE NEW CODE BLUE LINE OF PLIERS are made of high-carbon, drop forged steel for durability. Laser-hardened teeth and cutting edges provide longer life and greater ease of cut. The red and blue grips have a hard core covered by a soft rubber...

The VSX split-case pumps.(PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2006... THE VSX SPLIT-CASE PUMPS feature multiple suction and discharge flange configurations that maximize piping possibilities and can reduce overall footprints by up to 40%. They include top suction - top discharge, side suction - top discharge, and...

EZ sweat pre-soldered copper fittings.(PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2006... EZ SWEAT PRE-SOLDERED COPPER FITTINGS simply need to be heated to create a quality fastening, reducing installation time. They are ideal for use in tight spaces, and allow multiple ends to be soldered at one time while giving the installer a...

This new electronic theft protection system.(PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2006... THIS NEW ELECTRONIC THEFT PROTECTION SYSTEM consists of a company card, activation key and electronic module, all inside the tool. A company-specific protection code is set initially in each tool with the card, and users receive the activation...

Four varieties of jet-lok threadlocker and PTFE pipe sealant.(PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2006... FOUR VARIETIES OF JET-LOK THREADLOCKER AND PTFE PIPE SEALANT are now available. Formulas are designed for: permanent high temperature 450[degrees]F stud lock applications; for high tolerance connections: and for seals that are vibration-proof...

The CSM14B metal cutting saw.(PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2006... THE CSM14B METAL CUTTING SAW features a powerful, low-speed, high-torque motor optimized for metal cutting at 15 amps and 1,300 rpm for quick, clean cuts. The heavy-duty steel base provides stability with pre-drilled holes for easy bolt down to...

Custom preassembled manifold systems.(PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2006... CUSTOM PREASSEMBLED MANIFOLD SYSTEMS are designed for specific applications, assembled and shipped directly to the contractor or job site. They are available for one- or two-temperature applications, complete with primary loop, bypass, 1"...

This C[O.sub.2] and temperature recorder system.(PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2006... THIS C[O.sub.2] AND TEMPERATURE RECORDER SYSTEM features highly accurate and flexible data recording. It provides real-time viewing of measurements on a PC or laptop, and has software that permits customizable engineering units and export to...

The APS-438 air powered saw.(PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2006... THE APS-438 AIR-POWERED SAW features the FlexTrack system, with track sections that fit together to secure almost any size tank or pipe from 6' diameter up using tack welds. The saw is fully supported to minimize fatigue and produce square and...

The visu-temp with clear-vue tub and shower system.(PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2006... THE VISU-TEMP WITH CLEARVUE TUB AND SHOWER SYSTEM offer an ergonomic design combined with an easy-to-read display that makes it easy for users to achieve precise water temperature control. The brass, bronze and stainless steel...

The model PRV series C150E direct acting regulating valve.(PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2006... THE MODEL PRV SERIES C150E DIRECT ACTING REGULATING VALVE regulates high inlet pressure to lower regulated downstream constant pressure within a range regardless of water flow. The regulating pressure is field-adjustable. They feature unleaded...

These access plates.(PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2006... THESE ACCESS PLATES are made from durable ABS plastic for a high-quality finish. They allow maintenance personnel to gain contact to water lines in intervals for monitoring or repair. The screw-out plates open without tools and feature single,...

Stainless steel sleeve, stainless steel clamp, and copper crimp ring.(PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2006... STAINLESS STEEL SLEEVE, STAINLESS STEEL CLAMP, AND COPPER CRIMP RING are three different joining methods contractors can choose from to best suit a given application, and all are available from the company. Sleeves provide a polished-looking...

The E-series line of variable speed commercial circulators.(PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2006... THE E-SERIES LINE OF VARIABLE SPEED COMMERCIAL CIRCULATORS is offered in two configurations. Series 1000 pumps are suitable for constant temperature, flow and pressure control. Series 2000 pumps add the capability of differential pressure with...

The XT series electrode steam humidifier.(PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2006... THE XT SERIES ELECTRODE STEAM HUMIDIFIER does not require tank cleaning. Simply replace the plastic cylinder when the unit displays a message to do so. It is one of the smallest, most lightweight and compact electrode humidifiers available. It...

The caddy speed link LD.(PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2006... THE CADDY SPEED LINK LD is a universal support system that quickly suspends static loads, even at an angle. The 1.5 mm wire rope with crimped-on hook holds working loads up to 44 lb. Erico CIRCLE 121 ON INQUIRY CARD [ILLUSTRATION...

Don't become a statistic when projects fail.
February 1, 2006... MY MODEST reputation within the industry is that I'm a "garbage man." I'm the hired gun who comes in when a project is tanking and threatening the company along with it. By methods that are sometimes as appealing as making sausages, I manage to...

EMCOR stock splits 2:1.(COLUMNIST)
February 1, 2006... NORWALK, CONN. - EMCOR Group Inc. announced in late January that its stockholders approved an increase to its authorized number of shares of Common Stock from 30 million to 80 million shares. Shareholder approval was a condition to a...