Continuing education for construction professionals in Massachusetts.
The year 2017 was a costly one for the U.S. thanks to two of the strongest hurricanes to strike the nation this century. Together, Hurricanes Harvey and Irma caused over $215 billion in damages. Just as homeowners make plans for approaching storms, so should construction supervisors engage in preparations designed to protect their job sites…
This month marks the 120-year anniversary of the unveiling of the first radio-controlled device. In September of 1898 at Madison Square Garden, engineer Nikola Tesla demonstrated his state-of-the-art invention which he called “teleautomaton,” a miniature boat which he could control using radio signals. Many who witnessed the event suspected the boat was actually being powered…
A big part of a construction supervisor’s job is to constantly keep an eye on the bottom line while still making sure everything runs smoothly. One of the biggest challenges in accomplishing this goal is obtaining new equipment to replace old machinery or address a new job site need. Not only does this increase the…
Cranes are vitally important tools used on just about every construction job site in the country. With this type of heavy machinery, a relatively small amount of workers can move heavy objects safely and complete tasks faster than using manual lifting methods. While the term “crane” is often applied to several types of machines, there…
As a Massachusetts home improvement contractor, you must concern yourself with a myriad of potential problems and hazards, from electrical and plumbing codes to foundational and structural integrity and more. Now, you can add to that list something that is currently on the radar of the Environmental Protection Agency: vapor intrusion. The Dangers of Vapor…
When you look at some of the world’s oldest structures that are still standing like the Pyramids, the Colosseum, or the Great Wall of China, it’s difficult to imagine how ancient peoples managed to build them without today’s technology. Perhaps in a few decades, we’ll be looking at more “modern” buildings and wondering how they…
Two of the most important duties of a construction supervisor are to advocate for his subordinates and to lead by example. The area in which these two duties intersect is safety. After all, a good construction supervisor tries to protect the well-being of the workers who report to him, and he also protects the interests…
If you’re handy with your hands and you like helping people, then you might be successful in Massachusetts as a home improvement contractor. However, you can’t just start marketing your services and bidding on contracts. Before you begin, you must register as a home improvement contractor with the state. Some of the rules and exemptions…
What do all construction workers everywhere have in common? They all have an opinion about their boss. One of the top supervisors on any Massachusetts job site is the construction manager. Most workers know who he or she is, but they may not be clear on precisely what he or she does. The Life of…
As a new year begins, many Americans embrace the opportunity to start fresh and turn over a new leaf. But others tend to be suspicious of change, especially when they have gotten used to doing things a certain way. This dichotomy is highlighted with regard to construction supervisors in Massachusetts. Beginning this year, individuals who…