Category Archives: Contractors

Redesigned ContractorsCompare.com Launches

ContractorsCompare.com, the comparison site established for the benefit of tradesmen, has undergone a major renovation in order to deliver a more user-friendly experience by increasing visitors’ ease of usage.

The first change visitors will notice is to the homepage of ContractorsCompare.com. This page has been redesigned to include key services in prominent places, guiding the majority of users to their desired destinations.

The bulk of the reconstruction has taken place with the site’s navigation. Pages are now more easily found and accessed, leading to a reduced search time for users. Other benefits from the refurbishment include a tradesmens news page with regular updates from the contractors’ world and an RSS feed to help readers stay up to date.

Mark Farrimond, director at ContractorsCompare.com, said: “We hope the new look of the site will enable tradesmen to get a greater understanding of the products and services available from ContractorsCompare.com, not only insurance but also employment law advice, health and safety advice and tax advice. Tradesmen can compare quotes for public and employers liability insurance from leading insurers; AXA, Fortis, Groupama and MMA with more insurers to be added to the panel later in the year.

“Tradesmen can also compare prices on tools and equipment from some of the UK’s largest online retailers.”

The site was originally launched in December 2008 but has since undergone redesigns to increase usability and add function to the site – such as additional products and improved services, like the enhanced tool finding service.

ContractorsCompare.com also includes services such as an online chat facility for users to get instant help and advice as well, and a renewal reminder that will notify members when any of their insurance policies are running out.

About ContractorsCompare.com
ContractorsCompare.com is owned by ContractorsCompare.com Ltd, a company established by the directors of Allied Insurance Services Ltd to deliver tradesmen’s insurance to customers via the internet.

Allied Insurance Services were formed in 2001 and have for many years specialised in providing insurance to tradesmen and contractors in the UK. They became the appointed insurance broker to the Federation of Window Cleaners and the Painting & Decorating Association due to this specialism and excellent customer service. Using this expertise and their strong relationships within the insurance market ContractorsCompare.com was born.

ContractorsCompare.com Ltd now acts as an appointed representative of Allied Insurance Services Ltd for the purposes of introducing non-life insurance business. The company also acts as an introducer of life and financial services business to Allied Financial Services Ltd.

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According To Hays Construction, Leading Specialist Recruiter, Despite A Difficult Start To The Year, There Continue To Be Pockets Of Construction Recruitment

Lynne Crowe, Regional Manager at Hays Construction, commented, “Although the length of contracts has become shorter on average, the demand for trades and labouring jobs has remained steady in some parts of the UK.”

construction jobs

Employers can afford to be more selective regarding the calibre of applicants they recruit and the specific requirements needed given the excess supply of experienced and quality site staff available in the marketplace. Flexibility is an important pre-requisite for employers, who are looking to hire individuals on a temporary basis for their labouring and trades jobs.

Currently the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) is a key requirement, particularly given the health and safety regulations that contractors need to abide by. Lynne Crowe stressed, “It does not matter if you are a fully qualified experienced tradesman or a first time general labourer, a CSCS card provides proof of competency. Employer requirements also include Prefabricated Access Suppliers’ and Manufacturers’ Association (PASMA) passes in the building aluminium towers.”

The public sector continues to prove resilient and there are a number of long-term opportunities for tradesmen such as carpenters, painters, tilers, plasterers, bricklayers, painters, decorators and banksmen, particularly within the health and education sectors, which have benefited f r o m a significant injection in government investment. Examples include renovation programmes for hospitals and the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme, which continue to create opportunities for skilled operatives.

Although commercial new build activity is being scaled back in the private sector, there has still been ongoing refurbishment activity. “Companies may seek to re-evaluate a move to a brand new office building and instead look at redeveloping existing premises,” noted Lynne Crowe. “The high-end residential market has also created opportunities for those companies with strong cashflow who are able to pick up bargains and inject funds into upgrading properties, which they can then re-sell when property values increase.”

Jobseekers need to stand out and differentiate themselves f r o m their peers to have the best chance of securing employment in the current market. Whether seeking both permanent or temporary work, employers are looking for CVs with evidence of a solid work history, excellent ready references and for tradesmen, full tools specifications. But interpersonal skills are equally important, “A good attitude to work is a must and all jobseekers must be keen to impress, as every job interview is their platform to excel,” concluded Lynne Crowe.

Hays Construction is part of Hays plc, the leading global specialist recruitment group, specialising in construction jobs including construction manager jobs and quantity surveying jobs. It is market leader in the UK and Australia, and one of the market leaders in Continental Europe. The Group employs 8,294 staff operating f r o m 380 offices in 28 countries across 17 specialisms.

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Popular Mechanics Editor’s Choice Award Won By Nail Jack Tools

Nail Jack Tools unveiled their first two nail pulling pliers – the Nail Jack® and Nail Hunter® at the 2009 National Hardware Show in Las Vegas this week and were informed that the Nail Jack has captured Popular Mechanics’ prestigious Editor’s Choice Award.

Popular Mechanics Editor’s Choice Award

The publication does not accept submissions for their award, but instead chooses winners from thousands of products based on originality, ingenuity and design. The award recognized Nail Jack Tools for its innovative design in the Nail Jack nail puller – the first hand tool designed as a pliers like device to dig, grab and pull nails, staples and brads. Popular Mechanics called the Nail Jack nail puller a “fresh new hand tool” in a product category that “rarely sees true innovation.”

“We are honored to be recognized by this esteemed group of editors for the 2009 Editor’s Choice Award from Popular Mechanics,” says Nail Jack CEO Mike Foley. “The show has been a great opportunity to showcase our tools, and winning an award like this really confirms the need for a new line of tools designed specifically from the ground up to pull nails and fasteners without damaging costly wood products.”

The patented and patent-pending designs of the Nail Jack and Nail Hunter fill a large gap in the retail market and construction industry. Designed like pliers, these unique tools do most of their work with “one hand”, or can be struck with a hammer to dig out a nail, grab a headless brad or nail with their jaws while utilizing a built in fulcrum. The family of tools is specifically designed to pull nails, staples and fasteners with efficiency – saving time and money.

The Idaho-based company founded in 2006 unveiled the Nail Jack tool line at this year’s National Hardware Show. For more information, please visit the company’s website at www.nailjack.com or call the company at 1-877-PULL-NAIL (or at +1-208-928-6426).

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Free 35 Point Roof Inspections And Insurance Deductible Assistance Throughout Southern Illinois Provided By Integrity Roofing & Exteriors

integrityroofingandexteriors.org

Integrity Roofing & Exteriors: In response to recent storm damage throughout Southern Ill. is offering free 35 point roof inspections and insurance deductible assistance.

Integrity Roofing & Exteriors

Record catastrophic hail and wind storms strike southern Illinois in 2009 leaving many with roof damage that they aren’t even aware of. Integrity Roofing and Exteriors helps hundreds, not only rebuild, but sift through the complicated insurance process.

Integrity Roofing and Exteriors, the premier residential restoration firm in the Midwest, announced today that its Southern Illinois office will help home owners throughout the Southern Illinois area this year, not only rebuild, but understand and work through the often complex insurance claims process.

“Most homeowners do not realize they have hail damage. Why? It is impossible to see damage from the ground,” states Brian James. “Homeowners need a trained professional who knows the difference between nail pops, blistering and hail damage. Just because your car didn’t get dinged up doesn’t mean the integrity of your roof hasn’t been compromised. The solution is to have a trained professional examine your roof up close. And since our company offers a no obligation, free, 35 point inspection, homeowners have nothing to lose – with one exception. If homeowners wait and do not file a claim in time, they may have to pay out of pocket.”

In addition to offering homeowners great workmanship and great customer service, Integrity has a team of insurance claim specialists that assist homeowners in understanding and working through the often complex insurance claims process.

I want to sing the praises of a local roofing company, Integrity Roofing and Exteriors. They completed my new roof earlier this year. They met with my insurance adjuster and myself, and made me feel very comfortable with the entire process. They kept me up-to-date with my project, and always returned my calls. Not only was the work that they provided exceptional, but I also loved the warranty that I received at no additional charge. They workers were very clean and professional, and my service was wonderful. I would recommend this company to anyone who needs roof work done.

About Integrity Roofing and Exteriors 

Integrity Roofing and Exteriors is committed to the community it serves providing employment and resources for long-term cooperative growth. Their commitment to 5 star customer service is unprecedented in the construction industry. Call them anytime at: 888-879-5910.

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NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Jacksonville to Meet with Homeowners at Harmony in the Garden

On May16th, from 7pm to 9:30pm Harmony in the Garden, will be held at the St. Augustine Water and Stone Gallery. The event is hosted by businesses that offer top of the line products and services for homes and gardens. This evening offers discerning homeowners the chance to view ideas for their homes while in a luxurious setting with live music, wine, and cocktails, tastes of “Galanga” Fine Cuisine as well as door prizes from the Jacksonville area business hosts. Homeowners will also be able to enjoy renowned artists’ works displayed in a beautiful Zen garden. Collette Vale is reservations by phone at 904-808-8784. More information about the Water and Stone Gallery and their distinguished artists can be found at www.waterandstonegallery.com.

NiteLites of Jacksonville Outdoor Lighting provides both low voltage landscape lighting and architectural lighting to many homes and commercial properties in the Jacksonville / St. Augustine area.

NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Jacksonville provides the latest in energy efficient LED lighting technology, custom lighting design, professional installation, and outdoor lighting repair. NiteLites outdoor lighting fixtures are weather resistant as they are made of copper and brass and are acid-etched for a durable design.

NiteLites is national outdoor lighting franchise and offers additional information about landscape and architectural lighting online at http://www.NiteLites.com. Throughout the U.S. there NiteLites outdoor lighting locations in over 40 cities including: NiteLites Outdoor Lights of Asheville, Greenville, SC 29601, 29602, 29603, 29605, 29607, 29609, 29611, 29615, 29616, and 29617. NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Atlanta 30305, 30319, 30327, Alpharetta 30004, 30005, 30022, 30305, 30319, Duluth, GA 30097, Marietta 30062, Roswell 30075, and Aiken 29801. NiteLites Architectural Lighting of Augusta, SC, Blythewood, SC 29016, Chapin 29036, Columbia 29290, Elgin 29045, Irmo 29063, Leesville 29070, Lexington 29072, and West Columbia 29169. NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Charleston 29401, 29403, 29407, 29412, 29414, 29419, 29492, Daniel Island 29445, Goose Creek 29445, Hanahan 29410, Isle of Palms 29451, Johns Island 29455, Kiawah Island 29455, Moncks Corner 29461, Mt. Pleasant 29464, North Charleston 29405, Sullivans Island 29482, Summerville 29483, 29485, Wadmalaw Island 29487, and Wando 29492. Arlington 60004, Bradenton 34209, Bernardsville 07924, Brentwood 37027, Bridgewater 08807, Branchburg 08876, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Boca Raton 33433, Bonita Springs 34135, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Central New Jersey 08857, Cape Coral 33914, Centerville 45458, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Charleston 29412, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Charlotte 28269, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Chicago 60604, Chicagoland 60004, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Cincinnati 45243, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Clearwater 33755, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Columbia 29212, NiteLites Landscape Lighting of Columbus 43230, Covington 41011, East Brunswick 08816, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Dayton 45423, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Delaware 19898, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Fort Myers 33908, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Fort Lauderdale 33326, Franklin 37064, Greenville 29601, Hilliard 43026 , NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Houston 77095, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Indianapolis 46032, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach 32240, Jupiter 33458, Katy 77450, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Lima 45805, Livingston 27391, Lynchburg 24083, Madison 53707, Maryland 20854, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Middle Tennessee 37075, Millburn 07041, Morristown 07962, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Mt. Pleasant 29464, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Myrtle Beach 29597, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Naples 34109, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Nashville 37221, Newport 41076, New Providence 07974, North Augusta 29841, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Northern Kentucky 41012, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Northern Virginia 22124, Novi 48377, Oxford 45056, Philadelphia 19118, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Roanoke 24018, Sanibel 33957, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Sarasota 34243, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Southeast Michigan 48380, Spartanburg 29304, Springboro 45066, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of St. Louis 63005, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of St. Petersburg 33715, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Toledo 43699, NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of Tampa 33647, Valrico 33594, Venice 34293, Wilmington 19808, Washington, DC 20510, Watchung 08089, West Caldwell 07006, West Orange 07052, Westerville 43081, and NiteLites Outdoor Lighting of West Palm Beach 33414.

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ServiceSpider.com – An Auction Website For Homeowners And Contractors

ServiceSpider makes the online auction process that has long been used by companies like eBay, available for homeowners and contractors to buy and sell services on the Internet.

After beta testing for a year ServiceSpider releases a new version of their auction website with many new features such as forums. On ServiceSpider.com homeowners can save time and money by letting contractors compete for their home improvement needs.

Homeowner Haye Kesteloo came up with the idea for ServiceSpider while working on a bathroom remodel project in 2006. “As I started to contact different contractors to get quotes for my project, I found it difficult to establish what a fair price should be for a job well done.” Prices, time estimates, and other factors varied from one contractor to another, and Kesteloo found himself wondering if there wasn’t a better way to navigate the Home Improvement market using the Internet. Kesteloo decided to stop wondering and to make the idea a reality, helping homeowners and contractors in the process. With that plan in motion, ServiceSpider was born.

Most homeowners know how difficult and time consuming it can be to find the right contractor for a home improvement job. Scheduling appointments, checking references and licenses and other related issues can make a job seem much more difficult than it needs to be. This is where ServiceSpider comes in. As a homeowner, one needs only to go to http://www.servicespider.com, and create a posting about the job that needs to be done. Need a leaky shower fixed? Maybe it’s time to upgrade the electrical panel? Or perhaps it’s time to replace those old windows? Whatever the home improvement needs are, once the job is posted at ServiceSpider, the service request will show up on the site’s home page, and will be automatically send to matching service providers in the area. Free of charge to the homeowner, ServiceSpider will have pre-screened contractors offering competing bids for the job. One can even read the reviews from other homeowners on different contractors and see how they are rated.

Currently, in the greater New York area alone, there are over 700 service providers, so a match can be made quickly and efficiently. The homeowner chooses how, when and where they will be contacted, be it phone, fax, or email. The homeowner is in charge!

For Haye Kesteloo, making ServiceSpider a success is a full time job. He knows that finding the right contractor for the right job and for the right price can be a challenge, especially in the current economic climate. Kesteloo offers the following advice: “Take your time when choosing the right contractor. Don’t let yourself be hurried into making a decision. Make sure the contractor you hire is licensed and insured and that you receive a written contract.”

For additional information regarding ServiceSpider, please contact Haye Kesteloo directly or go to www.servicespider.com.

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Affordable Web Commercials for Contractors

Big Time Productions, INC is proud to announce the launch of YourWebAds.com. Yourwebads.com is a turn-key marketing solution for today’s small business professionals.

Challenging economic times require that you get the best VALUE and RESULTS from every advertising dollar!

The NEXT big thing for small business is web commercials. And here at YourWebAds.com, we’ve created an economical mutli-media marketing option that can help grow your business no matter what the financial climate may be.

We creat high-end custom web commercials. You get the commercial (uploaded to the top video search engines) and a website with your own domain name to house it for only a $499 one time start up costs and a low $19.95 per month. Stop wasting your money on a yellow pages type listing….. the future is now and it’s happening online!

Check out the link below to learn more about this amazing opportunity:

http://www.yourwebads.com/c-3-contractor-services.aspx

Use coupon code number JU12 at checkout and get $100 off your transaction.

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XHHW Wire Preferred by Many Electrical Contractors Verse THHN Wire

HHW, an electrical copper building wire, is proving to be a favorite over the more standard THHN building wire by many electrical contractors and installers.

XHHW stands for Cross-Linked High Heat Water Resistant Insulated Wire. Today’s XHHW is manufactured to XHHW-2 standard meaning it is rated in wet and dry environments up to 90C. XHHW is found both in stranded and solid constructions and various jacket colors.

THHN stands for Thermoplastic High Heat-resistant Nylon-coated. THHN is also found in both stranded and solid copper conductors but uses a nylon coating for mechanical and protection for gas and oil.

The key difference between the two building wires is XHHW utilizes cross-linked polyethylene (XPLE) and THHN uses a poly-vinyl chloride (PVC) as the insulation over the conductor. XHHW performs better in the low temperature environments and has a higher K Value, or better electrical properties.

“We continue to see more and more customers request XHHW over THHN now that copper prices have dropped again. XHHW has better current carrying capacity giving it the ability to withstand meltdown better, and even with its marginal price increase, many customers make it their choice over THNN,” remarked Bryce Huett, President of Distributor Wire & Cable in Denver, Colorado.

XHHW typically cost 10-20% more than THHN but that gap is closing as cross-linked polyethylene becomes more and more available. It is worth noting that the nylon coating on THHN wire makes it stiffer than its building wire counter part. Installers always prefer a more pliable product when trying to pull their runs throughout a structure.

Distributor Wire & Cable is a nationwide electrical wholesaler for all types of wire and cable including XHHW and THHN building wire. For more information on their products and services, call 888-439-2947 or visit www.distributorwire.com.

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Reasor Products, Inc. – The Experts In Warming Bags

Reasor Products, Inc., of Duluth, Minnesota, introduces a new product to the construction industry from its line of warming bags, a Caulk Warming Bag. This unique patented bag will solve an age old problem in the building trades of keeping items warm in cold weather with a light weight economical heat source.

The Caulk Warmer has been awarded a Bronze Medal in recognition of the invention of the Caulk Warmer, at the Minnesota Inventors Congress 51st Annual Invention Show in Redwood Falls, MN. The Caulk Warmer is a heavy duty canvas bag with an enclosed heating element that keeps caulk and other items warm in colder temperatures. This allows caulk to flow more freely in cold weather; speeding up application time, relieving strain on users arms and hands and providing better sealing and appearance. The bag has a backstrap with a “quick disconnect” for looping over railings, plugs into 120V AC, and has a convenient cord storage pouch on the front. There is a convenient on/off switch and the internal temperature is thermostatically controlled and requires only 50 watts of power, due to its patented flexible heat reflecting shield that retains heat. A 12V DC lighter adapter is also available. Suggested retail is $79.95 and is available in stores and on line at www.caulkwarmer.com.

The Minnesota Inventors Congress (MIC) is a private, non profit organization established to further the inventor’s products that originate in Minnesota. MIC is also one of the originators of the Minnesota Inventors Convention held in Redwood Falls, MN every June.

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A New Software Program Allows California Contractors To Draft Their Own Customized Contracts Legal For California Law

The new Construction Contract Writer software program from Craftsman Book Company offers construction professionals an affordable and convenient way to create fair and balanced custom-tailored construction contracts that meet state requirements. A free feature-limited trial is available at www.constructioncontractwriter.com.

Publisher Gary Moselle explains that Construction Contract Writer is a Generation III contract authoring program: “For 100 years, architectural and engineering associations have offered contracts on paper. That was Generation I. None of these contracts were written to protect contractors. And it isn’t easy to make changes in a printed form. Generation II was contracts on disk. Changes were possible. But there was no way to adjust contract bias. Construction Contract Writer is the first Generation III application. Users adjust contract bias to fit the job.” A bias indicator shows which way the contract is leaning and by how much.

Construction Contract Writer uses a question and answer “interview” model – walking users through a comprehensive checklist of contract topics. Length and depth of the interview adjusts with user responses. Moselle sums it up like this, “If you know the job and you know what the job requires, Construction Contract Writer will do the rest.” An ‘explainer’ describes in plain English the purpose and meaning of each contract clause. No legal background is required.

Moselle says there will be a Construction Contract Writer edition for every state. “The law in every state is different. No contract fits all states. A contract that doesn’t comply with state law can leave a contractor with no way to collect the contract price.” The California version is now available for download. Arizona, Alabama, Florida, New York and Texas are next on the list for roll-out.

“Even experienced construction contract attorneys will find good uses for Construction Contract Writer,” says Moselle. The program cites state court decisions and code sections relevant to key interview questions.

The program is offered as a free feature-limited trial. Product activation costs $99.95 and unlocks the copy, paste and print functions. Twelve months of legal content and program updates are included with the purchase price.

Craftsman Book Company provides unlimited free technical support during normal business hours (weekdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific). Once activated, Construction Contract Writer users receive legal support via e-mail. There is no limit and no charge. Customers can expect a response within 24 hours. Construction Contract Writer runs on Windows XP and Windows Vista computers.

Craftsman Book Company publishes over 100 construction-related titles and has been in business since 1950. Craftsman’s customers include contractors, estimators, remodelers, custom builders, architects, engineers, adjusters and appraisers. Craftsman’s Web site, http://craftsman-book.com, also offers trial downloads of their estimating costbooks and software.

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Welcome to EPR Construction News

EPR Construction News is a new blog, part of EPR Network, that is going to be focused on and will be covering the construction news and stories from press releases published on EPR Network.

EPR Network (EPR stands for express press release) is one of the nation’s largest press release distribution networks on Web. The EPR’s nationwide network includes 12 State based PR sites, one major PR forum and a number of industry specific PR blogs and what started as a hobby on Internet years ago turned out to be a rapidly growing business today. EPR Network is also known as one of the most trusted (human optimized, published, edited and monitored, spam/scam/low quality PR content free) PR sites on the web with more than 10,000 company and individual press releases distributed per month. EPR Network is putting your press releases on top of all major search engines’ results and is reaching thousands of individuals, companies, PR specialists, media professionals, bloggers and journalists every day.

EPR Network has thousands of clients around the world including global 500 corporations like Hilton Hotels, Barclays Bank, AXA Insurance, Tesco UK, eBay/Skype, Emirates, just to name a few. The network’s PR web sites are currently reaching from 150,000 to sometimes 500,000 unique visitors per month while our viral reach could possibly go to as much as 1M people per month through our presence across various social media sites. EPR Network was established in 2004 and as of May 2008 it had more than 800,000 press releases (pages) published on its network.

If you have a press release to be distributed, you can do it over here: press release distribution