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Will HVACR regulations be affected by Brexit?

Andrew Gaved Facilities & Grounds

On June 23, the U.K. will vote whether or not they want to remain a part of the European Union, and the upcoming vote is bringing to light many political issues and regulations. Whilst many politicians are choosing to focus on the macro-issues of defense, immigration, finance and trade, those of us involved in cooling and heating are considering issues closer to our businesses – namely what would happen to the EU regulatory environment if the U.K. did vote to leave the EU?

Is the honeymoon over with smart homes?

Michael J. Berens Construction & Building Materials

Hailed as the technology of the future, smart devices connected through an Internet of Things and controlled via apps on a smartphone or tablet were going to revolutionize the way we live. Or so we have been led to believe. At present, the future looks less rosy. In recent months, consumers have become somewhat disenchanted with smart devices and are shying away from the smart home scenario. The industry has a ways to go to win consumers' confidence.

For liens, timing is everything — even if you’re right

Nate Budde Construction & Building Materials

As far too many unpaid construction industry participants have come to learn, filing a lien requires more than just being owed money — it also requires strict adherence to the administrative guidelines set forth by the laws of the particular state. And this is true for both liens filed against private property or bond claims for public projects.

The house of the future: What dreams are made of

Adolfo Benedito Engineering

When I was just a child and I stuffed myself with films from the '60s and '70s, I recall something that used to attract my attention. I had an obsession with the sceneries, backgrounds, furniture, spaces — so kitsch and pop art — mixed with booming influences, such as Andy Warhol's art.

The decline of the empty nest: Millennials head back to the roost

Julie Bernhard Interior Design, Furnishings & Fixtures

Mature roommates, renting the second floor, living in mom's basement — call it what you want — but millennials are doing more of it. Living with your parents is no longer seen as the last option on your post-collegiate journey — it is now looking like one of the frontrunners.

Building industry teetering toward growth

Michael J. Berens Construction & Building Materials

Builders continue to get mixed signals as to whether conditions are improving. Data reports from the nonresidential sector show a month-over-month decline from March to April but a general positive trend for the year. On the residential side, sales were up in April but have remained flat or are down slightly compared to the same period last year.

Watch out for lien subordination

Nate Budde Construction & Building Materials

Lien waivers are important in construction payment. The parties in control of the money want the project to proceed free of lien claims, for several reasons. While not an exhaustive list by any means, mechanics liens can potentially force double payment, cloud the property title, and negatively impact bonding capacity and cash-flow. Any of these problems can lead to the job falling behind schedule, running over budget or not being completed.

The future is now: 3-D printers are poised to disrupt the economy

Ronnie Richard Manufacturing

It's Monday morning. Your alarm goes off, and you slowly spill out of bed. You shuffle along to the kitchen and pour a fresh cup of coffee in your favorite mug — all set to start a new work week. But as you reach for some sweetener to add in, your arm knocks the mug off the counter, shattering it on the floor. How do you replace it?

Building a construction industry that includes women, too

Michael J. Berens Construction & Building Materials

Amid signs that demand for new construction may be softening in some areas, hiring in the industry slowed in April. At the same time, unemployment fell to just 6 percent, adding to concerns that a shortage of skilled labor could delay or defer future projects, further impeding growth.

You deserve a union ... if you fail to give employees these 6 things

D. Albert Brannen Business Management, Services & Risk Management

The expression "nature abhors a vacuum" applies to the workplace. If employers do not recognize and meet certain basic employee needs, employee morale will suffer and they will become vulnerable to the sales pitches of a union.

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