Builders News

Ladders are the oldest tool still in use today. These amazing tools date back approximately 10,000 years.  Despite being around for ages, the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) recently did a study and discovered that in the last decade 81% of fall injuries among construction workers treated in the U.S. involved a ladder. Ladders are a crucial tool of the trade which requires little to no training, making them time and cost efficient. However, that same study said that 43% of FATAL falls have involved ladders. With statistics like that, shouldn't ladders be banned from job sites?

Fall is here, and winter will soon be upon us. It's the perfect time to focus on Michigan's required 60-Hour Prelicensure course. You'll definitely want to spend some of those cool fall evenings in the comfort of your own home, preparing for the State exam.  A passing score of 70% is required in order to get a license.

The construction industry contributes close to 4% of America's workforce.  According to the U.S. Department of Labor, there were 1034 construction workplace fatalities in 2016. We've all heard horror stories of workplace catastrophes, injuries and near death experiences on the job site.  There are four major causes of construction fatalities, falls, electrocution, being struck by an object and getting caught in between or inside a piece of equipment or an object at the job site.  Although we do our best, accidents and injuries do happen. One can only imagine the pain and suffering that could have been avoided had there been appropriate safety procedures and staff training in place. Safety should always be at the forefront of everyone's mind while on the job.

This week-long classroom style course meets all of the State prelicensure requirements. You'll walk away with all 8 state required certificates of completion. It also comes with an online exam prep study course curriculum (complete with practice exams!) that will prepare you to TAKE and PASS that state exam.  You'll definitely want to spend some of those cool fall evenings in the comfort of your own home, preparing for the State exam.  A passing score of 70% is required in order to get a license.

Running a successful construction company is about managing a thousand different details and still keeping sight of the big picture. You understand that missing a minute detail on a blueprint could mean disaster for your building project. The same applies to your business blueprint. Business Liability Insurance is an important detail you do not want to overlook. Failure to have the proper type and amount of insurance could result in fines from the state, loss of business or even jail time.

Concrete throughout history has literally and figuratively become the building blocks of civilization as we know it. Just a few ingredients combined and formed into bricks and other shapes, dried in the sun or ovens have formed the foundation and support of structures for centuries. We depend on its strength and durability to protect us from outside elements and find safety within the sturdiness of the structures we inhabit. Here are a few new innovations that will take concrete to new heights.

There are companies in which their sole purpose is entering old structures and salvaging anything that can be reused wherever possible for other building projects, including new construction. Consumers are paying top-dollar for salvaged materials to use in home renovations or upscaled refurbishing projects.

Avoid being defensive. It's natural to get hurt feelings or want to retaliate when someone speaks poorly of your business. Avoid this reaction. Instead, do a little research.