Home Improvement

Hiring House Painters

House Painters Wilmington do much more than just put on a coat of paint. They also repair drywall, caulk, and seal knots in wood. They use specific tools to prepare the surface for painting and mix their paints.

Painters began to organize in guilds as early as the fourteenth century. This helped establish the profession as a respected career and set strict standards for practice.

Top 6 Reasons Why You Should Hire A Professional Painter

When hiring a professional house painter, there are many factors to consider. For example, labor, materials, and paint costs can vary widely. Also, the size and location of the home can affect costs. It’s important to get several estimates from different painters and discuss the job before making a decision. Doing so can help minimize miscommunication and save money. It is also important to ask the painter what types of preparation are included in the estimate and whether they charge a travel fee.

Online searches are among the best ways to find a house painter. Most search engines allow you to find local contractors quickly, and some even provide a list of customer reviews and testimonials. In addition to determining the price of the painting services, you should also ask the painter about their experience, training, and licenses.

House painters apply paints, wall coverings, and ceiling textures in new construction and remodeled spaces. They also prepare surfaces and repair damage. They may work indoors or outdoors. They use power and hand tools, spray equipment, brushes, rollers, and tarps. They must be comfortable working with cleaning solvents and airborne odors from the spraying equipment. They also must be able to wear face and eye protection.

Some house painters specialize in specific styles and finishes, such as faux painting or murals. These painters are typically more expensive than general house painters. However, they are often worth the extra expense because of their expertise in the field.

The cost of painting a house depends on the size and condition of the surface, and it varies from region to region. The cost can range from $2 to $6 per square foot. A house painter usually includes all related materials and labor in a quote. Sometimes, the painter may offer a discount or a free estimate.

In addition to the cost of painting, other expenses should be considered, such as prep work and cleanup. Sometimes, a painter may charge additional fees for removing wallpaper, priming, and sanding, as well as caulking and repairing damaged areas. They should also provide a written estimate that includes these costs.

Painting your house is a challenging task and requires much knowledge. A professional painter can save you time and money while ensuring the job is done correctly. In addition to the basic painting tasks, a house painter can perform many other responsibilities, such as removing outlet covers and switch plates, applying putty, and patching cracks. When choosing a house painter, find one with experience and ask for references.

Although a high school diploma is not required, most painters have a background in construction or carpentry and have at least some formal training. Some take apprenticeships sponsored by contractors and trade unions. These programs teach apprentices blueprint reading and the use of tools. A career as a house painter can lead to other jobs in the construction industry, such as becoming a contractor or remodeler.

Besides the obvious aesthetic benefits, a coat of paint protects your home from moisture and weather damage. It also helps regulate indoor temperature by reflecting sunlight and reducing heat absorption. In addition, it can help reduce your energy bills in the long run. A house painter can help you select the right color to match your home’s style and improve its curb appeal.

A good house painter will work fast to finish the project promptly. They will also be able to advise you on the best types of paints and coatings for your home. For example, a kitchen or bathroom may require special paint that resists moisture and mold.

The first step in finding a good house painter is to search the internet for local contractors. You can enter your town’s name and “painters” into a search engine. You will then get a list of painters in your area. Many painters are small businesses and operate as solo entrepreneurs or with a small group of people. Others are part of larger companies that employ a team of people.

Before hiring a house painter, ensure they are licensed and insured. This is important because it will protect you if something goes wrong during the painting process. Also, check whether the painter uses quality products or just cheap, store-bought paint.

It would be best to look for a few things in a house painter before hiring one. First, make sure they have a license to work in your state. Also, ask for proof of insurance. This includes workers’ compensation and liability coverage. This will protect you if the painter falls off a ladder or gets hurt while working on your home. Finally, get a contract before beginning any work. This should include all key details of the job, including the painting contractor’s name, address, phone number, and license number. It should also list the exact cost of the project and a detailed description of the materials and labor involved.

Most house painters don’t have any formal education, but many learn as a painter’s helper or through apprenticeship programs sponsored by contractor organizations and trade unions. Some technical schools offer blueprint reading and shop classes that can give aspiring painters the skills they need for this profession.

In some states, a license is required for painters who take on projects valued at more than $500 or who are considered to be contractors. for example, a painting contractor must register with the Department of Consumer Protection, pass a business and law exam, and show that they have insurance before being permitted to operate. A painting contractor must be licensed by the Division of Consumer Affairs and display their registration number prominently on all advertising and business documents.

Another licensing requirement is for house painters who work on homes or buildings built before 1978 and may come into contact with lead-based paints. In these cases, the Environmental Protection Agency requires painters and painting contractors to take lead safety courses and obtain a special certificate to work on these structures.

Whether or not you need a license to be a house painter depends on your state, city, and even the neighborhood where you live. Some areas don’t require a permit for painters, but most do, especially if the house painting contractor is a full-time, professionally run business.

Painter needs insurance coverage to protect themselves from unforeseen accidents on the job. It is also a requirement in many states. Typically, this includes commercial general liability insurance, workers’ compensation insurance, and auto insurance. In addition, it is essential to have business interruption insurance in case your business is disrupted due to an accident. It is also a good idea to carry a business umbrella policy to increase coverage limits.

Whether your painting company is large or small, it is important to have proper insurance coverage. Not only will it protect your business in the event of an accident, but it will also help you prove that you are a legitimate business. Requesting copies of a contractor’s insurance documents before hiring them for a project is a good practice. Please make sure the documents are up to date and that they cover your scheduled work.

Painters are at a higher risk of injury than other types of contractors. This is because they are constantly using ladders and scaffolding. In addition, they are exposed to toxic fumes and dust. Injuries can be costly for a painting company and result in lost productivity. Fortunately, a reputable insurance broker can provide a comprehensive painter’s business insurance package to protect the company from these risks.

The best painting insurance companies will offer affordable policies and excellent customer service. They will also allow you to compare different policies and prices online and make an informed decision. A good option is The Hartford, which offers all the necessary policies (general liability, BOP, inland marine, and workers’ comp) in one package. You can even buy a policy online and receive a COI immediately.

Another option is Thimble, which lets you purchase a painting insurance policy in 10 minutes. This platform combines the most popular policies to give you the protection you need. It also helps you save money by allowing you to pay by the hour, day, or month. The site also has a helpful FAQ page that answers common questions.

Roofing Services

What Does A Roof Mechanic Make?

If you have ever wondered what a Roof Mechanic makes, read on! This article will cover the educational requirements for the job, the duties of a Roof Mechanic, and the Salary range for this profession. It also discusses how to land your dream job as a Roof Mechanic. So, if you wonder how much a Roof Mechanic makes, keep reading! You’ll have all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Roofing contractors install and repair various types of roofs. They also use sprays to bind, insulate, and soundproof surfaces. When working on a roof, roofers remove snow and ice, set up scaffolding, and estimate the number of roofing materials needed to complete a job. They also install partially overlapping layers of roofing material over the roof insulation surface. Roofing companies measure and trace roofs with hatchet gauges, chalk, and lines on the shingles.

Roofing

Salary Of A Roof Mechanic

The salary of a roof mechanic may be lower than other trades, depending on their level of experience and the type of work they do. Some companies pay more than others, and experience and location can impact the salary of a roof mechanic. Salary can also differ by state and location.

Education is unnecessary for this role, but some employers may require a G.E.D. or high school diploma. In addition, individuals in this profession should have a basic understanding of mathematics and read well. A roofing mechanic training course from a manufacturer can help further enhance their knowledge and skills. Those with a roofing mechanic job may find it more advantageous to obtain further training based on industry requirements or by completing an apprenticeship.

In addition to being highly skilled in roofing, a roof mechanic can progress in their career as a Roofing Foreman. In this position, individuals have excellent technical skills and management skills. Typically, a roof mechanic is responsible for the specific details of a roofing project. Some roofing mechanics become Roofing Service Technicians, which is a similar position. Roofing Service Technicians also specialize in resolving roof leaks.

A roofing mechanic may specialize in installing roofing systems on steep and low slopes. Regardless of their specialization, they are a vital part of the roofing industry. Skilled roof mechanics ensure proper installation of roofing systems. Mechanics may be part of commercial or residential roofing crews. Residential and commercial projects often have common skills, with the most significant difference being the type of roof installations. And if you’re interested in a career in roofing, the salary of a roof mechanic will likely be higher than you think.

Education Required

If you’ve ever wanted to become a roof mechanic, you’ve probably wondered what the educational requirements are. A roof mechanic is a skilled position, and most employers expect you to have a good deal of experience in the various phases of roofing. The education you’ll need to become a roof mechanic will depend on your chosen specialty. Some roofing mechanic jobs require apprenticeships or certifications. You’ll need to complete at least three years of college to become a qualified roof mechanic, so be sure to consider these.

Despite the lack of specific educational requirements, it’s important to note that employers typically prefer people who have a positive attitude and are eager to learn. As with all construction trades, it’s helpful to be able to read and perform basic math. Some employers may also require a Construction Skills Certification Scheme card, though this is not necessarily a requirement for entry into a roofing mechanic position. While education for this position may not be mandatory, it can help you stand out among your competitors.

Roofing mechanics typically work for large roofing companies as part of a larger crew. Some work for one roofing company, while others are in charge of the details. However, those who are more skilled can move up the ladder. A roofing mechanic can also become a Roofing Service Technician, which is a specialized position within a larger roofing company. While some companies prefer to hire roof mechanics, others may look for individuals with a degree in mechanical engineering or construction.

After completing an apprenticeship, an experienced roof mechanic can work on general roofing projects, soffit and facia repairs, gutter repairs, and other types of roofing. With experience, this job can advance to foreman status. A foreman will have good leadership skills and need a valid driver’s license and OSHA 10-hour card. Superintendents must be able to handle heavy objects and work at high heights.

Job Duties

The job duties of a roof mechanic include installing, repairing, and maintaining roofs. They also perform related tasks, such as gutter repairs and installation. Roof mechanics gain hands-on experience by training on various types of roofing materials and methods. They also perform various safety measures to ensure the well-being of workers and the property they are working on. Some of these duties include identifying and reporting safety hazards. A roof mechanic must be physically fit and have a solid knowledge of various roofing systems and their installation.

As a roof mechanic, you will need to inspect roofs, determine the best repair methods, and inspect construction sites for safety and proper equipment use. You should also have experience working with the public, as this will be a major benefit. You should have a reliable vehicle and be able to travel a considerable distance. The job requires a strong knowledge of math and computer applications, as well as experience with ladders and other tools. Additionally, you must have the physical strength to perform heavy work and stand on large, flat roofs. If you are looking for a rewarding and flexible job, consider an apprenticeship or other roofing-related career.

Roofing mechanics work on both residential and commercial structures. They install roofing materials, apply them to the side, and document maintenance and repairs under FAA standards. Additionally, they document their work in a database and report on their performance. The job outlook is promising for roof mechanics, with a 6% growth rate in the decade between 2018 and 2028. Approximately 85,400 new jobs will open up in this industry by 2028.

The average salary of a roof mechanic is $42,821. The best-paying sectors for roof mechanics include the construction and government industries. The construction and government industries pay roof mechanics the most; those working in the energy and insurance industries are paid the least. A roof mechanic who works in a construction company makes 10.2% more than their counterparts in the professional industry. You should be aware of the risks involved before choosing a roofing mechanic career.

Salary Range

Roofing mechanics earn between $24,560 and $62,180 per year. The middle half of this range earns between $35,975 and $36,513, while the top 83% earn over $62,180. A roof mechanic who earns the highest salary will pay 22% federal taxes and 6.33% state taxes. Therefore, an individual roof mechanic will have a net annual salary of $32,446. Each paycheck will be worth approximately $1,352 per year.

To qualify for this position, a candidate must have a driver’s license and pass a drug screen. Depending on the amount of experience, this position can earn anywhere from $15 to $20 an hour. The salary range for this job range depends on the amount of experience and the type of work performed. On-the-job training is necessary for all new hires, but previous carpentry or construction experience is preferred.

Roofing mechanics may also choose to become a part of a larger roofing crew and be responsible for specific aspects of a roofing project. After gaining experience and expertise, a roofing mechanic can also become a Roofing Service Technician (RST). As a Roofing Service Technician, your skill set will be used to troubleshoot roof leaks and other problems. You’ll also need a valid driver’s license and a reliable car.

Roofing Services
Roofing Services

How to Prepare for a Roof Replacement

Roofs protect buildings from rain, snow, sun, wind, and temperature extremes. They have been constructed in a variety of forms-flat, pitched, vaulted, or domed-in accordance with technical, economic, and aesthetic considerations. Palm Coast Roofing materials include shingles, slate, clay tiles, wood, and metal. Each material has its advantages.

Roofing ServicesChoosing the right roofing material for your home is an important decision. It can affect your project’s cost and your roof’s durability over time. It is also essential to consider the climate of your area and the type of weather it usually gets. Certain materials are better suited to different types of weather, such as snow or acidic rain.

Ultimately, your taste and budget will influence the material that you choose for your home. For example, a colder climate will likely benefit from ceramic tiles or slate, while a warmer climate may be better suited for composite roofing. However, considering your home’s architecture and how others will view it is also a good idea.

The roofing style of a house has an important impact on how it looks and can make a huge difference in the overall value. That’s why it’s essential to pick the right style. Shingles are one of the most popular and versatile materials used for roofing. They come in a wide range of colors and can really make a statement on the outside of your home! Choosing the right style can be as simple as taking a look at actual samples. But it’s also important to consider the exterior color of your home and how that affects the shingle color.

Choosing the right contractor can significantly impact your roof’s cost. It is important to choose a reputable, licensed and insured contractor who provides quality service. A good roofing contractor will be able to offer a detailed estimate of the cost for your project. This will help you stay on budget and avoid hidden costs or unexpected delays.

Before hiring a contractor, meet them in person so you can ask questions and get a better understanding of their work style. Getting to know the roofer personally is important and can make a big difference in how they work with you throughout the project. When choosing a general contractor, look for one who has relationships with suppliers and can provide you with discounted prices. This will save you money on materials and ensure you have access to what you need when needed. This will also help you avoid delays and other problems that can occur when dealing with multiple vendors.

Getting an estimate for your roof replacement is one of the most important things you can do to help you prepare financially and mentally. It gives you a realistic idea of the project’s cost, and it helps you compare different contractors with one another. The estimate should include a full work description, a timeframe, and warranty/guarantee information. It should also outline the materials that the contractor will use.

If a contractor offers a warranty, it shows that they are confident in the quality of their work and want to maintain a good reputation. It’s also important to check out exactly what’s covered by the warranty so that you don’t accidentally invalidate it. In addition, labor costs are often factored into estimates. Knowing how many workers will be assigned to the job is critical and whether they can complete it by the deadline is critical. It’s also normal to allocate extra charges for permit requests and cleanup services.

Re-roofing is a great option for those with minor roof damage. It is a cheaper way to replace your roof than buying a whole new roof. This method also gives your roof a new look and provides protection. Using a re-roofing method will give your home a longer lifespan. If you live in a high-rain area, a damaged roof can cause many problems. The best time to re-roof your home is when the roof is nearing the end of its lifespan. Replacing a roof can cost a lot of money. A re-roof will allow you to save money on material costs and labor.

Contacting an architect is a good idea when you decide to re-roof your home. An architect can offer a good estimation of the costs. Architects can also help you prevent any structural damage to your home. Depending on your house type, the costs for re-roofing can vary. For example, a single-story home will be cheaper to re-roof than a two-story home. Also, the slope of your home can affect the costs. Steep houses require more time and labor for re-roofing.

roof
Roofing Services

The Importance of Roof Replacement

Re-roofing is important to ensure your home’s longevity and personal comfort. Whether you need new roofing installed or simply repairing a leak, a quality roof will keep your home looking great for years to come. A professional can help you get the right roof for your home and the best value for your money.roof

Re-roofing

Re-roofing can help you save a lot of money while giving your home a new look. It can also help prevent future roof repair costs. Whether your home has been damaged by a storm or has gotten old, it is time to fix the problem.

The best time to re-roof is when your roofing system is at its end of its life cycle. However, you shouldn’t go for this type of repair just because it is a low-cost option. There are many factors to consider before re-roofing your home.

If your roofing system is severely damaged, then you should definitely consider a complete overhaul of your roofing system. This will give you a stronger, more durable roof. You will avoid the risk of rotting, sagging or leaks in the future.

Overlay roofing

Depending on your location, roof replacement using overlay roofing is a great option. It’s not only cheap, but it’s a practical way to keep your home protected from the elements.

Overlay roofs may be best suited for areas that get frequent storms. They’re easier to manage than traditional tear offs. Plus, they’re faster and more cost effective.

While a roof can be a costly investment, a good one can last for many years. Some homeowners even want to maintain the roof for as long as possible. In the long run, though, a full replacement will be necessary.

A roof overlay is a good way to make a bad roof look like new. The process involves laying down new shingles on top of the existing ones. An overlay roof is also an inexpensive solution to a leaky roof.

Ice dam installation

Ice dams are caused when warm air from your home begins to melt snow on your roof. The melting water then seeps into the underside of your shingles and backs up. If this water is allowed to flow out, it can eventually damage your house.

This can lead to damage to your shingles, gutters, and other roofing materials. Besides causing damage, ice dams can also be dangerous. It is important to avoid removing ice dams by yourself.

There are two main ways to prevent ice dams from forming: sealing air leaks and adding insulation. However, the best way to avoid ice dams is to not let them form in the first place.

In order to prevent ice dams, you must design your building so that the roof’s surface temperature remains below freezing. An ice and water protection membrane is one way to do this.

Common warning signs

The roof is one of the most important elements in any home. It keeps the house warm at night, and protects it from the outside world. However, as time goes by, the roof may need replacement. To avoid expensive repairs, you need to watch for warning signs.

The most obvious sign is a leak. This can happen due to damaged roofing materials or a faulty installation. When a leak occurs, water can easily get underneath something, causing serious problems for your home.

Another important indicator is a sagging roof. Sagging roofs indicate structural damage or too much weight. If you can see rotting boards and sagging spots, you should replace your roof.

You can also detect a roof leak by examining your home for stains and streaks. These are common on roofs that are in a humid climate. Similarly, you should look for algae stains on your roof. Algae is a sign of excess moisture, which can cause a lot of damage to your roof.

Cost

The cost of roof replacement can vary greatly depending on a variety of factors. Some of the most important are the size of the home, the pitch of the roof, and the type of material being used. It also depends on the location of the home.

In general, a new roof can cost between $4,500 and $16,500 in 2022. However, this estimate does not include permits, labor costs, and hurricane-proofing.

Before you can get an accurate estimate of the cost of your roof, you will need to take some time to learn about what is included in the price. For example, a permit can cost several hundred dollars, and certain areas may have higher labor costs due to market conditions.

Another factor that can affect the price of a new roof is the climate. In hot, humid, or hurricane-prone areas, you will need to purchase materials and install them in order to withstand the elements.

Construction Services

Don’t Tell Anyone, But The Secrets You Need To Engage In Personal Development Are Here

 

A wonderful way to work on personal development is to help others. Nothing hits home harder than to help others that are needier than you. This is because you will probably see that things in your life are not nearly as bad as imagined and you will feel wonderful after assisting others.

 

Generalizations are the enemy of your self-improvement and success. Examine your thought processes to see what negative, general beliefs you hold about yourself. If you say in your mind that you “always fail,” etc., this is not accurate. Even if it was only one time, you have succeeded in the past! Remind yourself that the future is bright and self-improvement is possible.

 

A great self help tip is to not spend too much of your time watching television. Too much television isn’t healthy because it can greatly increase your stress levels. Watching too much television also promotes a sedentary lifestyle which isn’t healthy. Try limiting the amount of television you watch everyday.

 

If you are thinking about going down the path of self-help dealing with your anger problems, you must stay focused on your goal of being more relaxed. Often, events will happen that make you want to snap, but you need to stay focused and look past the brief enjoyment of anger.

 

Always try to present yourself in a positive light. While you should not worry so much about what someone thinks of you, if you need to promote yourself, you do have to be understood. Just do well to be yourself so that you don’t paint a false persona for people just to get their business.

 

Ways to help others are immense. Spending time with the elderly at a retirement home will fill the older folks with joy and appreciation for your time. Volunteering at an animal shelter will create a sense of importance and positivity. Even something as simple as donating non-perishable food to a drive is amazing because you are filling empty stomachs. Helping those who are less fortunate is a great way to work on yourself, while being an exceptional human being.

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Construction Services

Building collapses after foundation blunders

A building contractor has been prosecuted after carrying out unsafe excavation works which resulted in the partial collapse of a residential building.

Manchester Crown Court heard how on 14 August 2019, Iproject Cheshire Limited had been carrying out refurbishment works on a building in Didsbury.

Employees of the company undermined the foundations while digging out the ground around the building causing a partial collapse. There were no injuries or fatalities, but the collapse presented a risk to life.

An HSE investigation found that the company failed to properly plan or carry out the work safely. A risk assessment into the excavations had not been carried out. There was no safe system of work in place and the work had not been sufficiently supervised.

Iproject Cheshire Limited of Stockport pleaded guilty to safety breaches and was fined £31,500 and ordered to pay costs of £13,500.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector David Argument said: “This was a very serious incident, and it is fortunate that nobody was injured as a result of it.

“This incident could have been prevented if the company had carried out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment prior to commencing work on the excavations and by properly supervising the work.”

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.dennis-construction.com/?p=1607

Construction Services

M Group buys Babcock power lines arm for £50m

Infrastructure specialist contractor M Group Services has bought Babcock’s Overhead Line Power business for £50m.

Following the acquisition, the business will be rebranded to form part of Morrison Energy Services, sitting alongside and enhancing existing electricity, gas and green energy capabilities.

In latest accounts to March 2021, the power business reported total revenues of £70m and pre-tax profit around £7m before allocated overheads.

The overhead line electric transmission and distribution business counts among its clients including National Grid, Scottish Power Energy Networks and Western Power Distribution.

Jim Arnold, Chief Executive M Group Services, said: “It is important for us to deliver sustainable growth both organically and through acquisitions and we are pleased to strategically enhance our capabilities with this acquisition which provides the means to accelerate our growth by delivering a greater breadth of electricity transmission services to our clients.

“The culture, capabilities and reputation that have become synonymous with this business make it a perfect fit for us. We are delighted to welcome David Maddocks and his team to M Group Services.”

David Maddocks, Director of Babcock Power, added: “I am extremely excited to be joining M Group Services. Our overhead line capability compliments the existing range of services and provides a solid platform to grow in a market that has great opportunity for expansion.”

This acquisition takes the total number of strategic acquisitions made by M Group Services to 15 since December 2016.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.dennis-construction.com/?p=1601

Construction Blogs

Groundworker suffers burns during poorly planned dig

A contractor and its groundworks subbie have been fined £400,000 after unsafe excavation work left a worker with serious burns to his hand and arm.

High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court heard that, on the 2 August 2018, a groundworker was preparing the ground to install a post to carry an Automatic Number Plate Recognition Camera at Twyford near Reading, Berkshire.

Initially, the worker hand dug then started to use an 110V mechanical electric breaker when he struck a power cable supplying an adjacent British Telecommunications building.

The voltage of the cable was 415v causing the ground worker to receive an electric shock that caused burns to one hand and to his opposite arm.

An HSE investigation found that site plans for buried cables had not been consulted and a cable avoidance tool had not been used to locate buried services in advance of carrying out the work.

In addition, there was a lack of properly trained labour and supervision in place for the excavation works.

The principal contractor on site had failed to plan, manage and monitor the excavation works and also failed to provide adequate supervision for the project.

CLC Contractors Limited of Southampton pleaded guilty to breaching CDM regulations and were fined £400,000.00 and ordered to pay costs of £5,300.00.

Subcontractor Paul Gale, Company Director of PAG Building Services Ltd of Southampton also pleaded guilty to safety breaches

Due to the seriousness of the offence the case was referred to Aylesbury Crown Court where Gale was sentenced to 14 months imprisonment suspended for 24 months and 150 hour of community service. HSE was awarded costs of £7,200.

Speaking after the case, HSE inspector John Caboche said: “Those in control of work have a responsibility to devise safe methods of working and to provide the necessary information, instruction and training to their workers in the safe system of working.

“In this instance, readily available buried service records were not consulted, and a cable avoidance tool was not provided to the groundworks team. Utilising these simple steps would have prevented this serious incident.”

Construction Services

2021 in Review: Europe and the Middle East’s Year in Construction

As the end of 2021 fast approaches, we have begun to look back on another challenging – but exciting – 12 months in construction.

At the end of the most disruptive year on record – 2020- we knew there would be challenges and changes ahead. The lasting effects of the Covid-19 pandemic continued to make its mark on the world over, but the news and rollout of vaccination programmes brought us much needed hope. And with the continuing impacts of Brexit, climate change and skills and labour shortages, there is no doubt that construction firms were keeping their resiliency plans firmly at the front of their minds.

However, it’s safe to say that we again couldn’t have predicted the long-term impact of Covid-19 on our sector with further lockdowns across much of Europe as we entered 2021 which not only halted productivity and project progress but also contributed to a global materials shortages.

As ever, many businesses, technology has remained mission-critical but the way in which companies are adopting to this is bringing back some clear competitive differences across the market.  We’ve brought together experts from our Autodesk Construction Solutions (ACS) team in Europe and the Middle East to share their thoughts on the year we’ve had and what we’ve learned.

 

Digital plans evolving from survival mode to long-term business strategies

For many construction companies in 2020, digital ways of working were forced upon them to keep afloat. Investment in solutions to keep operations moving in such uncertainty become a necessity and companies with long-term digital strategies were able to keep focused and in places, accelerate their goals.

District Manager for DACH, France and Spain Marvin Theissen reflects; “A Common data environment is always key in effective collaboration when it comes to remote working, and many companies recognised this in 2021. Despite this, 2021 also demonstrated that layering product and solutions on top of each other without a clear strategy can lead to systems fatigue for end-users.”

But as Nordics District Manager Nicholas Klokholm explains, “Companies are becoming more sophisticated in their needs and their employees expect this. Project teams want to work more holistically rather than using point solutions, and this will enable them to capture and use their data for better insights

 

New ways of working creating competitive advantages

When it comes to the marketplace, owners and main contractors also expect to experience a more streamlined digital experience when it comes to viewing and collaborating on their projects. Data that is captured in one place and used to provide richer insights can help decision-makers on projects.

Sander Lijbers, District Manager at Autodesk for Benelux says, “2021 was the year for refining and improving the use of technology. Companies that did this and could demonstrate it had a competitive edge when it came to bidding for work in our industry. Having a central source of truth shows project owners that risk and uncertainty are being addressed and reduced which is some of their biggest concerns

Shortages in materials and labour leading to skills in demand

The materials shortages that plagued the industry for much of 2021 is unfortunately here to stay. As cost of materials skyrocket and delays seep into schedules, a focus on skills in the industry  emerged. For Europe, the major effects of Brexit are starting to impact the labour market. Demand for construction workers across the UK steadily increased throughout 2021 as migration over Europe changed in light of new Brexit legislation.

According to Account Executive for UK & Ireland Brian Roche, the demand on skills led to project pressures and more competition within the market. “Employees expect to work more flexibly in line with other industries. The rise of remote working in 2020 showed us that collaboration can continue regardless of your geographical location with the right tools to support you, and this will be a decision-making factor as skilled workers look for roles within the industry.” Firms working with paper-based and manual processes run the risk of being left behind when it comes to attracting and retaining top talent.

Senior Customer Success Manager in the Middle East, Mohammad Abou Assali recognises that now more than ever, the workforce is looking closely at the mission and values of companies ensuring they align to their own. “In both 2020 and 2021, key issues in the world really came to the forefront. And the time to respond and make change is now. The construction workforce is increasingly aware of their own priorities and want to see more from the industry when it comes to reducing our carbon footprint, so companies need to show their own commitment and advancements towards changing for the better. If they don’t, they risk losing out

People remain at the heart of the construction industry

Despite great progress in digitising and modernising the construction industry for the better, people will forever remain at the heart of the industry. Regardless of the technology being deployed or workflows established, people and their experience must be placed at the centre of any change. As District Manager Nicholas Klokholm says, “Change is difficult, and it doesn’t just happen. Data needs to be the enabler for all that we do in this industry and it is the driver for change.” For Sander Lijbers, District Manager for Benelux, 2021 was the year for preparing for the future; “Getting your own organisation in order was a key priority in 2021 and if you didn’t do that then 2022 is the time to do it – this way you’ll be ready for what is to come next

The post 2021 in Review: Europe and the Middle East’s Year in Construction appeared first on Digital Builder.

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A Simple Clear Construction Staffing Distress Indicator



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Well before the pandemic, the construction sector was worrying over what was perceived as an acute shortage of labor. Much of the discussion on this topic over the past several years has been anecdotal. Or reference has been made to employment gains that have been less than they should be and unemployment rates that have sometimes turned spectacularly low.

But it would be better to find some easy-to-understand visual representation of the problem. It’s my hope that Graphs 1 through 5 below, making use of JOLTS data, fit the bill.

From the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS), for ‘all jobs’ and 14 major sub-sectors, I’ve taken ‘openings’ levels and ‘hires’ levels and calculated openings-to-hires ratios for every month back to July 2009, which was the first period of recovery after the ‘fiscal crisis’ recession (a.k.a., the Great Recession).

The openings-to-hires ratio essentially captures the degree to which vacant positions are being snapped up (a low ratio) or going begging (a high ratio).

To enable easy comparisons between industries, I’ve indexed their openings-to-hires ratios.

The indexing I’ve adopted takes the July 2009 value for each series and sets it equal to 100.0. (The number could just as easily be set equal to 1.0 but choosing 100 leaves more room for following numbers to move not only up, but also down, should that become the case.)

For each series, the value of each subsequent month is divided by the value in the base month (July 2009) and multiplied by 100.

Since all the series have the same starting value (July 2009 = 100.0), when a couple of them, or several of them, are shown on a graph, their movements over time can be readily compared.

In Graphs 1 through 5, I’ve stuck with only one-on-one comparisons.

The higher the curve, the greater the sought-after employee shortage distress.

From Graph 1, it’s apparent that the increase over time, since July 2009, in the openings-to-hires ratio for construction has far outpaced the increase in the openings-to-hires ratio for ‘all jobs’. (The openings-to-hires ratio will increase in an expanding economy.)

By the way, I must point out that the patterns apparent in Graphs 1 to 5 stay essentially the same even when the base period is shifted (e.g., if January 2015 is chosen = 100.0 rather than July 2009).

In Graphs 2 through 5, the worker shortage in construction is shown to be more severe than in the following: manufacturing; retail trade; transportation, warehousing, and utilities; and accommodation and food services.

As for nine of the other ten industrial sectors not set out graphically below, construction’s labor shortage is far more acute than in any of them except one.

The worst labor shortage in the U.S. is currently being experienced in another goods-producing as opposed to the services-producing corner of the economy, ‘mining and logging’.

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