Lennar Asks Subcontractors To Reduce Rates.. Or Else!
February 21, 2007
One of the largest home builders in the country, Lennar, has been suffering from a soft housing market just like every other builder. To offset this recent market shift Lennar has decided to ask for lower rates from it’s subs. This makes sense until you hear that they are asking for lower rates on WORK ALREADY PREFORMED.
Of course all of these subs have a contract with Lennar stating how much they will paid. Lennar has no choice but to honor these contractors however if a subcontractor refuses to reduce their rate they will “be excluded from bidding future work for a minimum of six months.”
Source: The Orange County Register
Systems Development: Definite Chief Aim
February 21, 2007
If you interviewed for a job, you would likely ask your potential employer a number of questions relating to: compensation, benefits, insurance, holidays, vacation, etc. Have you ever asked your current employer about those issues?
Our business is a tool—a tool to help us experience the kind of life we wish to have. Our business can provide us wealth, or leisure time, or many other things. Our business is an unlimited opportunity.
But before we can use that tool to accomplish our desires, we must first identify those desires. Every tool has a specific purpose, and when used improperly, can result in serious damage and destruction. Read more
Using Systems to Solve Business Problems
February 19, 2007
Most problems and frustrations (we call them bottlenecks)Â within our contracting business have one of two fundamental causes: a lack of systems and procedures, or the appropriate procedure was not followed.
A system could be defined as an integrated whole, in which each part is interdependent with other parts. Together, the individual parts contribute to the overall function of the item in question. For example, an automobile consists of many individual parts. If a particular part fails, the entire automobile may not function. In a business, if a particular function or task is not performed properly, the business may not meet its goals. In other words, a bottleneck will result. Read more
OSHA Required “Competent Person”
February 16, 2007
One of OSHA’s standards is that of “The Competent Person”. OSHA requires all employers, including General Contractors as well as Subcontractors, to start and maintain a job-site safety and health program. The construction standards require that each employer designate someone to fill the roll of the competent person. Read more
DeckExpo 2007
February 14, 2007
Sponsored by The North American Decking and Railing Association (NADRA), this years 2007 DeckExpo promises three fun-filled days of education, networking, and business building opportunities.
Held in Las Vegas, Nevada, February 27 through March 1, 2007, the event is geared to encompass all areas of decking and the dock and railing industry. Read more
Business “Blueprints†For Success
February 9, 2007
Too many times I hear objections when suggesting to fellow contractors that no business should operate without a written business plan. Just as every project has a detailed set of plans that must be followed for the desired outcome, so should your business. Think of the business plan as a blueprint, and use it to plan your path to success.
The best option is to write a formal plan before business begins and update it whenever there are changes. It will help the business stay on course during those times when you are busy dealing with all the common stresses of the construction or remodeling industry such as material schedules, labor issues, and time constraints. Read more
From the top down
February 9, 2007
Basing most my work on retail and sub agreements I’ve found it tough at times to pick up the feed thrown by other contractors and customers. Then, this winter almost all came to a crawl if even that at times. I’ve dabbled in home flipping and been a part of the spec machine, however, just about every-time I’ve ended up like a monkey in the jungle trying to break a coconut for his next meal…..Believe it or not, that metaphor was inspired by my wife’s cooking.
So there I sat all broken hearted and some interesting approaches came to me. Knowing the general costs involved in phase by phase for the actual task preformed, maybe I should start at the top down. Off I go on my high horse here to save the day.
Read more
Houses Go Up At IBS
February 7, 2007
Every year at the International Builders Show they construct several full size homes in the parking log of the convention center. These homes show off all the latest new building trends and draw quite the crowd.
The only way to get the homes built in the sort amount of time they have is to use modular homes and bring them in piece by piece on flat bed trucks. This is where Nationwide Custom Homes comes in. They are experts at modular home construction and they have been posting pictures of their work at IBS online.
When you get a chance take a look at the show homes as they go up here
International Home Builders Show
February 6, 2007
It is that time of the year again, time for one of the biggest home building shows in the world.
I am talking about The International Home Builders Show in Orlando, FL.
It will all start February 7 and run through the 10. There will be 1,900 leading suppliers representing 300 industry categories, covering over a million net square feet of exhibit space, it is the largest Show in NAHB history!
For more infomation please click here
What is LEED?
February 6, 2007
With the world focused on finding new energy solutions, more and more people are looking into green construction and design. You may have seen a building being LEED certified, have you ever took the time to explore more, about what LEED is?
What is LEED?
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design ( LEED) Green Building Rating System™ is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings. LEED gives building owners and operators the tools they need to have an immediate and measurable impact on their buildings’ performance. LEED promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in five key areas of human and environmental health: sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality
For more information on LEED or green building practices please visit:
United States Green Building Council
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