Contractor articles from March 2002

Contractor archives from March 2002

Home Depot Supply opens first store.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... MESQUITE, TEXAS -- Utilizing the expertise of its recent wholesaler acquisitions, The Home Depot opened its first Home Depot Supply store here Feb. 28. "We are allowing our experts from Apex Supply and Your `other' Warehouse to guide us,...

EMCOR buys Comfort units.(EMCOR Group buys 19 companies from Comfort Systems USA)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... NORWALK, CONN. -- EMCOR Group announced Feb. 12 that it has signed an agreement with Comfort Systems USA to acquire 19 of Comfort Systems' subsidiary companies. The acquisition was scheduled to close by the end of February, said R. Kevin...

MCAA introduces leadership institute.(Mechanical Contractors Association of America)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... BOCA RATON, FLA. -- The Mechanical Contractors Association of America at its annual convention here introduced its Advanced Leadership Institute, a top executive training program that MCAA President Bob FitzGerald called the association's "most...

Management can't replace leadership. (Industry News).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... BOCA RATON, FLA. -- A leadership vacuum exists at the top ranks of contractor management where plenty of managing is going on, but not much leading. The Mechanical Contractors Association of America spent much of its four days last month at its...

USI pays off $270 million in debt. (Industry News).(.S. Industries Inc.)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
March 1, 2002... ISELIN, N.J. -- U.S. Industries announced in mid-February that net sales and operating income from continuing operations for the three months ended Dec. 31, 2001, was $254.4 million and $14.6 million, respectively, as compared to the same...

Contractor unveils online reader service. (Industry News).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... DES PLAINES, ILL. -- CONTRACTOR magazine is pleased to announce its new online reader inquiry system. Readers now have a fast and easy way to get more information about the products and services featured in CONTRACTOR each month. Beginning...

AHR Expo II: more hydronic products. (Industry News).(International Air=Conditioning, Heating and Refrigerating Exposition)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. -- Along with the products already featured in February's issue (pg. 1), there were plenty of other goodies for contractors to see at the annual 2002 International Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition...

BlueDot targets PSI members for acquisition. (Industry News).(Blue Dot Service Inc., Plumbers' Success International)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... RENO, NEV. -- At Plumbers' Success International's meeting here Jan. 31-Feb. 2, a BlueDot Services executive said he would focus on PSI member companies in his search for residential plumbing businesses to purchase. Plumbing represents 15%...

Contractor infocus.(household projection statistics)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... New households to fuel demand for housing (Projected number of households, in millions) Total no. of Year households 2002 107.7 2003 108.8 2004 109.9 2005 111.1 2006 ...

Women hear 10 commandments for success in construction. (Industry News).(management techniques)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... BOCA RATON, FLA. -- As it turns out, the "10 Commandments for Women in Mechanical Construction" apply to the male of the species as well. Traits that both women and men need to succeed in the contracting business include a sense of humor and...

OSHA.(jobsite inspection increase details)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... OSHA plans to increase its total number of jobsite inspections from 35,800 in 2001 to 36,400 in 2002, according to a report cited by the Mechanical Contractors Association of America. OSHA will focus its enforcement on industries where...

Berg.(personnel management data)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
March 1, 2002... Shreveport, La.-based mechanical contractor Berg last year achieved the level of 1 million man-hours without a lost-time accident for the first time in the 73-year history of the company. Berg's total incidence rate -- the number of OSHA...

Radiant Panel Association.(conference details)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... The Radiant Panel Association will conduct its annual conference, business meeting and Radiant Expo trade show May 8-11 at the Cincinnati Convention Center. The theme of the event will be "It's Good to be Green... Radiant Green." Alexis...

National Association of Oil Heating Service Managers.(conference details)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... The National Association of Oil Heating Service Managers will focus on technical education at its 49th Annual Convention and Trade Show May 14-18 at the Expo Center in Hartford, Conn. Industry expert Dan Holohan will discuss "Dealing with...

The National Fire Protection Association and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers have agreed to partner on an energy code that will incorporate ASHRAE's energy Standard 90.1 and Standard 90.2 and become part of a full set of comprehensive codes.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... The National Fire Protection Association and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers have agreed to partner on an energy code that will incorporate ASHRAE's energy Standard 90.1 and Standard 90.2 and...

Some people just need firing. (Schmitt On Management).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... I ONCE HAD A tour of the Maker's Mark distillery in Kentucky. As an old fan of fine Kentucky bourbon, I knew the stinking vat of fermenting grain would one day become more great whiskey. I said in jest to the tour guide, "Don't look now but I...

Groups co-sponsor reference manual. (Schmitt On Management).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... DES PLAINES, ILL. -- As part of an ongoing educational mission, the Air Conditioning Contractors of America, North American Technician Excellence and Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors -- National Association have worked with the...

Gay customers and employees deserve respect. (Letters).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... RESTON, VA. -- Daniel Guenzel is right. There is no humor to be found in pedophilia. But, there is no mention of pedophilia in the December 2001 column by Dan Holohan, which Mr. Guenzel mentioned in his letter to the editor (February, pg. 13)....

Reader looked for Holohan. (Letters).
March 1, 2002... WILMINGTON, DEL. -- I was sorry to hear Dan Holohan's columns would no longer be in CONTRACTOR. I always found them to be very humorous and often uplifting. Maybe I just have a similar crazy sense of humor. I usually looked for his column...

In Mr. Plumber we trust: Atlanta service contractor Tom Connolly sells peace of mind as well as plumbing. (Marketing).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... In Mr. Plumber's latest radio commercial, which airs on Atlanta's news-talk station during morning and evening rush hour, the announcer intones that a few things in life are certain: death, taxes and a visit from a plumber. Actually, local...

Tankless heaters solve space, hot water shortages. (Eatherton On Hydronics).(Brief Article)(Column)(Statistical Data Included)
March 1, 2002... LAST MONTH'S column addressed the proper sizing issues associated with "side-arm" style domestic water heaters (pg. 18). This month, we'll explore combination systems and tankless water heaters. You can also run into and/or create hybrid...

Notebook computer handles field and office. (Feldmans On Computers).(Brief Article)(Column)(Statistical Data Included)
March 1, 2002... AN INCREASING percentage of contractors own notebook computers, either as travel companions or as desktop substitutes. When shopping, look for features that can help streamline your day. The IBM ThinkPad A30 (prices range from $1,499 to...

Blue Dot looks to better year. (Feldmans On Computers).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- North Western Corp. reported that Blue Dot, its HVAC and plumbing services provider, reported full-year 2001 EBITDA before restructuring charges of $9.9 million, compared with $18.4 million in 2000. Revenues improved to...

Real life issues in mechanic's liens. (McGreevy On Law).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... ALTHOUGH MECHANIC'S liens are creatures of state laws, and no two laws (or state court systems) interpret them exactly the same way, some issues do come up frequently -- but aren't always explained to you in advance. Moreover, most contractors...

Second opinion almost doubles family wealth. (Blackman On Taxes).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... FOR YEARS I HAVE been preaching that your estate plan is not done unless you pass the "final test": 1) Does my estate plan transfer all dollars of my wealth to my heirs and all taxes, if any, paid in full? 2) Can I control all my assets,...

A day in the life of a project manager. (Craig On Project Management).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... BIG BREAKFAST AT McDonald's; 6 a.m. Time to relax and read the communal newspaper before heading down `55 to the job-site office trailer. A lifetime in construction management and I'm still not used to getting up so damned early so I can be...

Stereotypes have no place. (Letters).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... EVANSTON, ILL. -- I am responding to Daniel Guenzel's letter in CONTRACTOR magazine (February, pg. 13). While I agree that Dan Holohan amuses himself more than others, I do not believe he finds pedophilia amusing. I am not a homosexual but...

Hire on skill, not on race. (Letters).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... RALEIGH, N.C. -- I am a senior at North Carolina State University in Construction Engineering and Management, Mechanical Concentration. We have two black students in our class, that I know of. Today after getting a test back, I was upset with...

Asceri accents. (editor's choice).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... ASCERI ACCENTS are eye-catching touches for bath faucets, showers and accessories. Ten patterns are available to choose from, in a variety of different styles and colors. They feature all-brass construction and use the company's M-Pact common...

The predator handicap closet combination. (Products).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... THE PREDATOR HANDICAP CLOSET COMBINATION features an elongated 17 1/2" bowl. Using only 1.6 gal. per flush, the toilet uses an energized flushing system to consistently and completely clear the bowl. It offers an extremely quiet flush, a large...

The Allura line of residential shower and tub/shower fittings. (Products).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... A THE ALLURA LINE OF RESIDENTIAL SHOWER AND TUB/SHOWER FITTINGS are available in a variety of configurations and finishes including polished chrome, satin nickel and polished brass. Featuring a pressure-balancing anti-scald valve, the line...

This series up circulator. (Products).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... A THIS SERIES UP CIRCULATOR is part of the Comfort Series Instant hot water system. The system works by linking in series all the water appliances in a given household, and installing at the water heater the circulator pump, a check valve and a...

The series 1100. (Products).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... A THE SERIES 1100 instant hot water dispenser features elegant European styling and the convenience of near-boiling water on-demand. It can provide up to 60 cups of 190 [degrees] F water per hour. It is constructed of durable brass and offered...

The Z-884 mini-trench. (Products).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... A THE Z-884 MINI-TRENCH is a 3" deep, modular trench drain designed for light-duty, vehicular applications. Each channel is constructed in 40" long, 4" wide high-density polypropylene lengths. It features integral top frames, interlocking ends...

The supreme self-rimming lav. (Products).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... THE SUPREME SELF-RIMMING LAV is treated with the SanaGloss glaze to create a sanitary, non-porous surface that helps repel build-up of particles of dirt and bacteria, virtually eliminating the need for harsh cleansers or scrubbing to retain the...

This cordless pex crimp tool. (Products).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... THIS CORDLESS PEX CRIMP TOOL drives forged steel jaws to crimp 3/8" to 1" ASTM standard crimp fittings. As large crimp fittings are introduced in the future, the tool will handle them as well. One battery pack will do about 150-200 crimps. Jaws...

Sonata bath and shower modules.(from Kohler)(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2002... SONATA BATH AND SHOWER MODULES are now 80" tall. The one-piece, high domed enclosures offer a wide range of features and options, including: metal grab bar, decorative acrylic shelf, detachable seat and a recessed nailing flange that allows the...

The resilience polished brass finish. (Products).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... THE RESILIENCE POLISHED BRASS FINISH carries a lifetime limited warranty against tarnishing, discoloring or corrosion. It is a molecularly bonded surface that resists scratching, chipping or peeling. Gerber CIRCLE 110 ON INQUIRY CARD...

The delta select total escape shower system. (Products).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... THE DELTA SELECT TOTAL ESCAPE SHOWER SYSTEM creates a spa-like experience in the home. It can be customized to user preference, and uses just over 13 gal. of water per minute. Traditionally styled showerheads, trim designs, coordinating hand...

The showermodule. (Products).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... THE SHOWERMODULE is a multi-spray unit topped with an adjustable three-way showerhead. There are four body-targeted sprays and an adjustable hand-held option. Volume settings on the overhead or handheld sprays can be adjusted to normal, rain or...

The professional series. (Products).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... THE PROFESSIONAL SERIES of stainless steel sinks is dependable and easy to install. The outer rim of the sink is rolled, with all sharp edges tucked out of harm's way, creating a smooth edge all the way around, allowing the installer to better...

The baby devoro. (Products).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... THE BABY DEVORO two-piece toilet offers parents a child-size toilet to help them start their children down the potty training path. Designed for easy installation, it can be replaced with a full-size unit when the time comes. The...

Eco Pow! Green. (Products).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... ECO POW! GREEN is a biodegradable septic tank and cesspool cleaner that clears drains, grease traps, sewers, cesspools, septic tanks, waste systems and drain fields. It liquifies hardened detergents and greases, eliminates the need for...

The Crillon whirlpool tub. (Products).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... THE CRILLON WHIRLPOOL TUB features a seat, armrest and a rectangular shape for a spacious, comfortable bathing experience. It is available in two sizes, the Model 6634 measures 66" x 34" x 20". The Model 7236 measures 72"x 36" x 20". Depending...

The Axor Carlton collection. (Products).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... THE AXOR CARLTON COLLECTION of designer bathroom faucets and accessories is now offered with a new polished nickel finish. The line continues to be available with chrome, chrome/gold, brushed nickel, polished brass and mixed brushed...

Philippe Starck bath fittings. (Products).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... PHILIPPE STARCK BATH FITTINGS are noted for a combination of classically inspired basins and sleek, modern countertops and supports. Their minimalist forms adapt easily to almost any space. This cylindrical washbasin measures 18 1/8" wide, and...

The natural gloss bathtub. (Products).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... THE NATURAL GLOSS BATHTUB is made from solid Veritek, a compression-molded composite material. In addition to white, bone and bisque colors, it is offered in seven granite colors: Tahiti Desert, Tahiti Evergreen, Bermuda Sand, Rose Granite,...

The balneo series of free standing tubs. (Products).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... THE BALNEO SERIES OF FREE STANDING TUBS are 72" long and 40" wide. Features include: a heated backrest with three heat levels; a multi-feature electronic remote control with digital readout; and 40 air jets strategically placed to deliver a...

The Gen-Ear. (Products).(Brief Article)(Product Announcement)
March 1, 2002... THE GEN-EAR blends the latest in filter, headphone and sensor technology to create an advanced acoustical leak-detection system. It quickly and accurately detects leaks in PVC, cast-iron, copper and steel lines. It also pinpoints problems in a...

This pressure-assist toilet. (Products).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... THIS PRESSURE-ASSIST TOILET has the pressure-assist tank mounted between wall studs, creating more leg room and a much quieter flush than floor-mounted pressure or gravity-fed toilets. No pumps or electrical connections are needed. Because it...

The Striata Glass above-counter basin. (Products).(Porcher product information)
March 1, 2002... THE STRIATA GLASS ABOVE-COUNTER BASIN is offered in bold, bright colors to enhance any bathroom decor. Each basin is a one-of-a-kind piece with striking fused glass and jewel tones. Offered in red or blue, it measures 18" in diameter and 6"...

Fast Pipe[R] is an advanced mechanical estimating software system. (Literature showcase: March 2002).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... FAST PIPE[R] IS AN ADVANCED MECHANICAL ESTIMATING SOFTWARE SYSTEM designed to make your estimating projects fast, simple and accurate. Because it is Windows-based, FastPIPE is user-friendly and easy to learn. Just install the software on your...

Alberta Custom Tee. (Literature showcase: March 2002).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... ALBERTA CUSTOM TEE was established in 1989 from the need to supply the tradesman with a header that was time saving, worry free and could be used in a wide variety of applications. Since that date the company has developed a product line that...

Greenheck's quick delivery. (Literature showcase: March 2002).(Greenheck Fan Corp.)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... GREENHECK'S QUICK DELIVERY offers the industry's largest selection of high-quality fans, ventilators, curbs, dampers and related equipment -- in stock and ready for shipment within 24 hours. Greenheck ships from four regional warehouses in...

A Thy-Curb Retro-Mate[R]. (Literature showcase: March 2002).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... A THY-CURB RETRO-MATE[R] is custom made to adapt your existing curb to a new rooftop unit. It saves time and costly roof reconstruction, preserves roofing integrity, reduces system downtime and takes advantage of existing ductwork. The...

The Caddy TPC tube and pipe clamp. (Literature showcase: March 2002).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... THE CADDY TPC TUBE AND PIPE CLAMP from Erico provides quick positioning of pipe and tube. The TPC combined with CADDY's and TSGB brackets are perfect for jobs where many different pipe and tube sizes are used, and they permit the horizontal and...

Anvil International's new web site. (Literature showcase: March 2002).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... ANVIL INTERNATIONAL'S NEW WEB SITE provides a wealth of information on the company's products and services. Users can examine Anvil's product line; contact its sales and distribution representatives; examine engineering data; browse literature...

Bryan boiler's new full line brochure. (Literature showcase: March 2002).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... BRYAN BOILER'S NEW FULL LINE BROCHURE describes Bryan's gas, oil and dual-fired hot water and steam boilers; electric hot water and steam boilers; water heaters; and related equipment. Bryan's exclusive "Flexible Water Tube" design provides...

This non-metallic expansion joint application and design guide. (Literature showcase: March 2002).(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... THIS NON-METALLIC EXPANSION JOINT APPLICATION AND DESIGN GUIDE covers a variety of rubber expansion joints including the unique Cablesphere, an expansion joint with control units permanently attached; as well as spool type joints, concentric...

The GEN-EYE video pipe inspection/location system.(General Wire Spring product details)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... THE GEN-EYE VIDEO PIPE INSPECTION/LOCATION SYSTEM features a built-in VCR and digital locator. It eliminates the guess work of inspecting sewer and drain lines. The GEN-EYE is ideal for inspecting septic tanks, heating and cooling ducts,...

The improved speedrooter 91[TM].(from General Wire Spring)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... THE IMPROVED SPEEDROOTER 91[TM] blends rugged reliability with optimal ease-of-use. The durable design features a braced frame at key stress points, a drum supported front and rear for longer bearing wear, and FLEXICORE cable -- the industry...

Elkay residential and commercial sinks and faucets catalog.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... This 72-page catalog presents Elkay's extensive line of stainless steel sinks, faucets and accessories, including the industry's largest selection of stylish undermount sinks. The Catalog is #CS-19. Elkay WRITE 134 ON INQUIRY CARD ...

Pillow Block Pipestands.(Miro Industries product details)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Day in and day out, the system pipes and conduits on the roof of your building are in motion, expanding and contracting with fluctuations in temperatures. Miro Industries has the solution: Pillow Block Pipestands. A brochure offers an overview...

Air-Data Multimeter.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... This Air-Data Multimeter is a handheld electronic digital readout meter offering HVAC contractors precision accuracy in the measurement of air flow, velocity, pressure and temperature. It has automatic correction for local air density;...

Electronic FlowHood.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... The new electronic digital readout FlowHood offers increased accuracy and speed in the measurement of air flows from 30 - 2,500 cfm. Software automatically corrects for back pressure and density changes due to altitude. Direct readout, supply...

Pipe joining products.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... Gentec soldering, brazing and heating products include a complete line of air gas apparatus. The line includes quick and screw connect tips with soft and swirl flames, auto-ignite torches, utility gauges, refrigerant manifolds and accessories....

This four-color brochure describes the Aquasafe fire safety system.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2002... THIS FOUR-COLOR BROCHURE DESCRIBES THE AQUASAFE FIRE SAFETY SYSTEM. The combined system uses an interconnected grid of tubing to feed both the fires safety system and the plumbing fixtures. The sprinkler head is attached to a stainless steel...

Stereotyping `them' holds `us' back too. (Editorial).(women executives)(Brief Article)(Editorial)
March 1, 2002... I WAS FOLLOWING UP on a story lead recently when I had a decision to make. Actually, it wasn't much of a decision because I didn't give it much thought. The person who had passed along the story lead had given me two names and two phone...