2010 Mechanics’ Lien Seminar

January 18th, 2010

Presented by Inland Valley Chapter #140 of the National Association of Women in Construction. Will cover information on using and perfecting the Mechanics Lien imformation.

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New Concrete Technology

January 16th, 2010

Article written by: Martin Dawson

There have been a number of advances in new concrete technology in the past ten years. There have been advancements made in almost all areas of concrete production including materials, recycling, mixture proportioning, durability, and environmental quality. However, many of these innovations have not been adopted by the concrete industry or concrete users / buyers. There is always some resistance to change and it is usually based on cost considerations and lack of familiarity with the new technology.

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Types of Foundations

January 16th, 2010

Article written by: Martin Dawson

There are various types of foundations used in construction and they will vary with the geographic location, climate, soil, and needs of the structure. The various types of foundations discussed in this article will focus on residential construction and include slab on grade, T-shaped, frost protected, pile, continuous (spread footings), and foundation walls.

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Construction Management Software – An Alternative to Guesswork

October 29th, 2009

Article written by: David Kraft

Construction is a business, and the purpose of business is to make a profit. Whether or not the building project makes a profit can be decided before the first nail is driven or the first piece of lumber is cut. It all starts out with an estimate.
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BioBased Insulation

October 26th, 2009

What is BioBased Insulation®?

BioBased Insulation® markets spray polyurethane foam insulation products that help to lessen the impact of residential and commercial structures on the environment.

BioBased Insulation® seals a structure’s thermal envelope, making it more energy efficient, healthier, comfortable and durable than traditionally insulated homes. BioBased Insulation® is water-blown and made by incorporating natural, renewable ingredients as a replacement for a portion of the petroleum. Find out more about our products.

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Energy Credits for Homeowners

October 24th, 2009

A recent tax law change provides a tax credit to improve the energy efficiency of existing homes.
Tax credit applies to qualified energy efficient home improvements*

  • Must be a taxpayer’s primary residence in the United States
  • Must be used for remodeling or replacement (new construction does not qualify for the new tax credit)
  • Product must be purchased and placed in service during 2009 or 2010

Tax Credit is 30% of the product cost up to a maximum of $1,500*

  • $1,500 is a combined total for 2009 and 2010 energy efficiency improvements including other eligible items listed in the IRS Notice.
  • Installation and other labor costs do not qualify for tax credit.

As of June 1, 2009, eligible windows and doors must have both:*

  • a U-Factor equal to or less than 0.30 and;
  • a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) equal to or less than 0.30

 Homeowner needs proof of purchase and product performance*

  • Proof of purchase: Sales receipt (Federal law requires itemized receipts) for product(s) only.
  • Product performance: Product labels or manufacturer’s certification statement

* Products purchased prior to June 1, 2009 can qualify if they meet ENERGY STAR criteria.

Small Business Perils of Banner Advertising

October 24th, 2009
Article written by: Naz Daud – CityLocal Franchises Business Franchise Opportunity

Despite what you might sometimes hear, banner advertising is still very successful for many small businesses, but only if carried out in the right way. What is the right way, and how does your business avoid the pitfalls of advertising on the internet? The answer is to understand the customer more than many advertisers seem to. There are very many examples of poor advertising on the internet. It is only by being aware of the poor tactics used by those businesses that fail to understand their visitors that you can make sure your own banner advertisements are successful.

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DECRA: Shake XD

October 18th, 2009
DECRA® Roofing Systems, New DECRA Shake XD™ with “Cut & Tuck™” Technology
DECRA Shake XD

DECRA Shake XD

Emulating the classic beauty and architectural detail of a thick, rustic, handsplit wood shake, DECRA Shake XD™ features DECRA’ s provenCut & Tuck technology. In keeping with the tradition of providing innovative stone coated steel roofing solutions for over 50 years, this latest DECRA product was designed with easy to use components much like the popular DECRA Shingle system. Requiring no special tools, Shake XD™ has only 23.4 pieces per square and installs direct to the deck quickly using a unique hidden fastening system.

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Kohler: Flipside Handshower

October 16th, 2009
Flipside handshower

Flipside handshower

The Flipside handshower brings you four distinct showering sensations, each with its own dedicated sprayface on your choice of three unique models. Innovative Flipstream™ technology makes selecting a spray both simple and stylish. Just flip the sprayhead on its axis–no impossible twisting–to enjoy the spray that best suits your needs. Switch between the traditional, soothing Koverage, the softer, silkier spray of Kotton, the exhilarating, circular pattern Komotion or the targeted Kurrent spray. With three style options, there’s a handshower for every bathroom and a spray sensation for every need.

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