Contractor articles from June 2006

Contractor archives from June 2006

Hydronics can be sold to builders.(HYDRONIC SYSTEMS)
June 1, 2006... AS A CONTRACTOR who is always looking to find new products and ways of doing things, I attend trade seminars and association meetings whenever I can. Inevitable "shop talk" will turn to venting for all of us: problem jobs, crazy homeowners and...

Lessons from the best PM I ever knew.(CRAIG ON PROJECT MANAGEMENT)
June 1, 2006... MY FATHER, Harold H. Craig, with whom I grew up not only as his son but also as his employee of Craig Plumbing Co. from my early childhood through my early adulthood, passed away April 3. He did not pass away so much as pass on to me the...

No horsing around on this job.(EATHERTON ON HYDRONICS)
June 1, 2006... RECENTLY, WE WERE approached by a customer of ours whom we had inherited via an "orphaned" system. For those who are unaware, an orphaned system is one in which the installing contractor has either gone out of business or is no longer allowed...

A.O. Smith hailed for support of Army National Guardsmen.(EATHERTON ON HYDRONICS)
June 1, 2006... ASHLAND CITY, TENN. -- Ashland City Army National Guardsmen recognized A. O. Smith Water Heaters during "Freedom Salute" ceremonies as an "Outstanding Center of Influence" for its support of the soldiers. The Guardsmen were deployed for 18...

Wrong way to lower fixture flush requirements.(management)(Editorial)
June 1, 2006... WHILE CALIFORNIA must be applauded for taking the problem of its water shortages head on, a new bill there that would lower the required amount of water used to flush toilets and urinals just doesn't make sense right now. The state bill,...

Service goes wireless, down to bar codes.(FELDMANS ON COMPUTERS)
June 1, 2006... DESIGNED FOR RESIDENTIAL and commercial service/contracting businesses, Shafer's Mobile Office Solution (Shafer's Service Systems, www.shafers.com, 800/826-4430) is the mobile component of Shafer's Management System software. The management...

Dealing with retained earnings and cash.(BLACKMAN ON TAXES)
June 1, 2006... DO YOU HAVE a large amount of retained earnings and excess cash in your corporation, but the double taxing power of the law has your cash locked in the corporation? Most business owners think they are stuck, but there's an easy way out. ...

Safe-driving program a must for your company.(FORUM)
June 1, 2006... KEEPING DRIVERS SAFE is the goal of any company that operates a fleet or has employees on the road for business. And on-the-road safety is a three-pronged effort--the vehicle, the environment and the driver. Think of it as a combination of...

When are you 'substantially complete'?(McGREEVY ON LAW)
June 1, 2006... SUBSTANTIAL COMPLETION is a term of art in construction. Nowhere else do these two words have special legal and financial significance. The legal significance comes from the fact that warranties, insurance, utilities and maintenance agreements...

Make more by marketing maintenance.(HUDSON ON MARKETING)
June 1, 2006... WHAT IF YOU could make money while possibly saving your customers thousands? That'd be a pretty sweet deal for both of you. So it's obviously too good to be true, right? Wrong. Contrary to the old belief that people won't call a plumber...

Understanding the Rule of 72 in construction.(INDUSTRY EDUCATION)
June 1, 2006... UNDERSTANDING FINANCIAL management is critical to the success of any contractor. One of the best books I've read on management listed the 10 rules of business. To paraphrase: "The first rule is don't run out of cash, the second is to not...

ACT centers to administer NITC plumber, fitter exams.(National Inspection Testing Certification)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... IOWA CITY, IOWA -- Testing administrator ACT will deliver Web-based exams to persons seeking National Inspection Testing Certification, which tests and certifies personnel in plumbing, piping, HVACR and related industries. The exams will be...

It's form over function at K/BIS: you're not just washing your hands or a dish, you're living a lifestyle and plumbing manufacturers are happy to help.(KITCHEN & BATH INDUSTRY SHOW)
June 1, 2006... When the home builders met in Orlando, Fla., in January, their show was all about function (April, pg. 39). The Kitchen & Bath Industry Show, on the contrary, is all about pizzazz. While the show covers everything one will find in a kitchen or...

Bathroom as an appliance.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
June 1, 2006... COOKVILLE, TENN. -- Eggrock LLC, Concord, Mass., announced the first-ever installation of 93 pre-built guest bathrooms for a Holiday Inn Express here being built by Platinum Hospitality Management. Eggrock manufactured the Holiday Inn Express...

NIBCO buys Consolidated Plumbing Industries.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Company overview)
June 1, 2006... SPECIAL TO CONTRACTOR ELKHART, IND. -- Rex Martin, chairman, president and chief executive officer of NIBCO Inc., announced at the end of May that the company had acquired the assets of Consolidated Plumbing Industries, a manufacturer of...

Radiant Expo in ISH off years: RPA to bring back.(trade shows of Radiant Panel Association)
June 1, 2006... SPECIAL TO CONTRACTOR TACOMA, WASH. -- In what could be the final event in this format, the RadFest West conference attracted about 350 radiant heating professionals May 1-2 here. The regional RadFest, which included educational and...

Giant corrections.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Correction notice)
June 1, 2006... In the May issue of CONTRACTOR, several of the Book of Giants listings contained errors. Comfort Systems USA, Houston, ranked Number 2 with revenues of $899.53 million, has HVAC revenues of $719.62 million, piping and sheet metal revenues...

Hodes opens N.E. regional distribution center.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
June 1, 2006... POTTSTOWN, PA. -- Hodes Co., a Kansas City, Mo., based manufacturer and distributor of plumbing, heating and air conditioner products, announces the opening of its North East Regional Distribution (N.E.R.D.) Center, located in the greater...

Yates feted for contributions to hydronics.(Dave Yates receives Carlson Holohan Industry Award of Excellence)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... HARTFORD, CONN. -- Dave Yates, owner of F.W. Behler, York, Pa., and plumbing columnist for CONTRACTOR magazine, has been honored with the Carlson-Holohan Industry Award of Excellence for his leadership in the hydronic heating industry. Yates...

Learn to delegate to manage time better.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
June 1, 2006... STATELINE, NEV. -- Learning to delegate tasks is just one way that contractors can manage their time better, speaker Bob Losyk told members of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractor associations of California and Oregon May 4 during the...

90% efficient residential water heater: A.O. Smith debuts.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
June 1, 2006... SPECIAL TO CONTRACTOR ASHLAND CITY, TENN. -- A. O. Smith Water Heater Co. has introduced its Vertex 90% efficient condensing residential water heater that the company said can produce "endless hot water." The 50-gal., 76,000 Btuh power...

Snow melt is clear winner over snow removal at condos.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
June 1, 2006... PARK CITY, UTAH -- If snow had not fallen over Memorial Day weekend here, Thornton Plumbing & Heating might have started another large snow-melt project at one of the high-end condo complexes that dot Deer Valley. In recent years, the...

Members of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association now have access to professional Web site design and hosting services through a partnership with Market Hardware.
June 1, 2006... Members of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association now have access to professional Web site design and hosting services through a partnership with Market Hardware. Members can now receive a complete Web site design and writing...

Columbia University's School of Continuing Education.(Master of Science in Construction)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... In fall 2006, Columbia University's School of Continuing Education will launch a Master of Science in Construction. The applied master's program will train students in the practical demands of solving business challenges. The part-time program...

Viega North America, which has called Bedford, Mass., home since founder and former Contractor columnist Joe Fiedrich started it as Stadler Corp., has moved to Wichita, Kan.
June 1, 2006... Viega North America, which has called Bedford, Mass., home since founder and former CONTRACTOR columnist Joe Fiedrich started it as Stadler Corp., has moved to Wichita, Kan. Viega plans to build a 450,000-sq.ft. manufacturing facility,...

Daikin Industries Ltd. announced that it would buy OYL Industries Bhd, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for about $2.1 billion.
June 1, 2006... Daikin Industries Ltd. announced that it would buy OYL Industries Bhd, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for about $2.1 billion. Daikin, which has established operations in the U.S., would gain a bigger foothold in the North American market because OYL...

Construction employment set a record for the 15th straight month in April, according to Ken Simonson, chief economist of The Associated General Contractors of America.
June 1, 2006... Construction employment set a record for the 15th straight month in April, according to Ken Simonson, chief economist of The Associated General Contractors of America. The monthly employment report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics that...

American Standard hosted the PHCC Educational Foundation's Board of Governors during its May mid-year meeting in Princeton, N.J.
June 1, 2006... American Standard hosted the PHCC Educational Foundation's Board of Governors during its May mid-year meeting in Princeton, N.J. American Standard's Joe Maiale, vice president Wholesale Sales Americas Bath and Kitchen, treated meeting attendees...

Calif. skips to 2006 codes.(California Building Standards Commission)(building codes)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... SACRAMENTO -- The California Building Standards Commission has voted to abandon the 2003 Uniform Mechanical Code update package, and instead will try to expedite adoption of the 2006 versions of the Uniform Mechanical Code and Uniform Plumbing...

Commissioning key to green Chicago high-rise.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
June 1, 2006... CHICAGO--One of the biggest differences between ordinary buildings and "green" buildings may be that the green buildings actually operate the way they were designed. The U.S. Green Building Council awarded a Gold LEED certification last...

Calif. bill would mandate lower-flushing fixtures.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
June 1, 2006... STATELINE, NEV.--A proposed California law that would lower the required amount of water used to flush toilets and urinals got the attention of plumbing contractors meeting May 3 here and plumbing manufacturers gathered in April in Albuquerque,...

FMI project management survey: perfect PM elusive.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
June 1, 2006... RALEIGH, N.C.--One reason the perfect project manager is so hard to find is that few companies provide an environment in which the best project managers can thrive, management consultant FMI Corp. states in its 2006 Project Management Survey...

Mr. Rooter has added Chris Mellon, marketing manager, to its corporate team.(appointment of Bobby Pruitt)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... Mr. Rooter has added Chris Mellon, marketing manager, to its corporate team. Before making the move to Mr. Rooter, Mellon spent five years as creative director and brand manager for The Dwyer Group, the holding company for Mr. Rooter and five...

The Associated Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors of Texas Charitable and Educational Foundation has awarded a total of $17,000 in scholarships to the following students for 2006-2007.(Contractors)
June 1, 2006... The Associated Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors of Texas Charitable and Educational Foundation has awarded a total of $17,000 in scholarships to the following students for 2006-2007: Linette Aguirre, Lisa Argo, Hector Arroyos, James Beyer,...

Weil-McLain.(Manufacturers)
June 1, 2006... Weil-McLain named Richard Millar president. Millar comes to the company from Tormax Technologies, a manufacturer, installer and service provider of architectural entrance systems, where he was CEO and president.

OmegaFlex.(Manufacturers)
June 1, 2006... OmegaFlex has appointed Duane E. Schooltz to the newly created position of senior vice president and general manager of the TracPipe division. He was most recently vice president and general manager of Titeflex's Gastite division, a major...

Invensys Building Systems.(Manufacturers)
June 1, 2006... Invensys Building Systems has appointed David C. Gill to vice president and general manager. Gill has held several sales and marketing positions with the company, most recently director of global marketing.

Vaughan & Bushnell Manufacturing.(Manufacturers)
June 1, 2006... Vaughan & Bushnell Manufacturing is honoring the long service of its current president, Howard A. Vaughan Jr. ,who is marking his 50th year with the firm. This year also marks his 40th year as president of the company, founded by the Vaughan...

A.O. Smith.(appointments)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... A.O. Smith has announced the following executive appointments at its Milwaukee World Headquarters: Jane M. Sanford has been named vice president/global human resources and organizational development; Craig R. Watson has been named vice...

Flowserve.(Thomas E. Ferguson joins Hydraulic Institute)(Brief article)
June 1, 2006... Flowserve has announced that Thomas E. Ferguson has been elected president of the Hydraulic Institute for 2006-2007. He will also serve as a member of the board of directors. Ferguson is a vice president of Flowserve and president of Flowserve...

Glenn Mosack.(Manufacturers)
June 1, 2006... Glenn Mosack, president of Conbraco Industries, has been nominated for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. The award recognizes the work of individuals in building and growing successful companies in the United States and around...

T&S Brass and Bronze Works.(Manufacturers)
June 1, 2006... T&S Brass and Bronze Works has hired Richard Fahey in the role of marketing product manager. Fahey comes to T&S from Hamilton Beach Commercial, where he served in the role of product manager, responsible primarily for the management of the...

Grainger.(Distributors)
June 1, 2006... Grainger has promoted Deb Oler to vice president/sales. Oler joined Grainger in May 2002 as regional sales vice president. Most recently she served as vice president/sales effectiveness and direct marketing.

Intuit exec snags bonds' 715th.(PEOPLE NEWS)
June 1, 2006... SPECIAL TO CONTRACTOR SAN FRANCISCO -- Intuit Construction Business Solutions Marketing Director Andrew Morbitzer, who was quoted at length in the February issue of CONTRACTOR, caught Barry Bonds' 715th career home run May 28 at AT&T Park...

The pinnacle oil-fired high efficiency condensing boiler.(editor's choice)
June 1, 2006... THE PINNACLE OIL-FIRED HIGH EFFICIENCY CONDENSING BOILER offers direct vent, sealed combustion operation, and is 93% efficient, earning it the Energy Star rating. It is equipped with a Beckett AFG burner fueled with standard commercial grade #2...

This PEX icemaker tubing is an industry first.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2006... THIS PEX ICEMAKER TUBING is an industry first. It is designed to reduce water damage resulting from leaks or breaks in standard icemaker tubing. It provides a secure, pressure-resistant connection. PEX tubing is non-reactive, so there are no...

The San Clemente faucet.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2006... THE SAN CLEMENTE FAUCET features finely etched detailing, a high spout and ornamental metal lever handles with faceted escutcheons. It is also available with a clear or sapphire blue crystal index buttons and lift knob. It is manufactured from...

The Lexington two-handle faucet.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2006... THE LEXINGTON TWO-HANDLE FAUCET is part of the company's Elements line of bathroom fixtures. The faucet features quarter-turn ceramic control components, lever handles, lift-rod and pop-up drain assembly. It includes an aerator, 1/2" IPS...

These new "granite" sinks are virtually indestructible, because they are crafted from natural quartz.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2006... THESE NEW "GRANITE" SINKS are virtually indestructible, because they are crafted from natural quartz. They are offered in five designs that can be used either as drop-in or undermount, with a variety of countertop options including solid...

The True Drain drying channel.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2006... THE TRUE DRAIN DRYING CHANNEL features glass-smooth interior surfaces and a natural slope towards the drain that draws moisture to the lowest point of the channel, out of a port, across the shortest part of the bath basin and right to the...

The NRF 3-speed wet rotor circulator.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2006... THE NRF 3-SPEED WET ROTOR CIRCULATOR is designed for residential and light commercial heating systems. Multiple hydraulic settings allow one unit to replace several pumps. The circulator features a high starting torque, a heat-resistant closed...

The mod-smart controller.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2006... THE MOD-SMART CONTROLLER is a modulating lead/lag controller designed to maximize the efficiency and performance of multiple condensing boilers. It modulates an entire system at the lowest possible firing rate that will satisfy the overall...

The QVM9 dual-purpose hydronic heat system.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2006... THE QVM9 DUAL-PURPOSE HYDRONIC HEAT SYSTEM is gas-fired and wall-mounted. It is designed for space heating in addition to "on demand" direct hot water supply. Models are offered in 90,000, 115,000, and 135,000 Btuh capacities with a 90% AFUE...

This steam generator features a counter-flow heat exchanger combined with very low radiation and blow-down losses to deliver high efficiency.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2006... THIS STEAM GENERATOR features a counter-flow heat exchanger combined with very low radiation and blow-down losses to deliver high efficiency. The generator has a small footprint and is comparatively lightweight, allowing it to be used in...

The SE 12-115 burnisher.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2006... THE SE 12-115 BURNISHER features electronic speed stabilization for improved productivity. It is ideal for finishing and polishing stainless steel. The burnisher features a long lasting motor with a winding protection grid that deflects dust...

The traditional style faucet.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2006... THE TRADITIONAL STYLE FAUCET features clean, classic lines to compliment almost any traditionally-styled bar, bath or kitchen. It can be combined easily with the company's undercounter filtration system, instant chilled water system, or instant...

The limitorque MX smart electronic valve actuator.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2006... THE LIMITORQUE MX SMART ELECTRONIC VALVE ACTUATOR delivers dependable operation in even the most rigorous applications. Features include an absolute encoder that does not require battery back-up, circuit protection technology, and easy-to-use...

The guardian line of power-vent gas-fired water heaters.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2006... THE GUARDIAN LINE OF POWER-VENT GAS-FIRED WATER HEATERS meets phase 2 of the ANSI flammable vapor ignition resistance (FVIR) standard. Several models are offered, including 40-gal. and 50-gal. short models. The vent-run capability of the line...

The VB-8000 series of flanged globe valves.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2006... THE VB-8000 SERIES OF FLANGED GLOBE VALVES has been expanded to include models ranging in size from 212" to 6". The addition of the new models will enable users to more precisely control the flow of water or steam across a wider range of...

The new metro rooter drain clearing machine.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2006... THE NEW METRO ROOTER DRAIN CLEARING MACHINE handles roots and other tough stoppages in 3" through 6" lines. It is light and compact for greater maneuverability, with a fold-down handle, truck loading wheel and 10" semi-pneumatic wheels. It has...

The Manabloc PEX manifold plumbing system.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2006... THE MANABLOC PEX MANIFOLD PLUMBING SYSTEM features flexible mounting brackets to speed installation, relieve unnecessary stress on the system, and eliminate the need for spacers in flush mount applications. Vanguard CIRCLE 117 ON...

The smacker cradle system.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2006... THE SMACKER CRADLE SYSTEM turns any trigger-type powder-actuated tool into a bump-fire tool. This universal cradle is long-reaching, with one 3' section and two 1 1/2' sections. It is ideal for use in high-speed, repetitive jobs. Powers...

The model azure AWWA butterfly valves.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2006... THE MODEL AZURE AWWA BUTTERFLY VALVES are designed to the ANSI/AWWA C504 Butterfly valve Standard, and is available in sizes from 3" to 30" with high flow capacities. The concentric high strength ductile iron disc with stainless steel edge...

The series PIPF isolation pump flanges.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2006... THE SERIES PIPF ISOLATION PUMP FLANGES are designed to isolate circulator pumps to facilitate replacement or repairs while providing an integral purge port to facilitate system purging. A swivel flange allows contractors to rotate the valve...

The series 5002 miniature diaphragm liquid pumps.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2006... THE SERIES 5002 MINIATURE DIAPHRAGM LIQUID PUMPS are for use in either all-liquid or mixed wet/dry pumping applications in chemical, medical, laboratory, industrial and hygiene applications. Available in single- or twin-head models, the pumps...

These pressure regulating valves are offered in three designs for pressure reducing, retaining or relief.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2006... THESE PRESSURE REGULATING VALVES are offered in three designs for pressure reducing, retaining or relief. They are available in four body materials: PVC, Beta polypropylene, PVDF and SYGEF. GF Piping CIRCLE 122 ON INQUIRY CARD ...

The Ziproute router template.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2006... THE ZIPROUTE ROUTER TEMPLATE is designed to expedite the measuring and cutting of electrical and water line openings. It greatly reduces the errors associated with free-hand measurement and cutting. The easy-to-use template weighs less than 10...

The cabo kitchen prep sink.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2006... THE CABO KITCHEN PREP SINK is the company's newest addition to its Allegre Collection. Designed for either drop-in or over-counter applications, the sink is molded of a solid piece of metal. The individual character of the sink comes from...

The bridge faucet.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2006... THE BRIDGE FAUCET features touch-free technology to keep the bathroom clean while saving water. The faucet incorporates a capacitance-based sensor module, with the control box mounted under the sink, to deliver more reliable performance than IR...

The model LR521 single round bowl sink.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2006... THE MODEL LR521 SINGLE ROUND BOWL SINK comes combined with a satin finish stainless steel drain board. The space-saving design can be used in the kitchen, bar or laundry, with room for a dishwasher beneath. Olivetti CIRCLE 127 ON...

The trade titan industrial work carts.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2006... THE TRADE TITAN INDUSTRIAL WORK CARTS are constructed of heavy-duty structural foam with steel reinforced decks. They are able to withstand rugged job site conditions and heavy payloads. They feature 6" X 2" non-marking rubber casters and total...

The canova collection of bathroom furniture.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2006... THE CANOVA COLLECTION OF BATHROOM FURNITURE is not built-in, allowing it to be easily moved from bathroom to bathroom. It features classic English design, including marble tops and basins. It is crafted in cherry and walnut. Bristol & Bath...

The wellspring touchless kitchen faucet.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2006... THE WELLSPRING TOUCHLESS KITCHEN FAUCET delivers accurate, dependable performance. It is ideal during food preparation, preventing cross-contamination after handling meats or other raw food. It is available with traditional or contemporary...

These cushion-grip magnetic-tip nut drivers.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2006... THESE CUSHION-GRIP MAGNETIC-TIP NUT DRIVERS are now available in two seven-piece sets. They feature rare earth magnetic tips and a full hollow shaft design for unobstructed pass-through, even on long bolt applications. The drivers now include...

The model 240 V-alert vibration meter.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2006... THE MODEL 240 V-ALERT VIBRATION METER is an easy-to-use, hand-held meter for checking vibration levels on all types of rotating machinery including motors, pumps, fans and compressors. It features a green LED that illuminates when vibration...

The new TTW water heaters.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2006... THE NEW TTW WATER HEATERS feature a different version of the Defender Safety combustion and control system. This includes a new spark-to-pilot ignition system and an integrated immersion gas control valve with an LED indicator to assist...

The ultracut cordless power tubing cutter.(PRODUCTS)
June 1, 2006... THE ULTRACUT CORDLESS POWER TUBING CUTTER uses an innovative power technology that allows it to cut 1/2" or 3/4" copper tubing with minimal burr in three seconds. It is small enough to fit into tight quarters for hard-to-reach jobs. The head...

Beating the big boxes at water heater sales.(BEST PRACTICES)
June 1, 2006... ONCE, THE ONLY WAY a homeowner could buy a water heater was to call a plumber. Today, retailers sell more water heaters than plumbers do. It's no wonder. Big-box retailers buy better than plumbers, subcontract labor to cheap plumbers who are...