Builders News

A recent study of two construction companies focused on how company size affected the use of drones. Bough Engineering is a family owned construction company that employs 13 people. PCL Construction is a group of independent general contracting construction companies operating in the US, Canada, and Australia. PCL employs 4,400 people. Contrary to what many may expect, representatives from both companies use drones in much the same way.

71 million people in the United States fall under the millennial umbrella. This generation makes up the majority of those building and buying homes in today's market and they spend an average of 17.7% more on kitchen remodels and 42.3% more on bathroom remodels. So, what are they looking for? 

MCL 339.2401(b) requires that a person who “engages in purchase, substantial rehabilitation or improvement, and resale of a residential structure, engaging in that activity on the same structure more than twice in 1 calendar year” have a residential builder or M&A contractor license unless the work is for the person’s own use and occupancy, they contract/hire a licensee to perform all the work, or they have a licensed employee who does the work.

Until March 28th, 2019, all Michigan painters were required to hold a M&A Contractor license. The House Fiscal Agency required painters hold a license to prevent consumer fraud, however, former Governor Rick Snyder, signed a repeal law on December 27th 2018 to remove painters from the list of professions that require licensing. So, what does that mean for you as a formerly licensed painter?

Spring weather is unpredictable to say the very least bringing with it equally unpredictable safety hazards. You may walk out your door one morning in a heavy winter coat, and return home wearing a t-shirt. The key is being prepared for whatever mother nature has in store.

Avoid OSHA violations and workplace injuries by properly training your team. Builders License Training Institute offers courses for Fall Protection, Hazard Communication, Respiratory Protection, Controlling Hazardous Energy, Stairways and Ladders, Personal Protective Equipment, and more. 

OSHA requires employers to conduct an assessment of their workplace to determine what PPE is required for their employees, such as specialized clothing, headgear or eyewear. The standards generally require employers to pay for mandated PPE, although some exceptions apply.

OSHA develops and enforces standards that employers must follow. Employers must furnish a place of employment which is free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees.

The top American luxury home builder has won Fortune magazine’s top home builder in its annual survey of the most admired companies. Toll Brothers earned top ranks for product quality, management, and people, use of corporate assets, competitiveness, financial smarts, and social responsibility.

Contractors are generally considered a rough and rowdy bunch, ready to take on challenges and weather conditions that most professions won’t even consider. Michigan Contractors are no exception. They’re used to long cold winters with gray cloudy days and below-freezing temperatures.