4 Innovative Building Materials and Tips on Working With Them

Although many sectors of the labor and building materials (LBM) industry are getting quite expensive, there are many reasons to be optimistic about the future of the field. For example, there are many new and innovative building materials that can improve the energy efficiency and durability of a building while also drastically reducing the maintenance requirements. These factors lead to substantial savings over the lifetime of the building.

However, to get the most out of these innovative materials, it is critical that they be used the right way. To help in this regard, keep reading to find out about 4 cutting-edge materials and some tips on working with them.

1. Prefabricated Structural Steel

With the rising costs of construction across the country, many contractors are turning to prefabricated steel buildings as a more economical option. While steel buildings are generally more affordable than similar wood-framed structures, that does not mean they are in any way inferior. No, the savings from prefabricated steel buildings come from being able to manufacture the majority of the structure offsite, leading to fewer construction delays, less material waste, and fewer labor hours to get the project completed.

In fact, metal buildings have plenty of advantages over wood-framed buildings, such as:

• Better durability, as metal can last well over 100 years with basic maintenance and care

• Energy efficiency, as metal is very reflective of sunlight. This can be leveraged even further by looking into metal building roof pitch ideas to facilitate moisture runoff

• Elite resistance to fire, pests, and other forms of natural disasters

Although prefabricated steel structures are an innovative solution, some tips to increase your satisfaction with the project are to carefully prepare the building site (don’t get lazy just because metal buildings require less elaborate foundations) and have top-notch communication with your supplier so that the building is assembled correctly. 

2. Continuous Insulation Roofing 

Creating net-zero energy efficient buildings is a top priority for construction professionals in 2022. One of the best ways to accomplish this is by developing a continuous insulation system.

A continuous insulation system is defined as insulation that is continuous across the entire system without any thermal bridges other than fasteners and service openings. To this effect, while many contractors focus on continuous insulation walls, it is critical to remember that insulated roof panels are just as important. The best roof insulation systems will reduce thermal bridging through their girts and maximize the r-value of the roof in the process. 

When installing a continuous insulation roof, just remember to have all of the heavy equipment in place to perform the job seamlessly and use sealants as necessary to shore up any small imperfections you may notice. 

3. Synthetic Stucco

Stucco is one of the world’s most popular cladding materials thanks to its rugged, continuous exterior and ability to resist sound, wind, and moisture. While these are definitely impressive features, innovative EIFS stucco takes these advantages to the next level. Despite being similar in appearance to traditional stucco, it is 80% lighter and has an R-value of up to 5.6 compared to traditional stucco’s 0.2 while maintaining the same sound, wind, and moisture resistance in its continuous insulation cladding.

Although the benefits of synthetic EIFS stucco are many, understand that this cladding system must be applied in quite a few layers, so great attention to detail needs to be given during installation. For example, a typical EIFS system starts with an initial water-resistant barrier applied to the framing substrate. Then comes a layer of EPS, XPS, or mineral wool insulation to prevent thermal bridging. Next is a layer of fiberglass mesh for additional reinforcement and to prevent cracking. On top of that is added moisture-resistant flashing. Finally, the last layer is added to give the structure its primary protection and aesthetic properties. So while the final result is unprecedented insulation, outstanding care needs to be exercised during the installation process. 

4. Polished Concrete Floors

One of the more prevalent trends in the practical living movement is the increase in barndominiums. A barndominium is pretty much what its name suggests--a barn-like structure that is used as a living space.

“Barndos” are becoming popular because they provide the comforts of a regular living space with the durability and lower maintenance usually found in barns and other outbuildings. 

When exploring barndominium plans, it is critical that you get the materials right. For example, carpet just doesn’t play well in this type of structure for aesthetic and functional reasons. You will need some type of hard flooring option, making polished concrete an excellent choice. While its durable construction and low maintenance requirements are consistent with the barndominium philosophy, it can also be installed in a number of attractive designs that give the space more aesthetic intrigue than a basic gray concrete floor.

Get Creative and Use These 4 Innovative Building Materials

Despite rising costs in the LBM industry, the most innovative building materials can help recoup a large percentage of these expenses over time. Some examples of these types of materials include prefabricated structural steel, continuous roofing insulation, synthetic stucco, and polished concrete floors. So if you are planning a new construction project, use the tips listed above to help your project shine!

Max Shafer is a contributor to the Innovative Building Materials blog. He is a content writer for the construction and home improvement industries with an interest in landscaping, outdoor remodeling, and interior design. Max is focused on educating homeowners, contractors, and architects on innovative materials and methods of construction that increase property value, improve sustainability, and create a warm and welcoming ambiance.

Guiding Your Teenager In Finding A Career Path

Written by Karoline Gore

A 2018 survey showed that 31% of high school students believe that they need to figure out their career path before graduating high school. Among these students, 75% of them are most likely to be influenced by their own parents when it comes to deciding what they want to do in the future. Whether they want to become artists, take vocational courses on construction, or go to medical school to become doctors, young people would always need the support of adults. As a parent, here are some of the things you can start doing to help your teens in deciding their own career path. 

Talk to Them

The first thing you can do is to ask them about what they want to do in the future. Check if they already have a plan or if they are still figuring things out. Make sure to listen, and try to ask them questions that will help them narrow down their choices. For instance, talk about their expectations for the future. Ask them specific questions, such as how much schooling are they willing to do? How do they see themselves financially in the future? If they want to be a doctor, are they willing to spend years in residency and training? What help do they expect from you in reaching their goals? Knowing these will help you guide them in laying down specific actions that they can take to be on the right path for the career that they want.

Engage Their Interests

If you're teenage child is undecided about their career choices, try engaging their interests. You can do art with them or get them interested in science through activities such as exploring or visiting a museum. Encourage them to take classes or extracurriculars that spark their interest instead of focusing on finding subjects where they think they can easily get a good grade. Although grades are important, it's essential that they know that they will benefit from learning something that they actually like. Aside from learning subjects that they're interested in, they can also try to apply for part-time jobs. Being a working student has a lot of advantages for their personal growth, such as gaining transferable skills that they can use in their future careers. Some can even build their network from working part-time in high school.

Help Them Find Their Strengths

Helping them find and realize their own strengths can aid them to make a decision about their career. As their parents, make sure to notice the areas where they excel more and which areas they need to improve on. Some teens tend to follow the crowd when it comes to decision making. This is why it is important to show them that taking a different path from their peers may benefit them in the long run. Give them compliments and encouragement to show that you will give them your full support. You can also help them build their own portfolio so they learn how to present their strengths.

Teenagers are trying to figure out many things on their own as they transition from being kids to being adults. Through these changes, parents should be able to give them the right support when it comes to securing their future. While supporting them, don’t forget to give them enough space for self-discovery so they can make the right decision about their career life. 

Safety Tips and Advice for Working on a Construction Site

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Health and safety practices that reduce accidents on worksites are always a hot topic in the construction industry. When accidents occur on sites, they are severe threats to workers. Businesses and construction companies also have their fair share of accidents on worksites. They could incur significant losses or end up battling a lawsuit. Construction hazards often occur because companies do not have safety measures in place. In some cases, safety practices are inefficient, and there is also a lack of equipment to ensure safety.

No amount is too much to spend on protecting your workers from life-shattering accidents. Setting up safety practices on construction sites is a corporate responsibility every company should adopt. When workers die or have injuries on a worksite, it can land companies into trouble. Even the most prominent companies suffer losses and setbacks from such occurrences. These include profit loss, investors pulling out from the company, lawsuits, fines, insurance claims, etc. The good news is there are ways to avoid all these troubles. The appropriate equipment and safety practices will keep workers safe on your site.

1. Plan For Safety

Planning is the foundation for any project or practice a company wants to adopt. This is what gives the template for the safety practices workers should follow. When setting up a construction worksite, planning for safety should be the fundamental thing. An adequate plan will give a clear picture of safety tools to purchase, such as a fire suppression system, hard hats, and others.

 2. Develop Safety Protocols

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Planning is incomplete if there are no safety protocols in place. Create a step-by-step safety guide for employees to follow. This guide must include the best practices permissible. It may include using a concrete densifier on slabs, avoiding hazardous items onsite, etc.

3. Buy Safety Equipment

Your safety plan should not be all talk with no action. Purchasing the necessary health and safety gear for employees is necessary. Ensure your workers wear personal protection equipment before going to a worksite. Some essential safety equipment that should be available on worksites are;

• Protective clothing or vests

• Protective hard hats

• Hearing protection

• Eye protection gear such as sunglasses

• Steel-toed boots (safety shoes)

• Safety gloves

• Safety belts and harnesses.

4. Awareness And Training

It is not enough to buy safety equipment for workers. You should give them hands-on training on using them. Creating awareness of the importance of safety protocols is also important. Through training, you can instill a culture of safe work practices. It would be to reinforce why they are necessary for preventing hazards on worksites. 

Do not forget to teach your workers how to maintain safety equipment in your training. The training also includes teaching workers different constrictions. For instance, installing materials such as below-grade insulation, appropriate flooring, and concrete pavers need proper training. 

5. Documentations

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Many site workers do not like wearing protective gear. This is why documentation is important. Mandate them to register when entering and exiting from a worksite, with their gear on them. Workers who do not follow safety protocols should not gain access to the construction premises.

6. Onsite Inspections And Supervision

Hiring a safety manager is the best way to handle the onsite inspection of workers. If you do not have a budget for this personnel, assign one of your senior employees to take up the role. Site inspections are essential for keeping workers on their toes while on site. It also ensures compliance with the best safety practices.

7. Warning Signs And Fall Protection 

Signages are important on worksites. They point out hazardous spots so that workers can avoid them. Have clear signages and instructions around a worksite and map out dangerous spots. Fall protection is also important on worksites. It will protect serious injuries from happening when workers fall.

Bottomline

The above safety guideline will help prevent and reduce accidents on worksites. It will guarantee workers' safety which is paramount to the growth of a company.

Max Shafer is a contributor to the Innovative Building Materials blog. He is a content writer for the construction and home improvement industries with an interest in landscaping, outdoor remodeling, and interior design. Max is focused on educating homeowners, contractors, and architects on innovative materials and methods of construction that increase property value, improve sustainability, and create a warm and welcoming ambiance. 

Tips and Advice for Performing Common Renovations

Now that the supply chain has cleared out and supplies like timber are no longer difficult to get ahold of, many homeowners are moving to updating and renovating their properties. There are tons of different ways you can update and change your property and many ways that you can make it your own.

It’s vital that you plan well, though.

These are some of the best tips and advice anyone should follow if they want to make the most out of renovating their property. 

Plan Ahead as Thoroughly As Possible

Thorough planning is a must that shouldn't be overlooked. Not only does it ensure that you work in the right order and don't end up adding drywall to a portion that won't need it: but it also allows you to save money and keep a tight schedule, so you don't lose track of what you're doing. When updating your property, plan ahead and decide exactly what you'll need for every project. This will give you time to look for deals, find better materials, or even find a better contractor than would be available last minute.

Patching a Roof is a Waste of Time and Money

Don't patch your roof. Unless it's early spring and companies are booked out for months: don't allow yourself to risk your entire property to save a few bucks. If your roof is out of date, and leaking or showing other signs of age, take the time and effort to get this replaced first. A slate roof lasts long, looks great, and can handle any type of weather your area throws at it. Although it can be expensive, it adds a lot of value to your property and saves you from any future damage like leaks or flooding from snow and ice build-up.

Save Any Polishing Until the Last Step

Although you may feel tempted to go ahead and update and add fun and interesting details as you move along the projects, don't add any polishing steps until you're finished. You may think that now's a good time to update the hardware for your cabinets, but by the end of your renovation, you may decide to paint or stain your cabinets, and then you'll have to go through the extra steps of removing them or taping them off to work around them. Wait until you're completely done to add the fun details that speak to you.

Your Siding Does More Than Look Good

Although the siding decides how people view the home and what color and style it's called: it does more than just look fantastic. Your siding also has to be high quality to stop insect life from getting in, block out moisture and temperature fluctuations, and handle high winds from storms. There are many different types of siding, so it's important to consider what type your home needs and what would work best where you're located. Although some styles may look nice, they don't always work in different climates.

Consider Your Home’s Insulation Along the Way

Whether your home has continuous insulation or it's filled insulation in the attic: get to know what you're working with as you update. Insulation can help control temperature fluctuations, allowing you to save money on your heating and cooling bill, and can also stop moisture from making its way into the parts of the property where it could damage it. There are many different areas that may need insulation, depending on your home's style and how old it is, so it's a good idea to have a professional inspect it while you're renovating, especially if you're in an older property.

Windows Are One of the Largest Reasons HVAC Bills Soar

If your heating and cooling bills have been high, look into whether or not your windows are leaking air. You can quickly check this by carrying a lit candle near closed windows and doors and watching to see if the flame pulls one way or the other. You don't have to give up the classic style of your home if you go for historic storm windows, but the update is vital if you notice your bills are soaring.

Pay Attention to Your HOA When Making Changes

Nobody wants to be beholden to rules when updating their home: but it's a good idea to pay attention to your HOA when you're making any changes. Many HOAs have rules for everything from what kind of driveway you can have to what color your home or shutters can be. Research what's allowed in your area, and make sure you're not breaking any rules and setting yourself up for any fees or lawsuits. The HOA is there to help protect your property value, so it's best to work with it.

Every Update Should Be Thoroughly Considered When Renovating

There’s no reason to jump into a project blindly, especially when it involves as much money and work as a full home renovation. Consider every step before you take it: and make sure you’re adding value to your property along the way.

Max Shafer is a contributor to the Innovative Building Materials blog. He is a content writer for the construction and home improvement industries with an interest in landscaping, outdoor remodeling, and interior design. Max is focused on educating homeowners, contractors, and architects on innovative materials and methods of construction that increase property value, improve sustainability, and create a warm and welcoming ambiance. 

Important Things to Know About Residential Construction

It is truly a unique time to be in the residential construction industry. Despite the rising cost of housing across the country, the demand seems to be insatiable, with new construction being higher than it has been since 2006.

While this is exciting news for those in the industry, it is important to stay one step ahead of the trends to keep your construction business relevant in all market conditions. Keep reading for a detailed breakdown of 5 important things to know about residential construction in 2022. 

Sustainability Is At the Forefront of New Projects

The United States has a goal of being a net-zero economy by 2050. As such, contemporary construction projects should be designed around this objective. Adding energy-efficient features to residential buildings is obviously important. This would include elements such as solar panels, continuous insulation, and low-E windows.

However, an equally important consideration on the path to sustainability is creating durable structures that limit the amount of resources required for maintenance, upkeep, and replacement. This has spurred an increased interest in steel materials in the residential construction community. Steel is one of the most durable products on the market, offering premier resistance against fire, impact, and inclement weather. How long does steel siding last?

Conservative estimates say 50 years, but the reality is that most steel products will last far longer than the life of the building. This makes steel a truly set-it-and-forget-it building option that will limit ongoing resource consumption.

The Cost of Building Materials Is Higher Than Ever

Thanks to ongoing supply chain issues stemming from the pandemic and historic inflation rates, the cost of building materials is through the roof in 2022.

To help offset the upfront cost, professionals are looking for ways to recoup value after the project is completed. Some of the best ways to accomplish this are by choosing durable, low-maintenance materials that will limit the lifetime cost of ownership and add resale value to the property down the road. Some ideas include choosing a steel beam house construction, fiber cement siding, composite slate roofing, and polished concrete floors.

There Is an Uptick in Rehabilitation Projects 

There is a multitude of “re” words in residential construction jargon: renovation, remodeling, restoration, refurbishment, and rehabilitation are a few of the most common. While most of these terms have similar or overlapping definitions, there are some subtle differences between these terms that can help identify the scope of a construction project.

Two of the most important terms to compare are “renovation” vs. “rehabilitation.”

A renovation is usually performed with an improvement in mind. It typically involves adding space, upgrading materials, or any other type of project that gives a property a “facelift.” Renovation projects can strip a structure down to little more than its foundation before building back from scratch. Many renovated properties can end up largely unrecognizable from their previous state.

Rehabilitation aims to maintain the historical integrity of a building while getting it compliant with contemporary building codes. While badly dilapidated buildings may require some level of renovation, most rehabilitations focus on projects such as retrofitting windows, patching concrete, applying sealants around the building envelope, modernizing the HVAC system, and ensuring ADA-friendly features.

By choosing to rehabilitate an existing building instead of starting a new construction project or performing a full-scale renovation, it is estimated that the total cost of construction can be reduced by 25-30%, making it a very attractive option for large multi-family projects.

There Is A Shortage of Affordable Housing

As residential construction continues to boom even in the face of skyrocketing material prices, middle America is increasingly being priced out of the action. To help cover the cost of construction and remain profitable, developers are simply charging more. For now, this has not slowed down the industry, as buyers are just taking out larger loans and complaining about the cost of living.

However, with mortgage rates surpassing 5% for the first time since 2011, there is eventually going to be an end to what people are willing to borrow. Therefore, building bigger, better, and more expensive structures is not going to be the answer forever. Residential developers have to get creative with how they can appeal to households of modest means to be in a position to succeed should a bubble burst on home lending.

The entire problem cannot be solved simply through government subsidies and tax credits. As mentioned, rehabilitating old condos, apartments, and townhouses--especially in urban areas--is an approach many projects are taking. There is also an increased interest in choosing materials that can be fabricated off-site and transported into the development. This helps reduce construction waste and quickens the turnaround time on a project.

Protecting the Investment Is a Top Priority

The price explosion of building materials and residential homes comes at a time when many parts of the country are being ravaged by wildfires and other types of extreme weather events. The combination of these factors makes building with safety and longevity a primary consideration.

To help protect residential buildings, construction professionals are choosing materials with the highest fire, impact, and weather resistance on the market. Some materials that score the highest along these lines are composite roofing tiles, insulated concrete forms (ICF) framing, polished concrete floors, and fiber cement siding. 

Don’t Ignore These 5 Important Residential Construction Trends

Although the residential construction sector is in the midst of a historic boom, it is important for builders to keep an eye on the trends to remain profitable moving forward. With this in mind, building for sustainability, finding ways to offset the cost of construction materials, exploring building rehabilitations, creating affordable housing units, and ensuring the safety and security of projects are 5 of the most important trends that construction professionals need to be aware of in 2022.

Max Shafer is a contributor to the Innovative Building Materials blog. He is a content writer for the construction and home improvement industries with an interest in landscaping, outdoor remodeling, and interior design. Max is focused on educating homeowners, contractors, and architects on innovative materials and methods of construction that increase property value, improve sustainability, and create a warm and welcoming ambiance. 

Is It Easy To Become A Welder?

Written By: Emma Tay

Many jobs, including welding, require a specific skill set to qualify for a lucrative career. Unlike many other occupations, though, you do not necessarily need a degree to undertake this career. However, it is best to get at least a professional certificate before diving headfirst into the industry.

This does not, however, imply that anyone can become a welder in a short period of time. To perfect the craft of welding, you must devote a significant amount of time, energy, and occasionally money. You have to keep in mind that it is a more physically demanding job. 

What exactly does a welder do?

A welder is a qualified specialist who uses heat to fuse different types of metals together in order to manufacture or repair various items or goods. There are various sorts of welding you can pursue because welders can create a wide range of items. Welding activities can involve constructing and repairing residential or commercial structures, autos, bridges, ships, or aircraft.

Is it difficult or easy to become a welder?

The answer is dependent on how eager you are to learn and how enthusiastic you are. Most individuals find welding to be a moderately to extremely tough skill to acquire because it is a hands-on skill that involves more than just reading. Furthermore, most people find welding tough to do because it requires years of practice on top of knowing how to do it.

That is why you must be enthusiastic enough to study new things every day. In this essay, we will walk you through a few actions you must take if you wish to work in the area.

Understand What Welding Is All About by making findings 

Welding is a tough trade that requires you to carry a few safety equipment with you at all times. You'll want to know what it's like to be a welder for the entire day, and this will help you perform even better on the job. Make certain that you are physically fit for this profession. Welding is a difficult career that necessitates a significant amount of physical effort in order for things to go well.

Before becoming a welder, you should educate yourself on the many welding possibilities available. This might assist you in determining which activities and responsibilities of various welding professions best match your capabilities and abilities. Because the responsibilities of various welding jobs can differ, different training or certifications are required.

Investigating the tasks that each welding vocation includes will help you determine what type of education and training you should pursue. You can also look at other welding careers to see what tasks you might love doing.

Choose the type of welding you want to specialize on

Not to mention, there are various welding specialties to choose from while starting a career in this field. Stick to one idea and focus on it if you want to start a career as a welder. Another thing to keep in mind is that welding is a broad subject, and it is rare to come across a welder who is completely knowledgeable in the field. Most welders learn and practice some aspect of their trade throughout their lives.

Once you've decided on the type of welding career you want to pursue, look into the schooling requirements for that expertise. Most welding jobs necessitate a high school diploma or GED.  It's also a good idea to take math classes that complement welding, such as geometry, because welding frequently includes measuring measurements.

Get experienced 

Although welding is a skill-based profession, once you have gotten experience by learning your chances of being recruited are only good if you have prior expertise in this field. There is a distinct distinction between a good welder and a professional welder. Furthermore, if you intend to market your services through social media, customers will choose someone with extensive experience in this industry over a newcomer. But don't give up hope.

Once you've obtained your welder certification, you can begin hands-on training for the exact type of welding you want to pursue through an apprenticeship. Being an apprenticeship allows you to perform supervised work in order to gain a better understanding of a welder's daily schedule and responsibilities.

After completing your apprenticeship, you can either stay with the company where you did your apprenticeship if they let it, or you can apply your experience to a new, full-time welding employment.

Get Certified 

After completing high school, you can continue your education by enrolling in welding certificate programs or community college. Welding certificate programs normally run six months to two years and can help you develop a general understanding of welding activities and responsibilities. Some welders may opt to further their education and obtain a Bachelor's Degree in Welding dependent on their speciality.

In some countries, training to become a welder normally entails an apprenticeship, while there are other options, such as finishing a full-time training course.

Start looking for a job

After you've completed the requisite education, training, and experience, you may begin looking for welding jobs. By searching for job postings online, you can easily find opportunities that match your current skills or expertise. 

What abilities are required to become a welder?

The following are the abilities that most effective welders possess:

• Extensive knowledge of sophisticated welding torches and gear

• Hand-eye synchronization that is effective

• Exceptional attention to detail

• Understanding of welding safety procedures and regulations

• Endurance and dexterity are impressive.

• Welding and metal terminology basics

• Time-management abilities

• Organizational abilities are required while storing and locating welding gear.

Is it possible to learn to weld on your own?

You can learn the foundations of welding on your own in order to construct basic fabrications and review content from reputable sources and invest in a lot of practice to accomplish routine repair tasks. If you have professional objectives, however, it will be hard to acquire a high level of skill without the help of experts. As a result, learning to weld on your own is not recommended.

Why & How To Get Your Michigan Residential Builders License By: Jordan Harris

Making money from building homes has multiple steps before you’re able to actually secure a project. After laying down your hard-earned cash to see your dream home come to fruition, a potential client can take solice in knowing you’re the real deal. In order for more of a guarantee that the project will be completed properly, there is a very high chance that they’ll ask for you residential builders license. Being able to answer them in the affirmative is the key component in this scenario that is highly common in the metro Detroit area.

Michigan’s Department of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs (LARA) makes it easy for people to verify your certified status. There is a “Verify a License” webpage that allows any individual to check into rather or not the contractor has their proper credentials.

If your Michigan builders license is expired or you don’t currently possess one, you could possibly risk losing jobs. Another company can easily beat yours out when it comes to securing the job all due to not having the state back up your claims as a carpenter.

How to get a Michigan builders license

However, when it comes down to it, obtaining your builder’s license is a piece of cake. You do need a few things to start.

• Complete the required 60 hours of prelicensure education at a LARA-approved institution (that’s us!")

• Send the state your course completion certificate, your Michigan builders license application, and the relevant fees

• Be of good moral character (i.e., don’t be fraudulent, deceitful, or dishonest)

• Pass the Residential Builder or Maintenance & Alteration Contractor examination

Now let’s break these down step-by-step. 

Step 1: Complete your prelicensure education

Before you’re actually off to the residential races, you’ll need to visit the Michigan Residential Builder’s page on the Detroit Training Center website. That’s where you can get more information before signing up for the course. We accept partial payments of $325 to get started. We provide the 60-hour course that you need in order to be able to apply to take the state exam. The course is online via Zoom and we host them at least once a month.

LARA requires that your 60-hour residential building license course includes:

• 6 hours in the Michigan Residential Code

• 6 hours in MIOSHA construction safety standards

• 6 hours in business management, estimating, and job costing

• 6 hours in design and building science

• 6 hours in contracts, liability, and risk management

• 6 hours in marketing and sales

• 6 hours in project management and scheduling

From there, you have 18 hours you can use to study topics we cover in the 60-hour course.

These 60 hours aren’t just a formality, either. They prepare you to take the Residential Builder exam that you have to pass in order to get your license.  

Once the class is all wrapped up, we provide the ability to print your certificate of completion as soon as you finish your course. That way, you don’t have to wait for anything to be filed or mailed to you. Theoretically, you could even send in your Michigan builders license application the day you complete your contractor training. However, we also provide access to our future Builder’s prelicense courses free of charge for some extra time with our instructors.

Step 2: Submit your application and confirm your moral character

Once you’ve completed the relevant residential builder’s license course work, you’re ready to send in an application to the state. 

The app is called the “Residential Builder or Maintenance & Alteration Contractor License or Relicense Application” and it’s just two pages long. 

The application asks just a few questions about your criminal history, ensuring you’re meeting the good moral character requirement. Then, it gathers personal details (name, address, etc.), and asks you to select the type of license you’re applying. Last but certainly not least, you have to input a little bit of information about your prelicensure education. 

Once you have your application filled out, it’s time to gather up your application materials. You need to submit:

• Your completed application

• The certificate showing you completed your residential builder’s license course

• Your license fee* (it’s $195 for first-time licensees and $185 for relicensure)

• A copy of your personal ID (e.g., driver’s license, state personal identification card)

*If you’re a veteran and you can show that you separated from the armed forces with “honorable or “general under honorable conditions” standing, you’re exempt from the licensing fees. Just make sure you include a copy of your DD Form 214 or DD Form 215 in lieu of your application fee. 

Once you have your application, fees, and the relevant documentation altogether, mail it in to:

Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

Bureau of Construction Codes/ Licensing Division

P.O. Box 30255

Lansing, MI 48909

You should know that everything you submit to LARA becomes their property at the time of submittal. Nothing will be returned to you, so it’s a good idea to keep your own copies for your records. 

Once LARA has received your application with all of the necessary information and materials, they’ll approve you to take your residential builder or maintenance & alteration contractor exam. 

Step 3: Pass your state exam

Ladies and gentlemen, it is now test time. The exam you need to pass to become a residential builder is administered by a company called PSI Exams and consists of two parts: a 75-minute business and law section and a 180-minute practice and trade section. 

Scheduling the exam

Once LARA has approved you to take your exam, you can schedule it with PSI using this webpage. 

They have several different exam centers across the state that offer testing six days a week. Some of those exam centers are located in:

• Dearborn

• Holt

• Southfield (PSI has two Southfield exam centers)

• Grand Rapids

• Gaylord

• Marquette

You’ll need two types of ID: one current, valid, government-issued photo ID with a signature on it and one form of ID with a signature that matches the one on your photo ID (e.g., credit or debit card, military ID, or school ID). 

Paying for the exam

There are a few additional fee’s outside of the pre-license course. For instance, the exam fee is $117 for the testing center. You can also retake the business and law section for $70 or retake the practice and trade section for $80.

3 Key Signs Your Home Could Have Structural Issues

Written by: Zach Wichter

Whether you live in an apartment, condo or single-family house, you want to know that your dwelling is safe — not just in a safe neighborhood, but physically sound, too. Being 100 percent certain about your home’s structure usually requires professional consultation, but just about anyone can spot obvious problems. In general, it’s a good idea to get a home inspected before you move in, and then keep up a regular maintenance regimen to ensure everything stays in good shape.

How do I know if my house is structurally sound?

To really get down to the brass tacks of maintenance issues, you’ll want to hire a professional inspector or engineer.

“It’s cute to try to predict everything that’s wrong but a pro has to do it for you,” says Nick Gromicko, founder of InterNACHI, the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors. “It would be like you looking at your own X-rays before the doctor comes in the room.”

Even so, there are three basic kinds of warning signs that can alert you to more serious issues and should prompt you to hire a professional right away:

1. Cracks

No matter where they show up — in your wall, ceiling, foundation or chimney — cracks or crumbling can be bad news. They can indicate structural instability or uneven settling, and could signal major, costly damage down the road.

You might see cracks in your paint as seasons change or a new house settles, and those kinds of superficial imperfections aren’t usually reason to worry — but if the crack is more than a quarter of an inch wide or grows over time, have it checked out.

2. Water

Another major headache for homeowners is water infiltration. If you have a leaky roof or pipes, or regularly see puddles in your basement when it rains, have the issue inspected. Ongoing water damage can be costly to fix and lead to other problems like mold. A leaky roof can also become unstable as water slowly wears away the material that supports it.

3. Uneven finishes

A bulging floor or doors or windows that no longer sit level in their frames can also point to structural issues with your home. Door and window openings are vulnerable parts of your wall and are often the areas where cracks and other problems first become apparent.

What to do if you spot an issue

Once you’ve identified a problem with your home, it’s important to get a professional to evaluate the issue as soon as possible. He or she will be able to assess how serious it is, and should be able to advise on what, if any, repairs will be required and what they might cost.

Unfortunately, it can be difficult to get a past report on your property because the results of home inspections are confidential to the person who contracted for it. That said, if you know your home’s previous owner, or if you have a copy of the inspection report you likely received when you moved in, it can be helpful for comparison.

Depending on the issues you’ve identified, an inspector might be able to get a closer look through non-destructive testing methods. Certain inspections may require walls to come down, for example, but non-destructive methods leave your home intact, meaning you won’t need to do any repairs as a result of the inspection itself.

Advice for homebuyers

Assuming you haven’t agreed to waive the inspection contingency that’s in most real estate contracts, get an inspection on your new home before you close. The inspection report should alert you to any major structural issues and can help you plan ahead for expensive repairs that may be coming your way.

“You’re thinking about your health and safety, whether you can insure it and whether you can afford it,” Gromicko says. “That’s a great way to read an inspection report.”

An inspection report that reveals extremely expensive issues, like a cracked foundation or abandoned utility that needs to be abated, could scuttle a real estate deal. Once you have the results, talk to the seller and see if you can get concessions on the price to cover necessary repairs. If the work that’s required means you can no longer afford the property and the seller won’t budge on the price, you may have to walk away.

If you do decide to go through with the purchase, make sure you have enough money set aside after closing to cover any work that needs to be done immediately. Talk to your inspector about the results and take their advice on how much the repairs could cost.

If you’re moving into a homeowners association community (HOA), you might also be able to reach out to the board for information about the property. Many HOAs require inspections prior to sale, and those reports should be available — though you may have to ask.

It’s also a good idea to be in touch with the HOA about any additional charges you may incur or applications that are necessary for the kinds of repairs you expect to do. That way you can budget enough time and money to meet those requirements.

Advice for home sellers

As a seller, you’re required to disclose any structural issues you’re aware of in your home prior to closing the sale. It gets a little trickier with estate sales, because if you haven’t lived in the house, you can sell it as-is with no disclosures, since you weren’t there to know about any issues.

If you’re selling the former home of a deceased relative, Gromicko recommends you always sell as-is to reduce your own liability. Once you take on repairs, you could be responsible for those upgrades long after you hand over the title.

If you’re selling your own home and have disclosed a major issue, be prepared to negotiate with buyers. Some people prefer to get a fixer-upper so they can finish things to their own taste, but others might want the home to be in turnkey condition and expect major repairs to be done before closing. You may have to renegotiate the purchase price, depending on how the buyer wants to proceed.

Bottom line

For most people, their home is their biggest investment, and keeping it in tip-top shape is part of making sure it maintains its value. Especially as you prepare to move in or move out, get the home inspected and address any structural issues that could become dangerous. Ignoring problems could mean they become more destructive over time and ultimately costlier to fix.

Learn more:

• Are home warranties worth it?

• 5 money-saving home maintenance tips

• What’s the lifespan of a house?

How Your Small Business Can Make the Most of a Trade School Relationship

Written By: Marcus Lansky

Trade schools are designed to help people learn how to tackle skill-based jobs that are necessary to keep society running well. Since most of us learn best through experience, it is absolutely necessary for trade schools to develop relationships with businesses in order to facilitate this type of on-the-job training. However, many businesses aren’t entirely sure whether or not working with a trade school will be right for them.

Detroit Training Center has created this guide to help you understand the pros of a trade school relationship. Moreover, we’ve broken down some of the best tips for getting all you can out of your arrangement. With the right approach, you can help train the next generation of workers, make an impact on your community, and find talented candidates who could work with your business for years. Here’s how to get started:

Establish Stability First

Before you can develop a relationship with a trade school, you need to establish stability in your business. If you’re just starting off, you may not be a good fit for taking on the mentorship-trainer role necessary for helping train workers. Dedicate time to giving yourself a foundation first.

There are several steps you can take to make this happen, such as establishing your business structure. For example, you can look into forming a limited liability company, or LLC, for your small business. This designation can provide valuable legal protections, not to mention it offers tax advantages in some situations. Many business owners put this off because it’s a little bit tedious, but don’t let that hold you back. If you don’t feel like wading through the red tape yourself, you can always hire a formation service to knock it out on your behalf.

Build Learning-Based Roles

When hiring trade students to train in your company, it’s important that you have learning-based roles built into your employment structure. Trainees won’t be able to tackle large or complicated tasks, and they’ll need supervision while they’re learning. You’ll need to be prepared to staff your team with both trainees and experienced workers who are ready to take on a mentorship role.

Focus on working with your team to identify the workers who are most equipped to pass on knowledge. It’s not an easy thing to do, but some people are naturals. Focus on who on your team is most effective at conveying information, taking the lead, and keeping tasks in order until completed. These are the people most likely to shine in the mentorship position.

Connect with Students

Finally, you should make an effort to get to know the trade school students who come to train in  your workplace. This gives you the opportunity to meet the next generation of workers and can even help you to identify students who could be a good fit to join your company after they’ve graduated from the program. This is a fantastic way to find great employees who already have foundational knowledge of how things work at your business.

Connecting with trade school students can also make a big difference when it comes to their ability to succeed. When students know they have someone they can talk to, they’re far more likely to speak up if they’re struggling to achieve or understand something. You could be the person who makes or breaks someone’s ability to earn the certification they’re working toward.

Working with trade schools can benefit your business. It gives you the chance to identify your strongest workers as well as build a pool of potential employees you can count on. Moreover, it’s a great way to give back to the community and make sure your industry stays strong.

Want to learn more? Take a look at some of the fantastic partnerships Detroit Training Center has built over the years.

Photo Credit: Pexels

We're Back! (And Even Better)

After a few months of going digital, we have started to move several of our classes back to our Training Center, Workshops, and Truck Yard.

DTC CDL-A students practicing in the yard.

As we reopen, we want to assure you that we are doing everything in our power to provide a safe, clean training experience. You can view our detailed plan for reopening here.

Although the pandemic has changed the way that we do things, it has also served as a growing experience. We have gained capabilities to run much of our classroom training online and have built partnerships with local companies to better offer the services needed by businesses in a post-Coronavirus world. Our partnership with Occupational Care Services allows us to offer services that companies will need such as respirator fit tests and COVID testing (both viral and antibody). It also fortifies our occupational training programs in regards to First Aid, CPR, Bloodborne Pathogens, and OSHA Compliance.

You can see what we’ll be offering in conjunction with Occupational Care Services here.

Masonry Students Back at Work

All-in-all, DTC remains dedicated to being a resource for our community in responding to whatever might happen. You can count on us.

If you’re interested in joining one of our workforce programs, earning a license or certification, or have a business that requires occupational health services, don’t hesitate to contact us or call our office at 313-221-5876.

Michigan Residential Builders Live Stream Courses!

Ladies and gentlemen, we have an announcement! In response to the ongoing conflict which is the covid-19 lock down, we have switched this class to an online live stream via Google Meets with DTC instructor Ed Houchen! .  Students will be able to attend class from home via Google Meets online. We are doing everything in our power to accommodate students and ensure a great class experience in these trying times. You'll be able to make up any missed time with free access to an additional class rather it's live stream or when we open up again later down the line.

Manuals and Course Tools will also be provided electronically via Google Drive which is why you MUST HAVE A GOOGLE EMAIL TO REGISTER. We will also provide the opportunity to pick up physical copies if you’re close by, while we still follow social distancing protocols.

Call us today and get registered for the next upcoming class! Call 313-221-5876 or 313-800-4199 between 9 am and 5 pm on weekdays!

Robert Bradley | Graduate Profile

Here at DTC, we love and appreciate our grads as well as spotlighting their success stories! Meet Robert Bradley from the Flint DTC Partnership with MADE Institute, a CDL grad who has a job offer with Gardner:

"First, I have to thank God for leading me back into this path of trucking. He gave me the strength to never ever give up on my dream of being a truck driver. No matter what I have been through or am currently going through, I asked God for the strength and perseverance to continue on. He will provide it for me as long as I continue to be patient and continue to move forward. I would also like to thank the M.A.D.E. Institute Program for this opportunity and to be able to take this CDL A Course again. Also, to Detroit Training Center and the instructors, thank you so much for everything. God Bless You all and remember to never ever give up."

Antonio Colley | Graduate Profile

Here at DTC, we love and appreciate our grads as well as spotlighting their success stories! Meet Antonio Colley, a masonry restoration grad who is now employed at RAM Construction Services of Michigan, Inc.:

"Detroit Training Center has given me the opportunity to make a big impact in Detroit. Before starting with DTC, I worked at a steel factory. I had spotted RAM Construction Services billboards and signs around Detroit, wondering what all the company did. Those billboards and signs helped inspire me to want to assist the city of Detroit in new and inventive ways related to construction. With training from DTC, I was given a step ahead of the rest of the competition for the construction job market. I was set apart as a DTC mason grad, and with the knowledge I gained from the center, I became more of an asset to RAM. When speaking with other masons who received training elsewhere, my training was treated and thought of as gold mine by them. Everything worked out for the best for me. It can be easy to get influenced by the wrong thing growing up, but I did not want to go down that path, especially since my family, including my younger cousins look up to me. Those cousins also want to attend DTC just like I did. I have my first child on the way and recently graduated with my Associates of Science. I now have good health care and a union based job with RAM. DTC was really there for me."

Cleveland Everheart | Graduate Profile

Here at DTC, we love and appreciate our grads as well as spotlighting their success stories! Meet Cleveland Everheart, a heavy equipment and CDL grad who is now employed at CSX Corporation:

"Detroit Training Center is a wonderful program. It has been a great experience overall and has provided me with the assistance I needed in order to launch a great career. The support from the staff and career counselors were wonderful and absolutely supportive of my career goals and ideas. The DTC has been and is very instrumental in helping myself and others get on track towards a pathway to great career opportunities. If you are determined, focused and positive DTC can help you obtain a rewarding career in many avenues. From heavy equipment training, class A CDL training, CPR training, Masonry, OSHA 30 certification, etc., just to name a few. Thanks Detroit Training Center, I was able to gain access to a great career with CSX."

Dominique Brown | Graduate Profile

Here at DTC, we love and appreciate our grads as well as spotlighting their success stories! Meet Dominique Brown, a heavy equipment grad who is now employed at the Detroit Water & Sewerage department:

"My experience with DTC was not an easy one; but was one of the most important steps I've taken to a permanent career in my life. Being a single parent and working nights full time, 6 weeks of training, 40 hours a weeks seemed daunting and impossible. Despite my doubts the staff always supported me every step of the way, encouraging me and inspiring me. I will say that this program is not for the unmotivated, but if you want it bad enough, if you're dedicated to finishing and serious about changing your current situation the payoff at the end is amazing and well worth the sweat. My program director Jonathan Clark stayed on me about completing even when I was at my wits end, promising that it would all work out if I was just diligent; and sure enough, I'm now working a great position with the city of Detroit and my resume is stronger than ever! I've gained knowledge that makes me stand out amongst my peers, making more money than I ever have, and setting a great foundation in place for my daughter so she can have the world one day. I'm proud of myself for completing this program and thankful for all the wonderful staff, teachers, and fellow students that this school has."

Vinyl Siding + Exterior Trim Work Workshop

Vinyl siding + exterior trim work workshop

With our Vinyl Siding and Exterior Trim Work workshops, participants will become aquatinted with materials to be used for the making of siding and window/facia trim. The workshops include lessons about trim braking/hanging along with other kinds of exterior trim installation techniques. Hands ands-on training will be implemented and readily available to all willing participants.