With winter upon us here in northwestern PA, we know that with the winter season comes heavy snowstorms, blowing and drifting snow, treacherous ice and frigid winds. These conditions create hazards when it comes to excessive weight to a building structure. These wintery conditions can also cause structural and/or cosmetic damage, as well as create an unsafe environment in and around the building. While the weather storms are at times unpredictable, we always know that there is a chance from now until March. Knowing how to manage your business during winter storms will help prepare you and save you the hassle and money in the long run.

Know what to look for.

Regardless of where your building is located, these wintery conditions can affect you anywhere. Whether you’re in a downtown location with buildings snug up against yours, or if your building is located in a remote, desolate area, knowing what to keep a lookout for can help you stay safe.

How to manage winter conditions.

There are many issues that could arise due to winter conditions. Excessive snow accumulation can present danger to structures due to the extra weight. Being mindful of the amount of snow building up on your structure is a good place to start. If you aren’t always present at the location, assemble a snow watch and removal crew to keep tabs on the accumulation. Instituting a snow removal plan can help prevent costly damage from occurring.

Another potential danger to be mindful of is the drainage system. Keeping the drains and gutters clear of snow and ice will help ensure they are functioning properly. Another preventative measure is installing heat tape in the gutters and downspouts to avoid ice build-up.

If any damage does occur, it’s imperative to inform your employees and anyone else that could be affected by the damage. Informing your employees allow them to be aware of the situation and to be on the lookout if the problem worsens.

How we can help.

With over 30 years in business in northwestern PA, we at ACI know how to handle the treacherous winter conditions. From excessive snow buildup to backed up drainage and pipe burst prevention, we can lead you through a safe and productive winter season. Contact us today!

When the winter months start winding down, be sure to check out  Inspecting Your Building For Winter Damage.

When beginning any size construction project, stormwater management is imperative to a successful job. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Stormwater management is the effort to reduce runoff of rainwater or melted snow into streets, lawns and other sites and the improvement of water quality. Stormwater management is a crucial matter when planning for new construction and when making additions and/or updates to already standing structures.

The Importance of Planning for Stormwater Management

In developed areas, many factors come into play that could affect the natural tendencies of precipitation. Hardened surfaces, foundations, roofs, and many other manmade elements can prevent runoff water from naturally soaking into the ground. We can prevent issues from occurring by constructing a stormwater management plan. “It is important to ask questions early in the planning stage whenever taking on a construction project, notes Tracey Crawford, District Manager of the Crawford County Conservation District. “We see so many developers sitting and waiting on permits when the weather is perfect for working because plans were not developed and submitted far enough in advance.” By working with your contractor in the early stages, you can help maintain a safe environment, detain stormwater and remove pollutants. Knowing the guidelines for your specific project will help you plan ahead and create  “If your project exceeds certain thresholds or you find yourself working in a special protection watershed, it can add unforeseen requirements.”

 Stormwater Management Guidelines

In recent years, stormwater management has become of the utmost importance. For the basic safety factors, but also because of the environmental concerns many guidelines have been established to help with environmentally conscious building practices. There are three scenarios that need to be considered in your management plan. Will your project disrupt: 1. Under 2500 square feet, 2. 5000 square feet or over 5000 square feet? Once you know this, you can then find the guidelines which you are required to follow. One of the most crucial takeaways is that you cannot have the water leaving the site any faster after construction than it did prior to construction. For more information on stormwater management, refer to the Stormwater Management Act (Act 167) of 1978 from the Department of Environmental Protection.

Tracey continues, “The topic of excessive stormwater is very common today, we (the District) receives more complaints now than ever before regarding flooding; so it is definitely an important consideration and in fact when planned for early, stormwater BMP’s (Best Management Practices) can be an attractive and functional added feature.” To help better prepare you and create a plan for stormwater management, contact ACI today.  Our knowledge and experience can lead your project from a well-formulated start to a successful finish.

Every industry comes with its stereotypes: all teachers love getting apples, all lawyers are liars, everyone in the tech industry is shy and nerdy, the academic field is snobby and elitist. Those are just a few of the common assumptions people make about other fields of work. The construction industry is no different and has to battle a few false myths of its own. Here are 5 of the most common construction industry myths and what the real facts are.

All construction is bad for the environment.

While some construction methods have proven to be damaging to the environment, the industry now considers environmentally-friendly practices and materials to be of extremely high priority. The emphasis now placed on green building provides incentives for construction companies to comply beyond standards that are bare minimum requirements. Construction professionals have become more conscientious over the years and have found ways to reduce waste and reuse and recycle materials.

The construction industry is only for people who can’t get another job.

The specialized skills required to be a worker in the construction industry are nothing to scoff at, and not everyone makes the cut. Whether they join the workforce young and eager to work with their hands and sharpen their mind, come equipped with a college degree, or find themselves wanting to be trained at a later age, construction is for those who want to learn, work hard, get paid fairly, and go home feeling rewarded at the end of the day.

Construction companies don’t hire women.

According to the National Association for Women in Construction, less than 9.1% of the construction industry is made up of women. However, this number is steadily rising. As the battle for equal pay across all industries continues, construction is actually ahead of the game. Nationally, across markets, women earn 81.1% of what men make, but in construction, this percentage is 95.7%.

Construction workers are reckless and dangerous.  

Like any industry where manual labor, heavy operating equipment, and specialized tools are involved, construction can come with its fair share of risks. Luckily, the professionals in construction take safety extremely seriously and are highly equipped to handle the dangers associated with the work. When the proper gear is worn and precautions are taken, a construction zone is a place where workers practice safety every second they’re on the job.

Construction work is a dead-end career path.

The construction industry is expected to grow by leaps and bounds over the next couple of years — 3% in 2019 and another 3% in 2020 to be exact. That means over 300,000 jobs could be created over the next two years alone. Construction is a multi-billion dollar industry with a competitive starting salary and incredible room for growth. Hard work ethic and dedication can propel workers through the ranks and provide a range of opportunities available in a growing industry that spans a massive variety of building types.

 Want to move beyond the myths and learn more facts about the construction industry? Contact an expert at ACI today.

Construction projects are faced with elements of constant change, from unexpected weather to surprise costs. With so many factors that can impact the progress of construction and create bumps along the way, it can be an uphill battle to keep a project running smoothly from start to finish. Here are a few tips to keep your next construction project on track.

Establish efficient communication.

At any given moment, multiple hands are simultaneously touching a construction project. From deadlines to budgets, constant and clear communication between everyone during all phases is key to successful completion. Anything that can be articulated in writing should be, in order to avoid any miscommunication. Project managers should regularly check in with their team, and weekly meetings should be held to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Keep a constant eye on the money.

One of the most common, and potentially detrimental problems that can trip up a project is a blown budget. Maintain at least a finger on the pulse of the spending so that any spending concerns can be immediately addressed. Plan the allocation of all funds in great detail, with contingency funds set aside for unknowns. Every dollar should be accounted for, and all budgets should be finalized before construction officially begins.

Set reasonable goals and expectations.

Every construction company is constantly striving to push themselves to be the best, but it’s crucial to make sure you are setting attainable goals. Be realistic about your schedule and budget. Create achievable expectations that motivate your team without discouraging them with a finish line that’s impossible to reach.

Always ask questions.

Every new project is an opportunity for professionals to grow and learn. When you’re unsure of the next step or how something should be done and decide not to ask, you lose a chance to improve. Not only that, but you can put a project at risk by moving forward without getting proper direction. Everyone involved in a construction project functions as a team, so don’t hesitate to reach out to your colleagues and ask questions. Their success is your success.

Never stop planning

Even the most meticulously pre-planned construction project never unfolds exactly the way it’s intended. Too many moving pieces are constantly in play, so changes and tweaks are always going to be necessary. That’s why team members and leaders should never leave planning mode. Keep revising, brainstorming, and communicating for the entirety of a project. Those slight adjustments you make in the middle of a project could be the difference between a mediocre and an exceptional result.

For more insight on how to keep your next construction project running smoothly, contact an expert at Associated Contractors, Inc. today.

People commonly use “bid” and “estimate” interchangeably, but each word carries a distinct meaning when it comes to the construction process. Bids and estimates refer to decisions made and offers given during separate phases in the proposal process. Learning the proper usage of these words and the stages with which they pair is important when embarking on a project.

Estimates

An estimate is exactly what it sounds like: an estimation of what the completion of a project will cost. Contractors research and pull together the expected price of materials, labor and subcontracts. They use this information to calculate profit and then come up with an estimate to present to the potential client.

A price estimate is meant to give customers an idea of how much money it will take for them to hire the contractor for a job, but it isn’t a concrete commitment. The estimate provided to a customer is not expected to be 100% accurate, but it should fall within the ballpark and usually includes several assumptions as all the details have not been decided. Customers count on estimates to get a perspective on the range they need to set for their budget. Estimates are often provided by contractors for free, but sometimes there is a charge as a great deal of time and effort goes into providing a proper one.

Bids

Once a contractor and client express a mutual interest to collaborate on a specific project based on several factors such as time, estimate, and qualifications, then an official offer is made. This fixed price offer is called a construction bid. Bids are usually documents that are submitted to the customer for review and acceptance. They often contain an outline of the job, detailed pricing, detailed drawings and a time frame with a proposed date of completion.

Bidding construction projects is not an exact science. There are many variables that go into every phase of a project such as labor productivity, material price fluctuations, weather conditions and market conditions. Most successful construction companies include additional margins in their bids to cover these changing circumstances. That way, if a few extra pieces of lumber are needed or a couple more gallons of paint, the additional cost won’t fall on the client. If the bid is accepted, the contractor is then committed to carrying out the work described accurately and on time.

If there are time constraints attached to a particular project, the procedures for estimates and bids are subject to change. For example, if an estimate is provided and a customer wants to move forward swiftly with the offer, that estimate might roll over into a bid so that work can commence. An accurate estimate evolves into a precise bid, and therefore, each phase of cost calculation is equally important when planning the finances of construction.

For additional information, or to speak with an expert about getting an estimate or bid for your next project,  contact Associated Contractors today.