Posts Tagged 'construction'

Tech, Smech…..By Phill Barrett

Published March 26, 2014 Building Industry , Building Software , Building Technology , Construction , Engineered Wood Products , Framing , Technology , Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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April 28, 1994 NPR Memo - the internet is coming

In a 1995 interview on NPR and in a Newsweek essay, scientist Clifford Stoll declared the internet to be a fad. The Motorola Dynatac 8000x (a.k.a. the “Brick” phone) was considered by many as a pretentious status symbol to be used only by Gordon Gecko types.

Motorola Dynatac 8000x (a.k.a. the "Brick" phone)

Motorola Dynatac 8000x (a.k.a. the “Brick” phone)

Obviously, Mr. Stoll was wrong about the internet and the cell phone is now the primary tool of communication for a large portion of the population of planet earth. Access to the internet is now considered a basic human right according to the United Nations and the average low end cell phone has more computing power than the on board computer of the Apollo 11 moon lander.

With the advent of tablets and smartphones, connectivity and productivity have soared in recent years. News, stock tips, 140 character updates from your friends about their activities, weather, and “friend” requests are all delivered to you instantly. It seems there is no end to the stream of information. The naysayers are fewer in numbers as more of the planet tunes in and connects.

Building Information Modeling Software (BIM)

National Lumber’s Engineered Wood Products Division is utilizing online meeting software and Building Information Modeling Software (BIM).

National Lumber is a company embracing connectivity. Connectivity with our customers equals better communication and closer collaboration. National Lumber’s Engineered Wood Products Division is utilizing online meeting software and Building Information Modeling Software (BIM) to “build” our customer’s project before it is built. By connecting a National Lumber design employee with a customer via the internet we are reducing design issues, wasted material, travel time, paper and miscommunication.

National Lumber is utilizing smartphone technology and tablets to provide instant access to installation and engineering documents. Many architects now email their plans directly to National Lumber on behalf of their clients to ensure that everyone is working with the correct revision — reducing confusion and delays.

The technology at your fingertips has the power to transform your business’ bottom line in amazing ways. Take advantage of the tools you already own and communication, productivity, and profitability will soar. National Lumber’s employees are here to help and would welcome the opportunity to collaborate. We welcome you to call 1-800-370-WOOD to get started on your most productive year ever.

Phill Barrett
EWP Division
National Lumber
Mansfield, MA

Did you know? Our insulation installers deliver outstanding results.

Published December 12, 2013 Building Industry , Building Materials , Construction , Insulation , Remodeling , Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Closed cell spray foam insulation being applied

Closed cell spray foam insulation being applied

Pro Insulators delivers the difference between insulation products and outstanding results. Our insulation installers specialize in fiberglass batts, blown-in fiberglass, and spray foam insulation. Having the right specialists on your team can keep a project running smoothly as they apply their specialized experience to your building project. Just as you have traditionally subcontracted work to a trusted plumber as part of your team, you can hire the insulation installers of Pro Insulators (HIC #161268), a division of National Lumber.

“I am an Energy Star builder and I use Pro Insulators exclusively because of their knowledge on what is needed to meet or exceed Energy Star levels. They are always on-time, the staff is courteous and professional, and they leave the jobsite very clean. They are one of the best subs that I have!” – Roger Lucier, RS Lucier Contracting

Building code compliance and OSHA safety compliance are met when you hire Pro Insulators. We have all the proper safety and work equipment. Most importantly, we are up-to-date on meeting codes for energy efficiency and current building standards. Whether your project is residential or commercial, new building or a retro-fit project, we have the products and installation expertise you need. Whichever type of insulation you choose, our professional team of experts will leave your jobsite clean and ready for your next phase of construction.

We’ll provide a free evaluation of your project and an estimate. Call 978-423-6051 today to discuss your project insulation needs. Then you can decide if it’s cost-effective to subcontract this work and leave yourself free to work on other items.

If you work with a specific National Lumber representative, please ask about these products and services. If you don’t have a specific contact, you can email insidesales@national-lumber.com and we will have someone contact you.

Thank you for your business. We are honored to be your supplier for building materials and more!

The National Lumber Family of Companies

www.national-lumber.com

Great news for the home improvement industry: Survey says consumers are willing to spend more on home remodeling.

Published November 6, 2013 Building Industry , Building Materials , Construction , News , Remodeling , Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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consttruction workers putting up an exterior wall panel

In a recent online survey of 5,000 participants, it looks as though homeowners are willing to spend upwards of 30% of their home’s value to renovate or remodel a part of their home. This figure is higher than recorded percentages of 2007 and 2010 for home remodeling costs, which will be a positive impact on the entire home improvement industry.

The survey was comprised of approximately 70 questions to determine whether the participants would prefer remodeling versus moving from their home. To some degree, all of the participants were interested in some sort of change to their existing home.

Consumers are planning to use more expensive materials, which is projected to scale an average budget of $102,000 on their improvements. Approximately 74% of the respondents plan to hire a general contractor for the work, and more than half of the respondents plan to hire an architect, rather than tackling the remodel or renovations themselves.

Some of the planned projects for these homeowners are larger in scale and include multiple rooms. Right above the halfway mark is the percentage of homeowners who are likely to remodel a kitchen.

Our professionals at National Lumber and Kitchen Views at National Lumber are here to serve you through every phase of remodeling projects. We can supply you with the building supplies you need and the services you deserve. Additionally, our kitchen division has the expertise to work with homeowners on design and selection of materials. Contractors are then provided with detailed plans and materials. One of our designers will follow the project from concept to completion. Kitchen Views at National Lumber, where the designers are pros and the views are yours!

Resource: Americans Willing to Spend More to Remodel, Survey Says 

Tax Incentive To Build Green

Published October 29, 2013 Building Industry , Construction , Green , Green Building , News , Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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green building tax incentive helps put money back in your pocket

Energy Efficient Commercial Building Tax Deduction puts money back in your pocket.

Energy Efficient Commercial Building Tax Deduction

Have you taken advantage of the green building incentive yet? The Energy Efficient Commercial Building Tax Deduction is set to expire on December 31, 2013. The program affords building owners deductions on qualifying energy-efficient upgrades done within the last six years. Real estate advocates are in the process of lobbying Congress to extend or expand the program. Read more about the green building incentive in this article by Bendix Anderson, NuWire Investor.

Have these deductions changed the way you or your clients plan buildings?

Worries Arise From New OSHA Proposed Ruling Regarding Silica

Published September 5, 2013 Building Industry , Construction , News , OSHA , Remodeling , Safety , Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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The National Association of Home Builders issued a press release last week regarding a proposed ruling by OSHA to protect construction workers against the inhalation of silica dust particles. The proposal warrants concern from industry workers because it encompasses core aspects of building.

construction worker sawing dry brick releasing dust containing silica

photo courtesy of nahb.org

Here is an excerpt from the release:  

OSHA’s Proposed Silica Rule Raises Concerns for Construction Industry

WASHINGTON, Aug. 28–A coalition of construction industry groups is concerned about a proposed rule from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that’s intended to protect workers from inhaling dust containing silica, created by activities such as cutting brick or block, and sawing, grinding or drilling concrete.

“We need practical, science-based solutions that protect workers in all facets of construction,” said Rick Judson, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and a builder and developer from Charlotte, N.C. “Unfortunately, OSHA’s initial announcement about this proposed rule indicates we aren’t there yet.”

To read the full press release, click here.

Forensic Consulting to the Rescue!

Published February 5, 2010 Building Industry Leave a Comment
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The National Association of the Remodeling Industry’s series “Tuffin’ It Out” continues this week with a new success story, “Forensic Consulting Pays Off.” This is a story about remodeling expert Von Salmi (Von Salmi & Associates) from Westminster, MA who discovered there was a tremendous market in helping homeowners who are having trouble with their homes, whether they are issues resulting from the test of time or, in some unfortunate cases, from contractors who made mistakes.

Here is an excerpt:

“All remodelers have received those calls from distressed homeowners who are having issues with their homes. There are only three reasons for these problems: natural causes, like wear and tear, natural disasters or a mistake made by the previous contractor. Either way, some of these instances are serious enough that they are the subject of expensive litigation. Before that happens, an expert must assess the source of the problem, a service that continues to be in demand.

Von Salmi, principal of Von Salmi and Associates, fell into this line of work (known as construction forensic and expert witness testimony) by way of a past client.”

Read more here: “Forensic Consulting Pays Off”

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