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Massachusetts Energy Efficiency- Terms and Legislation

Published on December 13, 2019 by Norman Osbourne

The commonwealth of Massachusetts has led the nation over the last decade on energy efficiency. Part of this legacy is due to signing into law the Massachusetts Global Warming Solution Acts (GWSA) in August of 2008. The law requires a Green House Gas (GHG) reduction to happen below 1990 levels with a goal of 80% reduction by 2050. Part of this legislation involved the net-zero stretch code, which was established within the building code appendix over a decade ago and since has been adopted by the majority of Massachusetts municipalities. Yet a decade later, the terms involved with these policies, such as net-zero, are often misused.

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2019 Top 10 OSHA Violations

Published on December 5, 2019 by Sara Chauvette

OSHA released the Top 10 OSHA violations of 2019 at the NSC Congress & Expo in San Diego. Since 2018 violations have dropped by 15% but Fall Protection remains the #1 OSHA violation.

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Tips and Tricks to Pass Your Contractor Exam

Published on December 5, 2019 by Kaylee Verhoeven

If you are like me, deciding to get your contractor license is a big deal. You’ve spent time looking for the best exam prep course for the best price and now you’re signed up to take your exam. You’ve circled the date on your calendar and the pre-test jitters are setting in. You have questions like “how much should I study? and “what should I study?” Every state’s exam may be slightly different but the test taking skills you will need are universal. Here are some of the best exam taking tips to help you pass your exam.

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5 Construction Technology Trends to Watch in 2020

Published on December 5, 2019 by Sara Chauvette

Many construction companies have been hesitant to embrace new technology because they view it as an expense rather than a method to improve efficiency and cut costs overall. Companies that have been early to the new technology game have reaped the benefits of lower employee turnover, increased productivity, and less workplace accidents. Here are a few new technologies that began to take hold in 2019 and are expected to take off in 2020.

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Big Blue Nation Building Codes

Published on November 27, 2019 by Norman Osbourne

At the start of 2019, binding alterations to the Kentucky Building and Residential Code (now in its 2nd edition) took effect. The code, established under legislation and applied by the Kentucky Department of Housing, Buildings, and Construction (DHBC) and the Department for Energy Development and Independence (DEDI), is the 2015 International Building Code (IBC) with state-specific amendments. Additionally, the state adopted both the Kentucky Building and Residential Code as a mini/maxi code. A mini/maxi system means that it is a statewide, uniform, mandatory building code, and local governments must not adopt or enforce any other building code governing commercial construction.  The DHBC & DEDI also established the mini/maxi code requirements in the residential code for detached single-family dwellings, two-family dwellings, and townhouses. Local governments should not adopt or enforce any other building code on these units. The law and changes are vital knowledge for tradespeople to have to ensure a prosperous future for Kentucky.

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November Scholarship Recipient!

Published on November 19, 2019 by Sara Chauvette

Builders License Training Institute has chosen a new scholarship winner! Ty G. Heiss applied for our Military Pre-Licensure Training Scholarship, and we are excited to announce this 4-year Army Veteran and Army Commendation Medal recipient as a new student in our Michigan 60-hour pre-license course.

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How Single Buyers Are Affecting The Construction Industry

Published on November 7, 2019 by Sara Chauvette

The 2017 Census Bureau found that more than 120 million U.S. citizens, 48% of adults 18 and older, are divorced, widowed, or never married. That is a huge change from 1970 when 39 million adults, only 29%, were single. Baby boomers divorced at nearly double the rate of previous generations between 1990 & 2015. Perhaps as a result of the older generation’s divorce rate, Gen Xers and millennials are forgoing marriage altogether. Only about 20% of 18-29 year olds are married compared to 60% of the same age group in 1960. Experts believe the single home buyer trend will continue to grow over the coming years. 

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New Program for Ethics in Construction!

Published on October 25, 2019 by Alicia Eckert

When considering a construction project, choosing a contractor is possibly the most important decision that is made in the whole project. It can be extremely difficult to distinguish between a high quality, competent and experienced professional compared to someone who is posing as such. Often by the time their true colors are shown it can be too late.

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New Scholarship Winner Announcement

Published on October 25, 2019 by Alicia Eckert

Builders License Training Institute has chosen a new scholarship winner! Dawan Lewis applied for our Military Pre-Licensure Training Scholarship, and we are excited to announce this 6-year Army Veteran and Army Achievement Medal recipient as a new student in our Michigan 60-hour pre-license course.

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How To Become A Certified Ethical Contractor

Published on October 25, 2019 by Sara Chauvette

Most clients share one concern –trust. Showing your trustworthiness can be incredibly difficult, especially if you are a new business. Completing a certification aimed at teaching and maintaining ethical practices in contractors is a great way to advertise to potential clients.

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