Construction Archives

Don’t charge ahead of the Inspector’s inspection

Posted by richardcartright

· July 17, 2020

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Sometimes contractors think they know what inspector’s will approve only, to be proven wrong. Over the years we’ve learned to appreciate inspectors. Here’s an example of why you don’t want to let contractors charge ahead of the inspector’s inspection. On one one of my projects, plans called for the electrical subcontractor install electrical conduit and floor outlets in an existing…

What’s the best way to pay laborers?

Posted by richardcartright

· October 31, 2019

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Trade contractors generally pay laborers by the hour, or by the piece installed on a weekly or biweekly basis. Let’s look at the pro’s and con’s of each. By the Hour:Pro(s) – Laborers are paid a rate per hour for the time they work, capping their cost and making it easier to control the amount of hours employees work. Some…

Sometimes Going Forward Takes Compromise

Posted by richardcartright

· June 30, 2016

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People have different reasons for wanting to get something built. Usually, there is a disconnect between what they want to build and what they can afford to build. Recently a friend was working on a project for a non-profit, where the design committee had stated that the project budget was 20 million dollars. The project was well into designs and…

Can You Afford a Project Manager?

Posted by richardcartright

· March 16, 2012

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An independent project manager can save you money on your construction project from the very beginning. How much depends on you. Read this article to find out how you can save money well before you start your construction project.

Watch Out for the High Price of Change Orders

Posted by richardcartright

· February 28, 2012

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One of the most important parts of managing a construction project is keeping costs under control. Many a project throughout the years has gone over budget, always causing problems, sometimes disastrous ones. Whether you are building your home, or a skyscraper, you can pretty much count on unforeseen costs, which drive the total project price higher. Let me tell you…

I’ve grown to appreciate Inspectors.

Posted by

· April 12, 2011

· 1 Comment

I don’t know about anyone else, but mention an inspector and my first reaction is cop! In my many years in the trades I’ve come under the scrutiny of different inspectors plenty. I really had to grow a lot not to take them personally. Imagine that, someone with the audacity not to accept judgments made by me. On the road…