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Articles by kia
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Keeping Up With Elevation Issues
In construction, while large loaders shape the ground underfoot and tall cranes fly supplies overhead, it is easy to be swept away by the massiveness of it all. Even a modest project, let’s say the construction of a house, is an impressive ... -
The Contractor's License-An important credential that should be in place for renovations, repairs, and new construction
Many states use licensing as a means to regulate an activity, particularly one that requires a high level of skill and is deemed dangerous when performed incorrectly. Professionals are often licensed because unqualified practitioners can cause harm. A state ... -
Contractor Insurance-Avoiding loss when you remodel, repair, or build a new home
Risk is an uncertainty you assume everyday and sometimes it can result in loss. Insurance is a resource that protects you against major financial loss because the risk of loss is transferred to the insurance company. In exchange for a small fee (the ... -
Finding Your Initial Contractor Candidates When You Build a House or Remodel or Repair an Existing One
Have you ever wondered why some building projects come off without a hitch while others drag on, draining your energy and funds? The outcome often depends on whether you hired a tip-top team of good contractors or a ragtag team of ne’er-do-wells. ... -
The Key to Productive Inspections When You Build A New House or Renovate An Existing One
Most contractors agree that once a building project breaks ground, the job is halfway done. Yes, it is true. It takes as much time and effort to design, estimate, contract, schedule, and permit the work as it takes to build ... -
OSHA Imposes Stricter Fall-Protection Requirements To Help Protect Contractors
Because falls are the No. 1 cause of workplace death, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is tightening up regulations designed to protect workers from this deadly type of accident. In December 2010, OSHA withdrew an exemption that ... -
Eat Your Heart Out, New York
New York City is a melting pot of various cuisines and the International Restaurant and Foodservice Show of New York reflects this diversity. This trade show, where I presented information about construction, showcases new trends and products in the ... -
A Peek at the Past
When I visited Colorado recently, I noticed that the town of Frisco transported several historic homes to its Historic Park and Museum. This park is a great place for families to “go back in time” and see how life was in the early 19th century. Back ... -
The 2011 International Builders’ Show-New products and services for your home improvement and new construction projects
Visiting the International Builders’ Show (IBS) is like running a marathon: it’s an exhausting ordeal but the rewards are worth the effort. This year, the trade show featured more than 1,000 exhibitors, 170 educational sessions, and 47,000 visitors from ... -
Wishing You a Happy, Healthy and Humorous New Year
Wit and wisdom are virtues I admire most in people. No matter what you’re working on, a good sense of humor is always a useful addition to your toolbox. Here are a few wise and witty gems I’d like to share with you. During the holidays, I had a ... -
Art Helps Make a “House” a “Home”
Building a house is a process that’s fraught with challenging decisions. From contractors to cabinetry, your choices define the finished house. Because your home is a reflection of you, good design decisions require that you know yourself: Are you an ... -
The Contractress Presents...Using state website to find good contractors
With hurricane season in full swing, I am often asked to give presentations about how to find and properly contract with contractors for post-hurricane repairs. Sometimes I am invited by local government to participate in hurricane readiness events; other ... -
Southeastern Building Conference – Homeowners Welcome
It's no secret that tradeshows are fertile grounds for growth. While attendees can learn about new products and services, vendors can learn about the needs and interests of the people they serve. Last week the Southeastern Building Conference (SEBC) ... -
Hope For The Best but Prepare For The Worst-Finding good contractors before you need them
Hurricanes are like houseguests from out of state—whether we like them or not, we can expect them to visit every year. Are you prepared? If not, local emergency managers, rescue workers, and government officials can help. Last week, May 23-May 28, ... -
The Scoop on the Scope-Have a plan before you start building
Have you ever noticed how unorganized projects take twice as long to complete and even then, the results are often unsatisfactory? This can occur when there is no clear objective or defined means of reaching it. One of the most important things ... -
Buyer's Bonanza-Federal assistance programs that save you money
Because of low home prices and favorable interest rates, housing is more affordable than ever. Affordability is further increased when you take advantage of assistance programs that can help toward the purchase or renovation of a home. The Federal ... -
The Lowdown on Liens-Don't pay twice for your building project
Legal Disclaimer/Important notice to readers: The following overview of construction liens is presented as general information only. It is not legal advice, that is, the application of law to an individual’s specific circumstance. Because lien law is a ... -
I Spy….Oh My! How to find good contractors
Researching your potential contractor is important because you want to hire the best person for your job. In addition to confirming that the contractor meets the state’s requirements for contracting (such as possessing needed licenses and insurance), it is ... -
Time-out Tuesday
Due to the country’s ailing economy, many people are working more hours for less pay. In addition, the workplace atmosphere can be tense and laced with uncertainty. With corporate cutbacks the norm, it is easy to feel pressured to ... -
Sitework-The first step when you build a house or an addition
When you build a house, clean and stable soil is essential to a foundation's ability to support its weight. If clay or muck is present, it must be removed or your house may settle.
