The Construction Blog

More and more general contractors (GCs) are moving out of state to find work. California firms are bidding on projects in Texas; Nevadans are hightailing it east; Missouri GCs are entering neighboring states. Fewer jobs and more competition is driving this trend. But what makes it possible? Here I explore five applications which are helping contractors pull up stakes.

The increased adoption of machine guidance systems has renewed the importance of the surveying trade. This technology calls for a highly-trained workforce, and surveyors are the most qualified for this job. Ssurveyors need to learn to use this technology and re-brand themselves.

Viewpoint’s CEO, Jay Haladay, suggested that I attend his annual user conference. He said that I should come experience “the vibe” and momentum at Viewpoint. While I was there, I had the time to record a twenty minute interview with Jay about his company, its strategy and his view on tech topics.

From time to time we like to write about the “lighter side” of construction technology. This time, it’s apps. Specifically, construction apps for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. We decided to build a list of the best construction apps for contractors, project managers and architects.

“Cash for Caulkers” is nearly here. Last month the House of Representatives passed H.R. 5019 – also known as the Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010 or “Cash for Caulkers” – to kick-start construction, create jobs and cut back carbon emissions. While the bill still needs to clear the Senate, supporters predict it will pass this summer.

Earlier this year we reported on an upward trend of electricians transitioning into energy contractors. A fast growing segment of this green construction market is building retrofits. To help electricians segue into their new role and win a piece of the burgeoning market, we decided to write this follow-up article.

We recently asked our blog readers and other industry professionals to participate in a short survey on LED vs fluorescent tubes. The survey was part of our article, “Are LED Fluorescent Tubes Ready for Prime Time?” We wanted to find out if LEDs are becoming the standard replacement for fluorescent tubes.

Light emitting diode (LED) fluorescent tubes are all the rage in the lighting market. The technology promises to be more energy efficient, less environmentally harmful and more economical than traditional fluorescent tube lighting. Regardless, there is a lot of debate over whether they are ready for widespread commercial use. We came across this debate being held in a LinkedIn group.

This year’s FIATECH Technology Conference was held just ’round the corner from our office in Austin Texas. FIATECH is a consortium of several companies – including many software companies – united for the purpose of improving design, engineering, construction, and maintenance of large capital assets (i.e. manufacturing facilities, refineries, large commercial buildings, etc).

In the next ten to twenty years, “electrical contractor” will no longer be a suitable job title for electricians. They will transition into “energy contractors” to support the fast-growing green construction market. We see this as a coming renaissance in electrical contracting. There has been a revival of interest in the electrical trade as homeowners and adopt alternative methods to power homes.