Category: Home Services

Home Services

Pest Control and Your Health: Minimizing Risks

Richard Mcbride

Pest Control consists of techniques to reduce and manage pest populations. It’s generally used in outdoor areas. It is usually based on prevention and suppression, although eradication goals may be appropriate in certain situations.

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Pests are more than a nuisance; they can cause health and structural damage to homes and businesses. Knowing what pests are common around your house or business and the options available for controlling them can prevent them from becoming more than a minor annoyance.

Prevention is the first step in pest control, and it includes removing all sources of food, water, and shelter. It also means periodically cleaning out storage areas and fixing leaky plumbing, among other things. Food can be stored in smell-blocking containers, garbage should be removed regularly, and the roof should be checked for cracks and other openings where pests could enter.

In many cases, preventing pests from becoming a problem requires a combination of methods, such as bait traps for rodents and spraying for insects. Poisons, either in granule form or as gel in traps, are also often used. Poisons are absorbed by the pests and, depending on their concentration, can kill them or disrupt their normal body functions.

Integrated Pest Management, or IPM, is an approach to pest control that begins with learning about the specific pests and their life cycles and then takes a broad range of steps to reduce the chances of them causing problems. This can include preventing access to their nests, destroying them, or keeping them from entering buildings or other structures.

Other strategies include eliminating their shelters by sealing cracks and crevices, as well as repairing any damage they may have done. In some cases, removing woodpiles from the perimeter of your home or business and trimming grass or other shrubbery can help deter some pests.

Pests also can be controlled by using predators, such as birds and reptiles, to feed on pests and reduce their numbers. Biological controls can also be used, such as using pathogens to inhibit the growth of plants that pests depend on for food or by introducing organisms that will compete with them for resources. Other options include crop rotation and soil amendments to modify the conditions that favor pest growth.

Suppression

Pest control must be based on a risk assessment that defines the levels of damage below which harm is tolerable. It must be carried out with as little damage to nontarget organisms (including humans, animals and other plants) as possible, and should cost less than the economic value of the crop destroyed by the pests.

Many different kinds of natural, biological, chemical, cultural and mechanical controls can be used to reduce pest populations. These include natural barriers, such as mountains or lakes; climate conditions that limit the distribution of pests by restricting their food supply, water sources, or shelter; and the presence or absence of predatory species or pathogens.

Some pests are controlled naturally by living parasites, predators and competitors, as well as nematodes, viruses and bacteria. These are known as “natural enemies” or “biological control.”

In most cases, the natural enemy population grows and declines along with the pest population. When there is a sudden change in the environment that causes the number of natural enemies to increase, the population of pests will decrease.

Other pests, such as weeds, are controlled by chemical or physical methods. For example, weeds may be killed by spraying with herbicide, pulling by hand or using a hoe. Traps are another common way to trap unwanted pests, such as cockroaches, by baiting them with a substance that lures them and then kills them. Traps are usually placed near the entrances to homes or in areas where pests tend to roam.

Other ways to manipulate the environment to discourage pests include modifying the landscape by blocking their access to food, water and shelter; and keeping soil moisture, nutrition and other factors suitable for desired plants. Cultural controls, such as preparing the soil before planting; choosing plants that are adapted to site conditions; interplanting; timing planting dates; and managing weeds can also help suppress pest problems. Some of these controls, such as trapping and blocking a pest’s route, work best when the pest’s movements are predictable. This allows you to place more of a focus on the most important parts of its territory.

Eradication

A pest infestation can be a serious health and safety issue. In some cases, the pests may carry disease and cause structural damage. In others, they can be a nuisance or irritate people. In any case, it is important to take action to prevent and eradicate a pest problem. Using nonchemical pest control methods is the best way to solve a pest problem safely. Before you call the pest control company, do a little research to find the right solution for your situation.

The terms exterminate, extirpate, and uproot have similar meanings. They all mean the complete destruction of something that has already established itself in a location. Eradication is usually a long-term process that involves multiple steps, including assessing the extent of the infestation and the risk of health or safety issues.

Many pests can be prevented by maintaining a healthy environment. This includes cleaning up debris piles and removing tall weeds. It also means trimming plants and keeping woodpiles away from the house. This can keep pests from finding a food source or water supply in these areas. In addition, a well-maintained garden will provide natural predators for pests.

If you are planning on using chemical pesticides, be sure to follow all the safety precautions that come with them. These chemicals can be dangerous for humans, animals and the environment. They can also damage other crops, pollute groundwater, and harm honey bees. Chemical pesticides can also leave behind residual toxins that poison wildlife and humans and cause other health problems.

When used properly, a chemical pesticide can be an effective way to eliminate pests from a home or commercial facility. However, it is important to consider the long-term consequences of this approach. If the same type of chemical is repeatedly used, pests can become immune to it and re-infest the area.

A natural pest control method can be a more cost-effective option for eliminating pests. This method uses organic ingredients, which is better for the environment and your family. It also doesn’t leave any toxic residues in the environment. It is also safe for children and pets, so it is a good choice for families who want to avoid harsh chemical pesticides.

Monitoring

Pest control is a multifaceted approach to cleaning and maintaining places like homes, agricultural areas and food businesses. The goal is to eliminate or reduce the impact of organisms that interfere with human occupancy, activity, and territorial paths, and transmit diseases to humans and animals. These organisms can include bacteria, fungus, birds, weeds, rodents, invertebrates such as mites and ticks, insects, spiders, and more. Integrated pest control is a method that utilizes several techniques and approaches to keep pest populations under control without using excessive amounts of pesticide.

Monitoring is an important part of any pest control program. Inspecting sites regularly with a variety of tools can identify pest hotspots and allow for more targeted monitoring and trap placement. Keeping a log can also be beneficial in analyzing data and providing insights into the type of pressure you are experiencing and from what direction the pests are coming.

Often, the most useful tool to have at hand is a good flashlight, as many pests live and hide in dark or secluded spots. An extendable mirror can be extremely helpful in inspecting behind and beneath equipment or other hard-to-reach places. It’s also a great idea to have a magnifying glass, as it allows for the more detailed inspection of insect parts, frass (excrement), and other signs of pest presence.

When it comes to monitoring, the goal is to determine whether a pest population has reached an unacceptable level. Suppression and prevention are common goals in outdoor pest situations, but eradication is sometimes attempted, especially for foreign pests such as Mediterranean fruit flies, gypsy moths, or fire ants. In indoor spaces, eradication is rarely the goal due to the complexity of enclosed environments and the difficulty of eliminating all pests from an area.

Pest monitoring can also reveal structural issues, sanitation deficiencies and employee behaviors that may be contributing to a problem. Glueboards and multiple catch traps can be augmented with attractants or pheromones to increase capture rates, and many monitors are designed to detect specific pests and their life stages. For example, a German cockroach monitor will alert you when the first instars of these pests are captured.

Home Services

Stucco Repair and Stucco Remediation

Shannon Little

Stucco Repair Philadelphia PA is an important service to your clients as it helps maintain their home’s aesthetic integrity and value. While a few cracks are part of normal wear and tear, large cracks and holes may signal more serious problems like foundation settling or water damage.

It’s important to have your stucco repaired by an experienced professional. Inspecting the stucco with a moisture meter can help identify the cause of damage and provide information to your client for remediation.

Water damage to stucco is a common issue many homeowners have to deal with at one point or another. Moisture intrusion into the wall system is not only unsightly. Still, it can lead to some problems for your home, including health-related issues, mold, and even structural damage that may necessitate replacements.

There are a few key things to look for to help you determine whether your stucco has been damaged by moisture. One of the first is water stains that appear on your stucco. These stains will be gray, green, or brown and will likely be visibly obvious on your home’s exterior.

If you notice these stains, it is important to contact a stucco contractor to have them repaired as soon as possible. This will prevent further damage to your stucco and help protect your home from water intrusion in the future.

Another common sign of moisture damage to stucco is mold or mildew. This is usually accompanied by a musty or moldy smell and will also require immediate action. Mold and mildew can have a very negative impact on your family’s health, so it is important to address the problem as quickly as possible.

Other signs of moisture damage to your stucco include leaking around windows or doors and gaps in the caulking. This is a good indication that the window frames and surrounding stucco have been compromised by moisture and should be examined for further damage and possibly replacements.

There are two main factors that influence the cost of a stucco repair or remediation. First, the inspection and moisture testing costs must be factored in. These tests can involve inserting probes into the suspected areas of your stucco to measure the moisture content within the wall system. This is an essential part of determining the cause of any moisture intrusion and can often be done by a certified stucco professional.

Second, the actual cost of repairing or replacing your stucco will depend on the extent of the damage. Stucco repairs are more likely to be cheaper than a full remediation, as they only focus on fixing the surface level of your home’s stucco. Remediation is a much more involved process and will involve addressing any underlying issues that are causing your stucco to fail.

Indentation or Soft Spots

Stucco is a very popular exterior home finishing material and has become a standard feature on many new homes. It is a beautiful and durable material that can stand up to the elements, but it’s important for homeowners to know the warning signs of stucco problems. Some of the most common warning signs include cracking, water damage, and staining. If you notice any of these issues on your home’s stucco walls, it may be time to call a professional to perform a simple stucco repair or complete a more comprehensive stucco remediation.

If you notice cracks on your stucco wall, you’ll want to check the size of those cracks. Hairline cracks are fairly normal and not a significant cause for concern, but cracking that is wider than a quarter of an inch could indicate that there is a serious structural issue with your home’s foundation.

If your home’s stucco has begun to degrade, it can cause the underlying wood to rot. This can lead to a number of different issues for your home, including the need for a complete wood replacement. Another major problem is that rotted wood can create moisture issues, which may lead to further problems with your stucco.

The most obvious sign of a failing stucco finish is cracking. However, you also need to keep an eye out for stains and blistering. Staining can appear as brown streaks under windows or at the intersections of the roof and walls, while blistering is visible when the top layer of the stucco begins to peel away.

In order to repair a cracked or soft spot, you’ll need to use a hammer and chisel to loosen the old stucco. Then, you’ll need to remove the loose sections and clean out the area. Next, you’ll need to mix the appropriate amount of elasomeric or premixed stucco patch per its instructions and fill in the damaged areas. Once the patch has dried (following the recommended dry times), you’ll need to smooth it out using a rubber float and blend it into the existing texture of your stucco.

Cracks or Holes

Stucco is a popular wall-building material for both homes and commercial buildings because of its durability and attractive finish. However, it’s not immune to damage over time from weather and physical impacts. Hairline cracks are common and often easy to fix using joint compound, but larger holes require more comprehensive repair techniques to prevent future water intrusion and further damage.

Whether your stucco is damaged by a small hole or widespread cracks, the first step in repairing them is to remove any loose material from the affected area. Then, clean the void and dampen it slightly to ensure a good bond for the new stucco. Next, use a wire brush to scrub away any remaining debris and dirt that might hinder adhesion, and then scrape off any old flaking stucco with a hammer and chisel, being careful not to damage the surrounding structure.

After cleaning the void and dampening it, you’ll need to apply some fiberglass mesh over the entire surface. Then, you can begin to patch the holes. For smaller holes, you can use a standard caulk gun to apply stucco repair compound directly over the hole. Once the caulk has been applied, use a trowel to smooth it out and match its texture to the surrounding wall finish. Then, allow it to cure for 24 hours before painting it with a water-based paint that matches your home’s exterior color.

For wider cracks, you’ll need to follow a similar process but with the addition of a foam core. The foam is used to create a stronger base and fill the cracks before applying the stucco. This is necessary to ensure that the cracks won’t open up again later and cause more structural damage to your home.

Once the cracks have been filled, you’ll need to apply a second layer of stucco over it to provide additional strength and protection from moisture. When this is done, it’s important to let it cure completely before painting so the elasticity of the foam will not interfere with the ability of the new stucco to hold its own against precipitation.

Remediation

Remediation is more in-depth than a repair and usually involves stripping away all the stucco layers to find the source of the moisture penetration. This is more expensive, and it can take longer than a simple repair, but it’s the best long term solution. It also fixes the problem for good and prevents moisture intrusion from happening again.

If you have a water damage issue, it’s important to have it remedied quickly and thoroughly. Otherwise the moisture can eat through the sheathing and framing, cause rot, and lead to mold growth. Mold is toxic and can exacerbate allergies and other health problems, so removing it as soon as possible is crucial for your family’s well-being. In addition, if left untreated the mold can spread to other parts of the home, such as drywall and ceilings.

Stucco damage is a serious concern, and it can impact the overall value of your home. Whether your stucco is damaged from flooding or simply old and starting to wear down, it’s important to have it inspected and repaired promptly. Doing so will save you money on costly repairs and maintain the integrity of your home’s structure.

One of the biggest signs that your stucco needs remediation is blistering and blooming. This occurs when water seeps through the stucco into a space behind it and becomes trapped. It can then start to rot the sheathing and framing, which could threaten the structural integrity of your home.

Blooming and blistering can be caused by a variety of issues, including improperly installed expansion joints, base coats that are applied before the stucco is fully dry, and poor construction practices. In some cases, a house that is settling faster than expected or seismic activity can lead to blistering and blooming as well.

Stucco repairs are typically much cheaper than remediation, but if you have an underlying issue that needs to be addressed, it may be more economical to pay for the full remediation process. A good professional will be able to advise you on the right service for your home.

Home Services

Home Repairs You Can Do Without a Full Roof Replacement

Shannon Little

If water seeps through shingles, look for rotted wood or dark mold on the underside of the roof sheathing or rafters. Look also for leaking roof vents and loose or missing flashing around them.

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Shingles defend your home against the elements, protecting your walls and ceiling from moisture infiltration. A damaged shingle weakens this barrier, paving the way for leaks and deterioration that can lead to costly repairs. If you catch the problem early enough, you can repair a single shingle without needing a full roof replacement.

Start your inspection by getting up into the attic or crawlspace, depending on what’s easiest for you. Take a flashlight and a tool belt with you so you’ll have all the tools you need close at hand. Take high-resolution pictures of the area and document anything that’s out of the ordinary.

After carefully examining each shingle, begin by removing the damaged one. Use a shingle pry bar to gently lift the shingles and reveal the nails beneath, then pull up the damaged shingle and any loose shingles. Once the shingle is removed, pry up the shingles below it and use a utility knife to cut away the nails that were previously nailed down. Next, slide a new 3-tab shingle into place and nail it down with four roofing nails.

Once you’ve removed any loose shingles, reseal the edge of each one with shingle cement. Apply a thin line of the substance under the edges of each shingle and press down to firmly secure it into place. Work your way down the row, resealing and nailing each shingle as you go.

While a single torn or missing shingle can be easily replaced, you should also keep an eye out for more widespread damage. Cracks and creases in your shingles are typically caused by a combination of wind and exposure to the sun’s UV rays, and they can eventually compromise the integrity of your entire roof. Look for other signs of shingle distress, including dark spots and streaks that are indicative of algae or moss growth. Loose or damaged flashing can also indicate a serious problem, and it’s important to pay attention to any areas around chimneys, vents, and skylights.

Damaged Flashings

Flashing is a metal, lead or rubber moulding that’s laid along a joint in roof components and helps to channel rainwater away from the roof, protecting it from internal water damage. Flashing is usually installed around penetrations like chimneys, dormers and roof windows and in areas where the roof slopes meet at valleys or intersections. Flashing can also be found near skylights and vents. It’s important to inspect and maintain these elements of your roof because leaky flashing can cause serious problems, including structural damage, wood rot and internal water damage.

There are a few common signs that your flashing needs repair, such as visible damage, dampness in the interior and leaking. If you notice any of these issues, it’s a good idea to contact a roofing expert to get on the roof and evaluate the damage. They will be able to recommend the best course of action and let you know what repairs need to be made.

Visible damage to your flashing can be caused by rust or cracks in the surface. The most common cause of flashing damage is a leaky roof. This can happen when the flashing is not properly protected or is in a poor condition to start with. Flashing is often exposed to extreme fluctuations in temperature and can be weakened by poor installation or if the roof’s plans were unavailable.

Leaks from faulty flashings can be very destructive and lead to major roof problems, such as rotted framing, sheathing and insulation. It’s essential to have a professional roofer inspect the roof and its components, especially the flashings, on an annual basis. This will ensure that any small issues are identified and repaired quickly, preventing bigger problems down the road.

When repairing or replacing flashing, it’s important to use the right materials and tools. It’s also important to be aware that working at heights is dangerous and requires specialized knowledge and equipment. It’s a good idea to hire a roofing contractor with experience in dealing with flashing repairs and other complex roof designs, as they will have the tools and expertise to safely and efficiently complete your repair.

Damaged Gutters

Gutter damage is a serious roof problem that should never be ignored. Without functioning gutters, rainwater can build up on the side of your house, seep into shingles, siding, and even the foundation. When this happens, moisture can wreak havoc on your home, leading to rotting wood, mold growth, and other costly problems. The best way to avoid these issues is by regularly cleaning and inspecting your gutters and repairing them as needed.

Damaged gutters are often caused by clogging, which occurs when leaves, twigs, and seeds accumulate in the gutter. Over time, this can cause the gutter to become warped and heavy, which leads to it becoming detached from your roof. Gutter deterioration also occurs when water is not properly drained away from your home, which can lead to rot and erosion.

When your gutters are damaged, it is important to repair them as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your roof and home. To repair your gutters, start by removing any moss or other plant life that has grown in them. This will help to reduce pressure and block water flow. You can also check for any cracks or holes in the gutters and make sure that they are properly sealed.

The next step is to fill any holes or cracks in the gutters with roofing cement. To do this, mix a small amount of cement, and apply it to the hole with a putty knife. Once the area has been patched, let the cement dry completely before reattaching the gutter.

Leaks can also occur in gutters, which are most commonly caused by disconnections between sections and downspouts. This can be fixed by re-connecting the disconnected parts and plugging any gaps in the gutter system.

You can also repair leaks in gutters by using a special gutter sealant. This is available in a caulk-like tube, and it is used to fill the gap and seal the leak. If you notice that there is a lot of damage to your gutters, it is important to call in professionals to handle the repair as soon as possible. If you don’t do this, you may experience further damage to your roof and home that could cost you thousands of dollars in repair costs.

Damaged Soffit

The soffit serves a variety of purposes, including shielding the attic from moisture and hiding the roof overhang. It also promotes attic ventilation, which can help maintain good air quality in the home. Unfortunately, the soffit is also one of the many areas of the house that is susceptible to damage from pests and other issues. Luckily, these problems can often be fixed without the need for a full roof replacement or extensive home repairs.

Moisture buildup from damaged soffits can lead to rot and other serious structural issues. In addition, it can fuel mold growth, which poses health risks for occupants of the home and contributes to allergies and respiratory problems. Regular inspections of the soffit are essential for homeowners and roofing contractors, allowing them to identify signs of damage and take action quickly before it worsens.

Aesthetics: A soffit that is in poor condition gives the house a dingy appearance and can lower its resale value. It can also be a breeding ground for rodents and insects, which in turn can cause further damage to the property. Timely soffit repair prevents these issues from becoming major problems that require costly home renovations.

Damaged soffits also provide an entry point for unwelcome pests, such as squirrels, birds, mice, and bees. These animals like to build their nests in small gaps that aren’t easily accessible. This can put pressure on the soffit panels and allow them to deteriorate faster than they would otherwise. In addition, the presence of these pests in the attic can cause further damage to the structure and create a host of other problems for occupants.

To start:

  1. Inspect the soffit for damage and rotting.
  2. Look for shingle mold, a drooping soffit, and a rotting fascia board.
  3. Remove the shingle mold and fascia boards by prying them up with a flat bar and pulling them away without damaging nearby roof shingles or flashing.
  4. After removing the damaged materials, install new ones to prevent further damage and ensure proper attic ventilation.
  5. Install a wood trim or molding to the soffit to give it a finished appearance.
Home Services

Negotiating Contracts For General Contractors

Shannon Little

GCs work to bring a client’s vision for their home renovation to life. This may include executing plans developed by other professionals, such as engineers or interior designers.

Large construction projects often require the movement of a large number of raw materials and building components. GCs oversee the entire supply chain management process to ensure it remains streamlined. Click the Website to learn more.

Contract negotiation is developing an agreement with a partner over terms such as price, delivery schedules, or terms and conditions. General contractors often negotiate with various parties, including project owners and subcontractors. Getting to an agreeable contract takes time, skill, and flexibility. There are many different strategies to consider when negotiating a construction contract, and it is important to understand the motivations of each party to find an effective solution.

It is common practice for project owners to invite multiple bids from various contractors on a commercial building project. The bidding process may produce a lower final price, but it can also lead to numerous change orders that drive up costs and project delays. Ultimately, the quality of the general contractor chosen is one of the most important factors in project success.

To mitigate the risk of costly change orders, it is vital that all stakeholders work together to negotiate a fair contract. This begins before the contract award, and requires thorough understanding of the project scope and its limitations.

The most important goal of contract negotiations is to establish a level of certainty about the project deliverables and what is expected from each party. This includes clearly defining the roles and responsibilities of each party, along with how changes will be managed and dispute resolution processes.

One strategy to help both parties achieve their goals is to involve a neutral third party. This can offer fresh perspectives and encourage more constructive dialogue. It can also help to overcome impasses that would be difficult to resolve independently.

For example, a common issue in construction is the conflict between the contractor and the owner over the amount of warranty coverage. It’s important for both parties to be clear about the duration and scope of warranties, as well as the responsibilities of each party for managing claims.

Other critical elements include establishing a clear schedule for payments, and providing for proper documentation of invoices and receipts. It’s also crucial to avoid misunderstandings about the scope of work by carefully labeling repairs. Careless language can impact lien rights and the ability to request additional payments for delay damages.

Sub-Contractors Management

As a key component of the construction team, subcontractors are responsible for executing specialized scopes of work that impact project timelines and overall outcomes. As a result, GCs must manage these partners to ensure that their work is aligned with the overall vision of the project and to deliver high-quality results.

To do this, GCs must create an environment that fosters open communication channels, which are essential for building a mutually beneficial working relationship. This includes establishing clear timelines, milestones and deliverables for each project phase. By doing so, GCs ensure that all parties understand their responsibilities and can address issues promptly.

Managing subcontractors also involves establishing and monitoring financial processes. For instance, GCs must regularly compare budgeted costs against actual expenses to prevent unwarranted cost overruns. To further manage costs, GCs should also encourage collaboration with subcontractors to identify potential cost-efficiency measures.

Additionally, GCs must regularly assess performance in terms of schedule adherence and quality of work. This is done through regular inspections and a system that enables a standardized evaluation of each subcontractor. This provides a means to quickly address challenges and ensure that they are addressed in a timely manner, which helps keep the project on track.

In addition, GCs must be transparent about the project and provide detailed information to subcontractors so that they can plan their work accordingly. It is also important that GCs get all agreements in writing. This will help in case there is a dispute or the contract is breached.

Finally, GCs must make sure that they have an effective process for handling change orders and revisions to the original scope of work. This is vital for ensuring that the project stays on target and does not incur any additional cost or delay. Furthermore, GCs should ensure that they provide proper notifications to the client if there are any changes to the original scope of work. Failure to do so can result in disputes and claims that can be detrimental to the project. In addition, it may cause delays in project delivery which can be costly to the client.

Client Relationship Management

When it comes to client relationship management, many general contractors are reluctant to invest in a CRM solution. This may be due to the high cost associated with industry-agnostic software and the time investment in learning how to use it. A construction-specific customer relationship management (CRM) solution is ideal for GCs because it is built with their business development needs in mind and can be used out of the box, without the need to customize it further.

The key to building and maintaining strong relationships with project owners is consistent communication throughout the project. This ensures that the project is progressing as planned, and helps to minimize issues and disagreements. It is also important to provide regular updates on schedule, budget, and quality.

In addition, it is helpful to have a strong website that reflects the GC’s expertise. A website that is optimized for search engines is critical to attracting clients and generating leads. A good site can also be used to share case studies, videos, photos, and testimonials, which are all excellent tools for promoting the GC’s services.

The most successful GCs understand the importance of cultivating repeat business. A large percentage of a GC’s revenue can come from referrals from past projects. This means that the GC must focus on consistently delivering a great experience for each client, regardless of whether they are a new or returning customer.

Keeping clients happy can be achieved through clear communication throughout the entire project life cycle, especially during the onboarding process. This is an opportunity to set expectations for how often the GC will communicate and who is responsible for communicating with the client.

A successful GC will have a contract in place that clearly outlines roles and responsibilities of both the GC and the owner. This includes clauses on how to manage change orders, claims, and payments. It is also essential to include a statement on how the GC will communicate with the owner during the construction phase.

A few examples of CRM solutions that work well for GCs include Jobber, AccuLynx, and ConstructConnect. Jobber focuses on job quoting and offers robust project management features to oversee full construction or remodeling projects. AccuLynx is an all-in-one solution that provides a complete client relationship management platform with sales pipeline, project and production management, communication, estimating, workflows, and material tracking. It also has unique finance tools like job quoting and costing to help GCs with profitability.

Project Management

Project management is a systematic professional application of processes that leads teams to complete projects on time and at an acceptable quality. This requires the coordination of different resources that may be needed to complete a task such as equipment, tools, labour, money and time. This involves ensuring that the tasks are planned, executed, monitored and controlled effectively so they are completed on time and within budget.

Project Management Software is an excellent tool for construction professionals to manage and communicate with team members and stakeholders. It helps to improve productivity and collaboration, reduce risk, and increase quality. It also improves organizational effectiveness by aligning projects with business goals.

Choosing the right project management software is important for the success of your company. It has to be easy to use and offer the features you need. It should also be affordable. In addition, you should look for a system that is secure and supports the latest project management best practices.

A General Contractor is a professional who oversees and manages large projects and complex operations. They are often responsible for the entire construction process, including planning, design, financing, and building physical facilities. They hire subcontractors, like plumbers and carpenters, to perform specialized work on site. The general contractor is credited with ensuring that the construction is done correctly and on time.

Construction managers are often brought in during the design phase of a project to provide constructability input. They can help with planning, securing any required permits and regulatory approvals, developing a cost estimate, shaping a procurement strategy, evaluating potential subcontractor partners, and negotiating contract terms and conditions.

They can also assist in the management of change orders and schedule updates, and can help to define scope and budgets. In some cases, the CM can act as a liaison between the GC and the client to ensure that expectations are met.

Some owners choose to bring in a CM for larger projects or projects that will span a longer period of time. This can be a great way to control costs by protecting the owner from cost overruns. This is often accomplished by using a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) contract, where the contractor agrees to a maximum price for the project and absorbs all cost overruns.