Contractor articles from September 2007

Contractor archives from September 2007

Putting high efficiency into high-end homes: a new subdivision combines tankless water heaters and luxury fixtures to create satisfied homeowners.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
September 1, 2007... FARMINGTON, CONN. -- Rejean Carrier, the owner of Carrier Home Builders, has been in the business for more than 35 years. Steven DiPietro, the owner of Depco Mechanical has been doing plumbing work for Carter's company for the past 15...

Feds issue new 'no-match' rules.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
September 1, 2007... WASHINGTON -- The Department of Homeland Security's Immigration & Customs Enforcement division has issued new rules for contractors to follow when the Social Security Administration sends letters stating that an employee's name and Social...

Global survey shows green construction costs less than thought.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
September 1, 2007... NEW YORK -- Key players in real estate and construction misjudge the costs and benefits of "green" buildings by as much as 300%, creating a major barrier to more energy efficiency in the building sector, a new study by the World Business...

Bills mandate multiple efficiencies.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
September 1, 2007... WASHINGTON -- The U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate have passed similar bills that would require two or more Federal energy efficiency levels for heating and cooling equipment. The Senate Bill, H.R. 6, would require the Secretary of...

N.C. legislature inks solar pact.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(North Carolina General Assembly)(SolarH2Ot Ltd.)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... RALEIGH, N.C. -- The North Carolina General Assembly signed an agreement with SolarH2Ot Ltd., Cary, N.C., to install a solar water heating system on the roof of the legislative office building here. SolarH2Ot will partner with Evergreen Energy...

Contractor plays key role in biodiesel plant.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
September 1, 2007... SENECA, ILL. -- Biodiesel, the fastest growing alternative fuel in the world, will soon be produced at the site of a former Naval shipyard here. Nova Biosource Fuels Inc., a leading-edge provider of the energy source, will use its proprietary...

Contractors should match personalities, jobs.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
September 1, 2007... WASHINGTON -- Contractors should try to find out who their employees really are, consultant Bill Kimmel, Grandy & Associates, told contractors meeting here, so they "don't have to run adult day care." Kimmel quipped, "Your people don't...

Contractors to learn finance.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
September 1, 2007... RALEIGH, N.C. -- Tom Kort, a consultant with FMI Corp. here, will speak at the 2007 American Fire Sprinkler Association Convention & Exhibition in late September in Phoenix, Ariz. In "Financial Management for Non-Financial Managers," Kort...

Dolphins Stadium, Kohler unveil luxurious restrooms.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
September 1, 2007... MIAMI GARDENS, FLA. -- Dolphins Enterprises CEO Joe Bailey has announced a partnership with Kohler Co. extending through the 2007 season. As part of Dolphin Stadiums $300 million renovations, Kohler will introduce its bath products during...

Housing slump hurts HD Supply sale price.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
September 1, 2007... ATLANTA -- The housing slump and mortgage credit troubles have caused the Home Depot to amend its purchase and sale agreement for HD Supply. HD Supply is being sold to an acquisition corporation formed by affiliates of Bain Capital Partners,...

NLRB rules owner can't sign project labor agreement.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
September 1, 2007... WASHINGTON--In a landmark ruling on the National Labor Relations Act and how it applies to the construction industry, the National Labor Relations Board has held that a labor union representing construction craft workers and the owner of an...

Safety training DVDs are free.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
September 1, 2007... BOSTON -- The Construction Institute has announced the availability of two multimedia DVD-based learning tools on workplace hazards in construction. The DVDs are available for free, thanks to grants from the U.S. Occupational Safety & Health...

Delta backs off homebuilder direct program.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
September 1, 2007... INDIANAPOLIS -- Delta Faucet Co. has terminated its involvement in a pilot program to sell direct to a division of KB Home through Penske Logistics. Selling outside of the traditional two-step distribution channel, even as an experiment,...

Viessmann names new GM of U.S. operation.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Viessmann Mfg. Co. Inc)(Richard Corcoran )(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... WARWICK, R.I. -- Viessmann Mfg. Co. Inc. announced the appointment of Richard Corcoran as general manager of Viessmann's U.S. operations effective Sept. 1, 2007. Based at the Viessmann U.S. Head Office here, Corcoran will be responsible...

Lennox lauded.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Partners of Choice Award )(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... DALLAS -- Lennox has received the Partners of Choice Award from David Weekley Homes, the nation's third largest privately held homebuilder. Lennox received an "A" in service. Of 150 companies surveyed, only 18 were recognized. The award...

MSCA's Project Home Again profiled on NBC.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
September 1, 2007... ROCKVILLE, MD. -- NBC Nightly News aired a profile of the Mechanical Service Contractors of America's Project Home Again program on its July 27th broadcast. Project Home Again was featured in NBC's "Making a Difference" segment and highlighted...

Home sprinkler group wins education grant.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
September 1, 2007... QUINCY, MASS. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has announced that the nonprofit Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition has received a grant award through the Fire Prevention and Safety Grants program of the Federal Emergency Management...

Clockwork adds 47 plumbing, A/C franchises.(INDUSTRY NEWS)
September 1, 2007... SARASOTA, FLA. -- Clockwork Home Services Inc. announced that 47 new plumbing, air conditioning and heating franchisees joined the company during the first half of the year from Jan. 1, 2007 through June 30, 2007. Benjamin Franklin...

Toto holds Washlet promo.(INDUSTRY NEWS)(Toto USA Inc.)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... NEW YORK -- Toto's held its first annual "Clean is Happy" Day promotion for its Washlet bidet toilet seat in Manhattan in mid-August. At its "Clean is Happy" canopy in Times Square, Toto demonstrated the Washlet to New Yorkers on the...

The Associated General Contractors of America.(In Brief)
September 1, 2007... Nonresidential construction shrugged off the turmoil in homebuilding and credit markets in July to post another solid gain, according to Ken Simonson, chief economist for The Associated General Contractors of America. Simonson was commenting on...

Associated Electric Cooperative Inc.'.(In Brief)
September 1, 2007... St. Louis-based mechanical contracting firm Haberberger, Inc., has announced that it has completed phase one of an approximate $1.6 million project at Associated Electric Cooperative Inc.'s New Madrid Power Plant. Haberberger was hired to...

ASHRAE.(In Brief)(American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... ASHRAE is developing a code-intended baseline sustainability standard for health care facilities. Proposed Standard 189.2, Design, Construction and Operation of High-Performance Green Health Care Facilities, will prescribe the procedures,...

Simpson Strong-Tie.(In Brief)
September 1, 2007... Over the next four years, Simpson Strong-Tie will donate $1 million in cash and products to help support Habitat For Humanity's projects across North America and its national programs, such as the Gulf Coast-recovery program and the Jimmy...

Hot stock tip! what's your best investment?.(NEWMAN ON EDUCATION)(Survey)
September 1, 2007... OK, I lied to get your attention, but only about the hot stock tip. Getting the most out of your company requires investment in buildings, trucks, inventory, tools and office equipment. We all have these investments and, we would hope, realize...

Solar thermal can cost less.(LETTERS AND E-MAILS)(Letter to the editor)
September 1, 2007... DORCHESTER, ONTARIO -- I enjoyed reading Dave Yates' magazine (May, p. 40). The solar thermal industry, as you know, has been around for a number of years, but it is just recently gaining considerable momentum given its favorable cost...

Pa. College of Technology grads talented.(LETTERS AND E-MAILS)(Letter to the editor)
September 1, 2007... ALBANY, N.Y. -- I am DeShawn Alexander, a student at Pennsylvania College of Technology located in Williamsport, Pa., and I am enrolled the Bachelor of Science HVAC/R undergraduate program. I recently read the July 2007 article entitled,...

Plumber raises 24,000 lbs. of food from customers with $50 in service coupons.(LETTERS AND E-MAILS)(Letter to the editor)
September 1, 2007... MANASSAS, VA. -- My Plumber Heating and Air here has raised 24,000 lbs. of food from customers in a food drive dubbed Warm Hands and Full Hearts. The food drive was so successful that the contractor is giving away the plans, instructions and...

Feds may withhold 3% from contractors' pay.(FORUM)
September 1, 2007... Unless Congress enacts legislation to repeal a provision inserted in unrelated tax legislation from 2005, any entity, including contractors, performing service at any level of government will experience the worst New Year's hangover ever as 3%...

Hydronic evangelism for the masses: anchorage contractor delivers great comfort and efficiency, reliably, with radiant floor heat at reasonable prices.(HYDRONIC HEATING)
September 1, 2007... There are a lot of folks in Alaska who can thank Kurt Wilken for the warmth and comfort they enjoy each winter when Mother Nature turns her cold shoulder on the Anchorage area. Life gets rigorous when temperatures drop way below zero for weeks...

Retrofit variable speed pump issues, part 1.(EATHERTON ON HYDRONICS)(Editorial)
September 1, 2007... In a previous article I promised that we would venture into the word of light commercial pump sizing using variable speed pumps (July, p. 36). How many times have we been called upon to work on a commercial system, typically a multifamily...

Radiant requires training, proper partners.(HYDRONIC SYSTEMS)
September 1, 2007... In recent years, hydronic radiant heating has gained marked traction in North America as a growing alternative to forced air heat in both residential and commercial building. Comfort is often identified as the main reason why people choose...

Solutions can be used in or out of the office.(FELDMANS ON COMPUTERS)
September 1, 2007... Here are two "business" solutions that can benefit end-us-Hers outside the office and job-site, as well. Hearing management Contractors have long had to cope with a cacophonous world. While noise protection devices have been ubiquitous...

Employee screening raises host of issues.(MCGREEVY ON LAW)
September 1, 2007... I have been asked by clients about what exposure they have if they hire a person who will go into customers' homes without checking to find out that he was convicted of child molestation, or into a credit card facility without checking to find...

Copper consumption declines.(MCGREEVY ON LAW)
September 1, 2007... NEW YORK -- U.S. copper usage dipped slightly to 7.46 billion pounds in 2006, a 2.6% decrease from 2005's 7.66 billion pounds. Exports of mill products in 2006 rose for the fourth year in a row, up 2.0% to 920 million pounds. Imports, at 1.24...

How you can enrich your family and charity too.(BLACKMAN ON TAXES)
September 1, 2007... Patrick Henry once said, "I have but one lamp by which my feet are lighted, and that is the lamp of experience." After years of working in the area of wealth transfer, business succession, estate planning and related areas, my view of my...

N.C. Coliseum goes green.(BLACKMAN ON TAXES)
September 1, 2007... GREENSBORO, N.C. -- The Greensboro Coliseum sports arena has started an initiative to improve its energy and water efficiency and, over the long haul, reduce the facility's greenhouse gas emissions and lower its utility bills. The...

It boils down to people, resources, decisions.(CRAIG ON PROJECT MANAGEMENT)
September 1, 2007... When I first started writing this column back in 1998, "project management" didn't have the hype and sexy cache that it has today. There weren't any groupies chasing project managers (okay, project managers do attract a different kind of...

Roundtable offers healthcare.(CRAIG ON PROJECT MANAGEMENT)
September 1, 2007... DALLAS -- The Service Roundtable has partnered with healthcare providers to solve one of the contracting community's most daunting challenges, affordable health care. The Service Roundtable's program, administered by one of the nation's...

Do you make the #1 marketing mistake?.(HUDSON ON MARKETING)
September 1, 2007... I have teenagers, just barely. My 13-year-old daughter--who used to think I was the smartest man alive--now ranks my intelligence just below French toast. My 14-year-old son, who once believed I could lift a small building, considers me a frail...

Cross-selling mindset unlocks business.(BEST PRACTICES)
September 1, 2007... In today's business environment, prospective customers are often looking to outsource maintenance of their HVAC systems. As a result, Emcor Services Aircond unit in Smyrna, Ga., typically goes to market offering air conditioning service...

Grainger expands locations in Chicago and San Francisco.(BEST PRACTICES)
September 1, 2007... CHICAGO -- W.W. Grainger continues its market expansion across the U.S. with its recent announcement to add, relocate, expand or remodel locations in the metro markets of Chicago and San Francisco. Launched in 2003, Grainger's market...

Editor's choice.(PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2007... THE MODULEX LINE OF CONDENSING BOILERS is offered in six sizes to deliver anywhere from 300,000 Btuh to 1 million Btuh. The line delivers turndown ranges from 6:1 to 23:1 with up to 96% efficiency. In addition to minimizing the redundant...

The Kwiksnap high-performance pipe cutter.(PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2007... THE KWIKSNAP HIGHPERFORMANCE PIPE CUTTER is a fast, accurate, dust-free and portable solution for cutting soil pipe from 1 1/2" to 6" OD. Its chain design eliminates the need to reset for each cut on the same size pipe. It features...

The Kwikstop 1/4 turn water supply stop.(PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2007... THE KWIKSTOP 1/4 TURN WATER SUPPLY STOP features the company's quick-connect technology. The ends work seamlessly with any 1/2" copper, PEX or CPVC pipe and are offered in both angle and straight patterns. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Watts...

Cimpush push-fitting ball valves.(PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2007... CIMPUSH PUSH-FITTING BALL VALVES connect to copper, PEX or CPVC pipe without the need for tools, glue or solder. They feature a completely integrated design that eliminates the need for field fabrications and potential leak points. The valves...

The spitzlift portable crane.(PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2007... THE SPITZLIFT PORTABLE CRANE is now offered with a truck receiver hitch attachment. Made of high tensile strength steel, the attachment allows any truck with a 2" receiver hitch to be capable of loading and unloading up to 700 lb. The crane...

Blue monster PTFE thread sealing tape.(PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2007... BLUE MONSTER PTFE THREAD SEALING TAPE is offered on a 1/2" roll with 1,429" of tape. It seals like a pipe joint compound without the mess. It is designed to create dependable, leak-proof joints in generalpurpose applications where a thicker...

The expanded press system.(PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2007... THE EXPANDED FULL LINE PRESS SYSTEM is now available for potable water, mechanical, HVAC and process water applications. The system is an alternative to traditional solder and grooved joinery methods. Fittings are available in 1/2" to 4"; gate,...

No-hub couplings.(PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2007... NO-HUB COUPLINGS are now offered in sizes from 2" through 12", in regular shielded and heavy-duty shielded designs. They feature floating eyelets to permit the stainless-steel clamp bands to move independently and prevent crimping during...

The pinacle oil-fired boiler.(PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2007... THE PINACLE OIL-FIRED BOILER is a direct-vent, sealed-combustion boiler that is 93% efficient. The Energy Star-rated boiler is equipped with a Beckett AFG burner that operates at two firing rates. Features include multi-functional controls,...

The SF1 stainless steel separator-filter.(PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2007... THE SF1 STAINLESS STEEL SEPARATOR-FILTER is designed to improve heating efficiency by removing condensate and particulates such as dirt and scale. Ideal for customers who require high-quality dry steam or inert gas, typical applications include...

The new trim line faucets.(PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2007... THE NEW TRIM LINE FAUCETS are smaller-scale variations on the company's contemporary collections. The line delivers a sleek, understated look designed to complement a minimalist bath or powder room. The faucets are available in chrome or...

The ultra high-efficiency gas boiler.(PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2007... THE ULTRA HIGH-EFFICIENCY GAS BOILER features precision hydronic data technology, an intelligent system that precisely controls the boiler to meet the demands of advanced hydronic heating and hot water systems. Offered in five sizes, the boiler...

The spira-trol two-port general service control valve.(PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2007... THE SPIRA-TROL TWO-PORT GENERAL SERVICE CONTROL VALVE has a fully-modular design. It is designed for use in an array of applications, including food and beverage, pharmaceutical, plastics and chemicals. It uses a low number of components,...

Extreme performance threading oil.(PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2007... EXTREME PERFORMANCE THREADING OIL is now available in an aerosol can. Minimal set-up and clean-up are required because an oil bucket and gun are not needed. It is useful for work in a constricted area. The formulation delivers a thicker foam...

The HE-AB series of "flexible tube" boilers.(PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2007... THE HE-AB SERIES OF "FLEXIBLE TUBE" BOILERS are forced-draft, gas-fired, high-efficiency units that feature an integrated extended surface heat extractor. They have 7 sq. ft. of heating surface per boiler horsepower. The operate at normal...

The blancoterra kitchen faucet.(PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2007... THE BLANCOTERRA KITCHEN FAUCET is offered in 11 different models in three finishes including oil-rubbed bronze, polished chrome and stainless steel. It features a stylish elliptical base element. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Blanco ...

The model DP86 Wet-Wet differential pressure sensor.(PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2007... THE MODEL DP86 WETWET DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE SENSOR is capable of reducing measurement error in liquid flow for both low pressure gas and corrosive liquid measurement. It is packaged in a rugged 316L stainless steel housing, and is designed for...

The kinetic water ram drain opener.(PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2007... THE KINETIC WATER RAM DRAIN OPENER uses a shock wave created by an environmentally-safe compressed air charge to dislodge clogs in sink, tub or floor drains. The shock wave bypasses vents and goes around bends to reach the stoppage with only a...

The vantage kitchen sink.(PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2007... THE VANTAGE KITCHEN SINK is constructed from enameled cast iron. It is not only stylish and functional, but built to last. It features one large and one small bowl to accommodate a variety of kitchen activities. The offset, deep bowl is ideal...

The V2744 quick response sprinkler.(PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2007... THE V2744 QUICK RESPONSE SPRINKLER is offered with either the residential horizontal sidewall, or the recessed horizontal sidewall for use with room sizes 12' X 12' up to 16' X 20'. It is UL approved and offers superior fire protection for...

The smooth retrofit flushometer.(PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2007... THE SMOOTH RETROFIT FLUSHOMETER is able to quickly and easily convert most manual flushometers to sensor operation. It is now offered in a hard-wired model in addition to the original battery-powered model. It installs in less than a minute...

A new line of automatic condensate pumps.(PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2007... A NEW LINE OF AUTOMATIC CONDENSATE PUMPS is now available that is designed to meet 80% or more of contractors' condensate removal needs. The pumps feature a tough ABS thermoplastic housing that resists corrosion and impact, as well as an...

The power-fin line of boilers and water heaters.(PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2007... THE POWER-FIN LINE OF BOILERS AND WATER HEATERS has been upgraded with recent design improvements. They include a fully modulating burner with expanded 5:1 turndown. The new control package makes installation, system sequencing, set-up and...

EPCON G5 Epoxy adhesive.(PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2007... EPCON G5 EPOXY ADHESIVE has several anchoring applications including doweling rebar into bridge deck and concrete foundation wall. The resin and hardener are completely mixed as they are dispensed from a dual cartridge through the mixing...

The ground topper 6" universal cover box.(PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2007... THE GROUND TOPPER 6" UNIVERSAL COVER BOX is for use on top of valve boxes for irrigation, septic systems, pools and homeowner water valve cutoffs. It is simple, durable and inexpensive. It is one-size-fits-all, and installs easily onto any...

The wellworth round-front toilet.(PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2007... THE WELLWORTH ROUNDFRONT TOILET seen here in white with the Brevia toilet seat, is a proven, classically-styled toilet ideal for smaller bathrooms. It features Ingenium flushing technology, and is precision-engineered to deliver 3.5 gal....

This new utility knife.(PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2007... THIS NEW UTILITY KNIFE locks securely, yet folds to fit compactly in a contractor's front pocket. It is easy to open and close and features a pushbutton blade release for fast changes. It has a wire stripper at the base of the blade, and a...

A portfolio of premium consumables.(PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2007... A PORTFOLIO OF PREMIUM CONSUMABLES designed to meet the rigorous demands of the global pipe-welding industry is now available. They include SMAW (stick), GMAW (MIG) and FCAW (flux-cored) consumables. They are packaged in hermetically-sealed,...

The type Ed pilot-operated steam pressure.(PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2007... THE TYPE ED PILOTOPERATED STEAM PRESSURE REGULATOR is for use in steam distribution systems, direct heating systems, pressure control for steam plants, and single, two-stage or parallel reduction. Available in cast iron or cast steel, in sizes...

This new 4-V. Lithium-Ion screwdriver.(PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2007... THIS NEW 4-V. LITHIUM-ION SCREWDRIVER is designed for high-speed fastening with excellent control in tight spaces. It features a two-position handle for working and awkward angles, a two-speed gearbox delivering 600 max RPM, and a 3.0 amp-hour...

The contemporary ro faucet.(PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2007... THE CONTEMPORARY RO FAUCET is designed for use with reverse-osmosis and water treatment systems. The faucet is manufactured from high-quality, leadfree brass. It features a high reach neck of 12" that swivels a full 360[degrees], a spout reach...

The new AWWA C515 gate valves.(PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2007... THE NEW AWWA C515 GATE VALVES feature three different connection types: push on, flange by flange and mechanical joint. The valves are fusion-bonded epoxy coated and available with standard 2" operating nut or optional hand wheel. The...

The new I-reel industrial hose reels.(PRODUCTS)
September 1, 2007... THE NEW I-REEL INDUSTRIAL HOSE REELS are heavy-duty, rust-resistant and long-lasting. The hand-crank air reels feature a brass NPT swivel inlet that allows the hose to enter from outside the hose drum, preventing the restriction caused by...

Showing contractors how to make some green.(EDITORIAL)
September 1, 2007... One of my hot button issues is "green" mechanical contracting. It's good for the earth and contractors can make money at it. I'm delighted that Dave Kruse, president of the Mechanical Contractors Association of America, is a fervent green...