Contractor articles from February 2007

Contractor archives from February 2007

AHR Expo sets records for visitors, exhibitors.
February 1, 2007... DALLAS -- The 59th AHR Expo, Jan. 29-31 here, attracted more than 46,000 HVACR professionals, including more than 28,000 attendees, from more than 100 countries to see the latest products and technologies on display. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

American Standard to sell bath/kitchen business.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
February 1, 2007... SPECIAL TO CONTRACTOR PISCATAWAY, N.J. -- American Standard announced Feb. 1 that it would split itself into three parts. It will sell the bath and kitchen business, spin off the vehicle control system business and rename the HVAC...

Green Mechanical Council targets contractors.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
February 1, 2007... DALLAS -- Tired of seeing green building points being awarded for items such as bike racks, a group of mechanical industry manufacturers, educators and the United Association has formed the Green Mechanical Council, with the slogan, "Saving the...

Average bonus paid to project managers.(INFOCUS)
February 1, 2007... Average bonus paid to project managers [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Source: FMI2007 Contractor Productivity Survey Results; CONTRACTOR magazine

Labor group donates to green building movement.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
February 1, 2007... LOS ANGELES -- The Piping Industry Progress and Education Trust Fund provided a $25,000 grant to the Los Angeles chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council during a ceremony Jan. 11 at PIPE's headquarters here. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Nonresidential spending, jobs keep 'torrid pace'.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
February 1, 2007... WASHINGTON -- Nonresidential building continues to outperform the residential segment, and construction industry job and wage figures reflect that trend, said Ken Simonson, chief economist for the Associated General Contractors. He said he...

Bosch buys heat pump maker FHP.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
February 1, 2007... STUTTGART, GERMANY -- The Bosch Group, parent of German boilermaker Buderus, has purchased FHP Mfg. Co., a manufacturer of geothermal heat pumps based in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Bosch said the move is a part of its strategy to strengthen the...

MCAA's new president: manpower remains biggest issue.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
February 1, 2007... BERKELEY, CALIF. -- Dave Kruse, president of L.J. Kruse Co. here, will take over as president of the Mechanical Contractors Association of America at its annual convention Feb. 25-March 1 in Orlando, Fla. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Kruse's...

Foster McCarl Jr. dies at 83.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Obituary)
February 1, 2007... BEAVER FALLS, PA. -- Foster McCarl Jr., founder of mechanical giant McCarl's Inc., died Jan. 24 at age 83. McCarl, founder of McCarl's Plumbing & Heating Co. in 1946, served as president of the Mechanical Contractors Association of America in...

California approves CPVC pipe.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(California Building Standards Commission)
February 1, 2007... SACRAMENTO, CALIF. -- The California Building Standards Commission has completed adoption of new building standards that include approval of CPVC pipe statewide. The new regulations approve CPVC pipe for use in residential water supply...

Percent of workforce that primarily speaks Spanish.(INFOCUS)
February 1, 2007... Percent of workforce that primarily speaks Spanish [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Source: FMI2007 Contractor Productivity Survey Results; CONTRACTOR magazine

Quality Service Contractors.(In Brief)
February 1, 2007... Quality Service Contractors announced that water heater manufacturer and QSC Industry Partner A.O. Smith has become the QSC POWER TOOL sponsor for 2007. As such, A.O. Smith will support QSC programs and the implementation of those programs for...

Construction Contractors' Alliance.(In Brief)
February 1, 2007... Construction Contractors' Alliance will present a day-long "Effective Negotiating" seminar March 8 by KARRASS Inc. Attendees will learn the principles, strategies and tactics of negotiation, and gain hands-on experience by applying these to...

PHCC Educational Foundation's.(In Brief)
February 1, 2007... Twenty business owners, project managers, estimators and superintendents spent four days at the PHCC Educational Foundation's January offering of the Essentials of PHC Project Management Course, a training program sponsored by American Standard...

Entrepreneur.(In Brief)
February 1, 2007... Entrepreneur magazine named Mr. Rooter, a full-service plumbing and drain-cleaning company, to its 2007 "Franchise 500" and "Top Global Franchises" lists. Mr. Rooter ranked No. 164 on the "Franchise 500" list and No. 121 on the "Top Global...

The Linc Group.(mergers and acquisitions)(Air Tech Commercial Services)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... The Linc Group has acquired Houston-based Air Tech Commercial Services, a company that specializes in indoor air quality. With the addition of Air Tech's two offices in Houston and Austin, Linc will now operate five company-owned locations in...

Mechanical Service Contractors of America's.(In Brief)
February 1, 2007... Five more contractors have qualified for the Mechanical Service Contractors of America's STAR program: Barr Engineering in Santa Fe Springs, Calif.; Bassett Mechanical in Kaukauna, Wis.; Control Services in Omaha, Neb.; Peterson Service Co. in...

Industrial jobs numerous on both coasts in '07.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Statistical data)
February 1, 2007... SPECIAL TO CONTRACTOR LOS ANGELES -- Industrial projects on the books for both the East and West coasts promise a more active 2007 after a strong 2006, according to Industrial Info Resources. Another indicator released Feb. 1, however,...

Selkirk acquires Heat-fab.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(mergers and acquisitions)(Selkirk Americas)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... RICHARDSON, TEXAS -- Selkirk Americas has purchased the assets of Heat-fab, located in Turners Falls, Mass. Heat-fab manufactures AL29-4C venting systems for use in residential and commercial applications, on high-efficiency gas condensing...

You can be guided by scoreboard, dashboard.(INDUSTRY EDUCATION)
February 1, 2007... MOST LARGE COMPANIES and nonprofit organizations have boards of directors or trustees that govern and oversee their operations. Other types of boards are even more useful in running operations. All of us use the scoreboard and dashboard...

Your truck fleet can drive your bottom line.(FORUM)
February 1, 2007... WHILE ATTENDING MY son Paul's college graduation, I reflected on my 25 years since my graduation and analyzed what I would do differently, if I had the opportunity to start over. After a long reflection, I came to the conclusion that if you...

Tips on winterizing homes.(LETTERS AND E-MAIL)(Letter to the editor)
February 1, 2007... VIA E-MAIL -- My winterizing apparatus is functioning well and I haven't had any problems with it. My question to Dave Yates is: When people ask me about leaving the heat on at a low setting vs. turning it off completely (electric heat), I try...

Please stick to plumbing.(LETTERS AND E-MAIL)
February 1, 2007... VIA E-MAIL -- We receive your magazine monthly and I find many of the articles very interesting. I always read the articles written by Dave Yates since his business is located in our local area. After reading his column in the January issue...

Your financial advice useful.(LETTERS AND E-MAIL)(Letter to the editor)
February 1, 2007... POLAND, OHIO -- Just a note to thank you for CONTRACTOR through the years. I started my business in 1956 and part of my success was due to your financial advisers, who have been so much help. We just celebrated our 50th and are going stronger...

Homeowner eyes efficiency.(LETTERS AND E-MAIL)
February 1, 2007... VIA E-MAIL -- I an a homeowner in Minnesota, and I've just read a column written by Dave Yates on contractormag.com. It was a very good column, thanks. As my boiler is 30 to 40 years old, I'm considering replacing it. As my water heater is...

Employ innovative snow-melt systems.(EATHERTON ON HYDRONICS)(Column)
February 1, 2007... WE DISCUSSED THE potential of earth-linked energy as an alternative to conventionally powered snow-melt systems in my January column (pg. 28). This month, we will finish this series by continuing to look at Mother Earth as an energy...

Prepare, partner and prove.(HYDRONIC SYSTEMS)
February 1, 2007... I'M A HEATING GUY. I know how it's all supposed to work. I shouldn't have to know how the contractor is supposed to go to market, right? Well, I'm also a heating guy who's been around a while--and has seen a lot. I know that what sells...

Service solution uses tablet PC and camera.(FELDMANS ON COMPUTERS)
February 1, 2007... COLLIER'S MOBILE TECH (Collier Consulting Group, www.collierflatrate.com, 800/739-9025) is a complete tablet PC application designed for field service technicians. The solution includes a tablet PC, which features a 10 1/2-in. screen and...

NCCER releases math book.(FELDMANS ON COMPUTERS)(The National Center for Construction Education and Research)(Brief article)
February 1, 2007... GAINESVILLE, FLA. -- The National Center for Construction Education and Research has released its Applied Construction Math textbook, which teaches the fundamentals of math by telling the story of a group of construction students assigned to...

Avoiding construction defect lawsuits.(MCGREEVY ON LAW)
February 1, 2007... I KNOW HOW much easier your lives would be if, once you completed your work, you didn't have to look back to it again. That is not the way we operate, particularly in the United States, where we have developed litigation to an art form. Here,...

Utility sells contractor.(MCGREEVY ON LAW)
February 1, 2007... TOLEDO, OH IO -- Stephen Dunbar and Peter Corogin have purchased Dunbar Mechanical from FirstEnergy Corp., Akron, Ohio. Dunbar Mechanical is a $60 million full-service mechanical contractor headquartered here. Dunbar, a second-generation...

The best way to attract and keep great people.(BLACKMAN ON TAXES)(Column)
February 1, 2007... OUR TYPICAL CONSULTING assignment is to put together a wealth transfer plan for a successful business owner. Invariably, the client brings up two critical and related operational problems: "How do I attract new quality people?" and "How do I...

Thirty years in the game at 50.(CRAIG ON PROJECT MANAGEMENT)(Column)
February 1, 2007... ISIT HERE at the computer writing this column on the 50th anniversary of my birth, which, coincidentally, is approximately the 30th anniversary of my career in project management and estimating. After 30 years in this job, I still don't...

What's your most important marketing tool?(HUDSON ON MARKETING)
February 1, 2007... WITH SOME CUSTOMERS, perhaps your answer is, "A hammer." For the uninitiated tech, it might be, "Showing up." From me you're expecting, "One of the marketing programs you keep bragging about." No, no, no (even though I pretty much agree with...

How to prepare your company for growth.(BEST PRACTICES)
February 1, 2007... GROWTH IN P-H-C companies can be very challenging. If you accept the growth challenge and perform the right steps, you will succeed in expanding your company. On the flip side, if you do not prepare for growth, you may end up being only in the...

'PHC-OPOLY' raises funds.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
February 1, 2007... FALLS CHURCH, VA. -- The "PHC-OPOLY" game is a new industry promotional item that is being sold to raise funds for the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors National Auxiliary. More than 1,500 games have been distributed across the country since...

The envirogard drinking fountain bubbler head.(editor's choice)
February 1, 2007... THE ENVIROGARD DRINKING FOUNTAIN BUBBLER HEAD uses water pressure to raise a canopy exposing the bubbler and the water flow when activated. Releasing the button stops the flow and lowers the canopy, protecting it from contamination. The bubbler...

The quicktop manual faucet.(PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2007... THE QUICKTOP MANUAL FAUCET can be easily and quickly mantained without under-the-counter removal. The facuet is constructed from heavy-duty cast brass, and features a single, ADA-compliant fingertip control lever. Lavatory models and kitchen...

A new model in the aqua gard line of thermostatic mixing valves.(PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2007... A NEW MODEL IN THE AQUA GARD LINE OF THERMOSTATIC MIXING VALVES is now available. The ZW3870 uses 3/8" compression fittings and is designed for under-the-sink point of use applications. It uses the same wax thermal motor technology as other...

Galaxy hand driers.(PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2007... GALAXY HAND DRIERS save energy while eliminating paper towel mess in public washrooms. The durable driers feature rugged construction, no-touch infrared sensor operation, fast drying power, and trouble-free operation. They are offered in white,...

The JET-SET model J-1450 electric water JET.(PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2007... THE JET-SET MODEL J-1450 ELECTRIC WATER JET uses high-pressure water to clear drain lines clogged with grease, sand, sludge or ice. The machine measures 29" high, yet remove the easily detachable hose reel and the height drops to only 14". A...

The innovative allora pull-down spray faucet.(PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2007... THE INNOVATIVE ALLORA PULL-DOWN SPRAY FAUCET features a spray wand with a magnetic closure that engages with the spout to its docked position with very little effort by the user. Able to accommodate single and two-hole options right out of the...

The B-7212-01 open hose reel.(PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2007... THE B-7212-01 OPEN HOSE REEL comes with an epoxy-coated steel finish, 15' of heavy-duty blue hose (3/8" diameter) and the EB-0107 blue spray valve with heat-resistant handle and hold-down ring. The hose automatically retracts with a slight tug....

The LAV shield ADA-compliant undersink protection.(PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2007... THE LAV SHIELD ADA-COMPLIANT UNDERSINK PROTECTION meets the mandated knee and toe clearance requirement for wheelchair users. Durable, singlepiece construction prevents pipe and component tampering and conceals all piping, valves, traps and...

The gruvlok 7001 standard coupling.(PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2007... THE GRUVLOK 7001 STANDARD COUPLING is for forming flexible grooved-end pipe joint connections. It allows for simple pipe and equipment installation while reducing pipeline noise and vibration without special components. It is versatile enough...

This differential bypass valve.(PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2007... THIS DIFFERENTIAL BYPASS VALVE is designed to control excess flow in hydronic systems. It is rated to 150 psi and a maximum operating temperature of 230[degrees] F. It has a 3/4 " connection and may be installed horizontally or vertically. ...

Insta-loc push-fit ball valves.(PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2007... INSTA-LOC PUSH-FIT BALL VALVES connect to any combination of copper, CPVC or PEX tubing. The full port, single-piece valves are for use with the company's press-fit system, meaning there is no need for solder, flux or propane. ...

VAC-U-flex hose.(PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2007... VAC-U-FLEX HOSE is a high-strength, fiber-reinforced PVC hose bound to a coated spring-steel wire helix. It bends around corners and is able to withstand service temperatures from -20[degrees] F to 150[degrees] F. It is sold in standard lengths...

Custom vanity tops and bowls.(PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2007... CUSTOM VANITY TOPS AND BOWLS are now available with solid surface, reinforced tops, in lengths up to 122". Customers can choose from a variety of bowl and mounting options, such as seamless undermount granite or matching or contrasting colors....

The propex 200 battery expander tool.(PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2007... THE PROPEX 200 BATTERY EXPANDER TOOL is an electro-hydraulic device with microprocessor-based controls that makes fast connections for all sizes of Wirsbo Aquapex tubing (3/8" through 2"). The kit includes a 2" pistol, a 1 1/2" pistol, a 2"...

The Parma wall-mount pot filler.(PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2007... THE PARMA WALL-MOUNT POT FILLER features sleek, minimalist lines. It has a two-piece articulated spout that can swing out over stove tops or island sinks. It is made of solid brass and uses ceramic disc cartridges for dependable operation. It...

The enviropure air switch.(PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2007... THE ENVIROPURE AIR SWITCH can remotely operate up to two 120-volt appliances, such as a kitchen garbage disposal. Offered in a variety of finishes to compliment almost any kitchen or bathroom decor, the switch uses pneumatic pressure in a...

The new 3/4" SDS rotary hammer.(PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2007... THE NEW 3/4" SDS ROTARY HAMMER is ideal for overhead or close quarter work, and for drilling small diameter holes in concrete, wood and steel. The 5 lb. tool had an extended D-shaped handle for improved comfort. A version is available with an...

The worcester CPT seat control valve.(PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2007... THE WORCESTER CPT SEAT CONTROL VALVE provides reliable operation and precise valve positioning in the most critical throttling conditions. It offers many customizable features that allows the valve to be used in high-precision applications. CPT...

The new EC-5 mini camera drain line inspection system.(PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2007... THE NEW EC-5 MINI CAMERA DRAIN LINE INSPECTION SYSTEM includes: a 5" black and white monitor, a 1.2" black and white camera, 100' of durable push cable and a 512 HZ in-line transmitter, all conveniently housed in a lightweight and portable...

The regatta stainless steel undermount sink.(PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2007... THE REGATTA STAINLESS STEEL UNDERMOUNT SINK is now available in double- and triple-undermount versions, all offered with the company's integral shelf. The shelf supports an optional drain grid, increasing the utility of the large bowl. An...

This component shower system.(PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2007... THIS COMPONENT SHOWER SYSTEM is ADA-compliant. The system includes a hand-held/mounted showerhead with 50 spray nozzles, as well as a chrome-plated slide bar and stainless-steel grab bar that meets the ANSI-standard 250 lb. pull test. ...

The PC-1375 plastic tubing cutter.(PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2007... THE PC-1375 PLASTIC TUBING CUTTER is a large-capacity cutter that requires no twisting or ratcheting to cut through plastic pipe or tubing. It delivers fast, single-stroke cutting while requiring less force to use. It is constructed of...

The neupmatic valve.(PRDUCTS)
February 1, 2007... THE NEUPMATIC VALVE makes use of the VA Series (valve + actuator) system. It is intended for use as a curb valve or emergency shut-off valve for natural gas systems. It is installed upstream to the gas meter and the capillary is run to the...

Silver bullet stainless steel check valves.(PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2007... SILVER BULLET STAINLESS STEEL CHECK VALVES now include every model that the company manufactures in unleaded bronze. The lead-free valves are offered in a variety of types, including the Model 812X Wafer Check, featuring an all-stainless-steel...

Dura-pro poly fittings.(PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2007... DURA-PRO POLY FITTINGS are now available in 1" as well as 1/2" and 3/4". They are designed to compliment Dura-PEX tubing to provide corrosion-resistant water distribution. Made of high-quality ACUDEL polysulfone, the fittings are ideal for...

These pre-assembled job-ready sewage systems.(PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2007... THESE PRE-ASSEMBLED JOB-READY SEWAGE SYSTEMS are for indoor and outdoor applications. They are assembled in an 18" X 30" basin with a 4" inlet and the choice of a 4/10 or 1/2 HP sewage pump installed at 90? from the inlet. The discharge pipe is...

The econoburn wood gassification boiler.(PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2007... THE ECONOBURN WOOD GASSIFICATION BOILER is designed to meet the heating and hot water needs of residential and commercial customers. The gassification process captures then re-ignites flue gasses to create a heating efficiency of nearly 90%....

The series 05 mini water hammer arrestor line.(PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2007... THE SERIES 05 MINI WATER HAMMER ARRESTOR LINE now includes tee models with OD compression, OD compression by reverse compression nut, and PEX connections. Straight models with 1/2" CPVC connectors and 3/4" copper sweat end connections have also...

True above-floor rough-in bathtubs.(PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2007... TRUE ABOVE-FLOOR ROUGHIN BATHTUBS are now available in the company's Pendant and Biscay bath lines. Designed for easy installation, the tubs are manufactured with 4" clearance, eliminating unnecessary cutting and shortening installation time....

The millermatic 180 mig welder.(PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2007... THE MILLERMATIC 180 MIG WELDER delivers a smooth start with less spatter by initiating the arc in a more controlled manner, for improved quality of welds and reduced rework. The unit features single-phase, 230 V. input, 135 amps at 22 VDC, with...

The 1 1/2 HP 18S series sewage ejector pump.(PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2007... THE 1 1/2 HP 18S SERIES SEWAGE EJECTOR PUMP is designed to handle wastewater containing materials up to two inches in diameter. It can be used in residential, commercial and industrial applications. The pump includes a 3" FNPT discharge with a...

The kaichou furniture vanity.(PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2007... THE KAICHOU FURNITURE VANITY features a hand-forged wrought iron sink pedestal base with a sculpted top carved from semi-precious onyx, which has been polished to a high-gloss finish. A glass, ceramic or metal vessel is placed upon the onyx...

The CFC clearfire boiler.(PRODUCTS)
February 1, 2007... THE CFC CLEARFIRE BOILER is able to deliver operating efficiencies of up to 99% in full-condensing mode. The modular hot water boiler is single pass-down fired with rugged stainless steel construction. It features quiet operation, with noise...

Time for you to take green building seriously.(EDITORIAL)
February 1, 2007... ON THE DAY the latest UN report on global warming was released, my car refused to start when the wind chill dipped into double digits below zero in Chicago. I just knew someone somewhere was saying, "We could use a little global warming about...