Employees

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  Using XactRemodel to Increase Profitability (Subscriber content)

  The best part of this estimating software is its extensive database of item costs, says the author

   

• A Punch List That Doesn't Knock You Out (Subscriber content)

  Define the problems you will be responsible for and set clear procedures for final payment

   
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  Fixing Chinese Drywall: A Tampa Builder Hits Top Gear

  Carelessness helped create Florida’s Chinese drywall disaster. Cleaning it up is a job for a very careful builder.

   

• Builders Hampered By Labor Scarcity As Demand For Homes Surges

  Sales and prices are up, and inventories are low. Builders need to boost production, but the supply of skilled trades is tight.

   
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  Colorado Monoxide Case Moves Toward Trial

  A Colorado general contractor’s day in court is approaching in a wrongful death lawsuit brought by relatives of a family poisoned by carbon monoxide at a ski chalet.

   
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  Labor Shortages May Stifle Construction Rebound

  It’s early yet, but signs of a tight labor market are already starting to show.

   
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  The 10-Minute Profit Check (Subscriber content)

  Checking weekly that actual expenses are in line with the estimate alerts you to overruns

   

• OSHA Postpones New Fall-Protection Rule Once Again

  The delay gives roofers another shot at getting the agency to reconsider its personal fall-arrest requirements.

   
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  South Carolina Economy: Resting on Defense

  South Carolina's coast has some good markets for homebuilding

   

• Chinese Drywall: Taishan On the Hook for Bad Drywall, Judges Rule

  Another Chinese drywall maker must face Florida and Virginia state court jurisdiction in lawsuits over defective drywall, Federal and state courts have ruled this month.

   

• Preventing Handoff Errors (Subscriber content)

  Putting all the paperwork for a project in a single notebook ensures details don't get lost during the transition from sales to production

   
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  After the Storm: New Jersey

  Rob Corbo, contractor and regular JLC contributor, gives a firsthand account (with photos) of the damage to his hometown of Elizabeth, New Jersey. With business receivables and revenues on hold, the next few weeks will be challenging.

   
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  Breaking Through the Language Barrier

  Going back to school to learn Spanish can pay big dividends in the field

   

• Active vs. Passive Fall Protection

  Either guardrails or safety harness systems can be used to proect workers from falls

   

• Survey: Sub It Out, Or Use Your Own Crew?

  How do you decide what to sub out?

   
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  Fall Protection Training Videos Available for Builders and Remodelers

  Online materials and DVDs can help construction contractors meet their obligation to prevent the industry's leading cause of injury and deaths on jobsites.

   

• Helper on Home Remodeling Project Sues Supervisor over Stairway Collapse

  Texas lawsuit faults co-worker for failing to provide a safe workplace, inadequate supervision.

   

• Controlling Whole-House Remodeling Costs (Subscriber content)

  Managing customer and architect expectations can head off problems in a remodeling project.

   
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  A Simple and Effective Contract for Subs (Subscriber content)

  Spelling out the project scope and your company's administrative procedures keeps the job running smoothly.

   
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  More American Workers Sue Employers for Overtime Pay

  Americans were pushed to their limit in the recession and its aftermath as they worked longer hours, often for the same or less pay, after businesses laid off almost 9 million employees.