Contractor Certification
A year ago in this article I discussed the merits, advantages, and shortfalls of a CFA-sponsored contractor certification program. The bottom line is that certification is coming whether we like it or not. Several government and code organizations require that contractors, or individuals within the company, are certified to perform their specialty. More will do […]
Events, Events, and More Events
Another World of Concrete is history – and what an event it was! There was record attendance (over 90,000), a record number of exhibitors (over 1,700), and a record amount of exhibit space (over 900,000 square feet). In spite of a slow housing market, people flocked to Las Vegas. CFA members also supported the event. […]
When Times Are Tough
The housing industry is in another slump. This is nothing new to those of you who have been around for a few years (since the last slump). The housing industry is cyclical. If it is up, down times are ahead. Fortunately, the opposite also holds true. Believe it or not the causes of these events […]
The Code Saga Continues
I attended my third International Code Council (ICC) meeting in Orlando, Florida a month ago. For those of you unfamiliar with the code development process, the ICC is the organization that oversees development of the “I” series of codes, including the International Residential Code (IRC), the International Building Code (IBC) and the other Icodes. The […]
Women In Construction
This issue of Concrete Facts focuses on a growing trend in the building industry – the increasing role of women in the operation and management of construction businesses. While the trend may be on the increase in other construction businesses, no where is it as prevalent as it is in the residential foundation contractor business. […]
National Associates Take a Bow!!
The Concrete Foundations Association is made up primarily of contractor members, but one group of members who constantly step to the plate to add value to the Association are our National Associate members. Without them, all of our events would be more expensive and less informative; our magazine would be much smaller and black and […]
A Complete Residential Concrete Code
The first edition of the ACI 332 Code – Requirements for Residential Concrete Construction, has been published. Chapter 7 (Foundation Walls) is referenced in the 2006 Edition of the International Residential Code. But what comes next? The 332 Committee has begun working on the next version (’07) with a goal to make it a complete residential concrete […]
To Certify or Not to Certify
The CFA Board of Directors had an in-depth discussion over the merits and need for certification prior to its board meeting in Las Vegas. There is a movement in some building jurisdictions for all contractors and subcontractors to be certified. If we don’t take action, it could boil down to someone outside the industry dictating […]
Your CFA Membership Benefits
Are you taking full advantage of your membership in the CFA? Hopefully you are. But just in case, I thought I would highlight a few of the relatively new member benefits, as well as remind you of some the old standbys. First, let’s talk about the CFA cold weather effort. Now that winter is upon […]
Hurricane Katrina: Can CFA Members Help?
The world was stunned by the devastation wrought on Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama by Hurricane Katrina. The images, as horrifying as they were, couldn’t convey how complete the destruction was. Hurricane Rita then extended the problems to the west, including Texas. The extent of the damage defies description and understanding. What we do understand is […]
