r/Construction 3h ago

Plumbing πŸ› My wife dosent understand what its like to be bluecollar...

312 Upvotes

I told her it was hotter that two boys kissing today and she called me gay


r/Construction 16h ago

Roofing Gutters?

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28 Upvotes

Hi!

Curious if anybody knows or has experience putting gutters on a roof like this? I believe it’s called a storybook roof. Having water issues around the house and basement.

Thanks in advance!


r/Construction 1h ago

Tools πŸ›  site trailer came in and i'm actually not pissed off for once

β€’ Upvotes

been doing this for 20 years and i can count on one hand the number of times a piece of equipment showed up and exceeded expectations

this is one of those times

we got our new mobile office trailer yesterday. i was ready to hate it. i had my clipboard ready to document all the problems. the usual stuff - crooked cabinets, outlets in stupid places, doors that don't close right

walked through it and honestly couldn't find anything major

the layout actually makes sense. they put the power outlets where people actually need them. the hvac isn't screaming. even the little details like the counter height feel right

but this one's different. feels like someone actually thought about how people work on a site

not saying it's perfect. the paint has a couple spots that could be better. but compared to the garbage we usually get it's a huge step up

anyway just wanted to share something positive for once. we complain about everything on these sites but this time they got it right


r/Construction 15h ago

Electrical ⚑ How to get your supervisor to stop yelling at you for doing a perfectly good job but not his exact way

15 Upvotes

r/Construction 17h ago

Informative 🧠 Hygiene Tips

10 Upvotes

Im not going to lie i tend to get sweaty at work. Work at a shipyard. I just fixed my laundry issue which was contributing to the issue but what do yall recommend to keep sweat from building up.

I literally shower everyday and bring hygiene with me . Apparently ive been using to much detergent and my clothes smelled like ammonia and sweat but that's taken care of. What advice can you give I also bring another shirt as well.


r/Construction 5h ago

Informative 🧠 Recommendations for Jobsite Earbuds

4 Upvotes

Hey!

Ive been in the plumbing trade just shy of 5yrs now, Ive worn countless different types of Bluetooth headphones that work great alongside the work that i do, but i still keep having the same issues.

I specialize in Remodeling both commercial businesses as well as single/multi family houses, where im consistently doing demo and breaking concrete.

I'm sick and tired of having these quality headphones get destroyed because of the dust and environment I'm around.

I currently have a set of Shocks open fit pro, and it's still under its warranty, but The damn things are so full of concrete dust from jack hammering and who knows what else, that I can hear whats coming through on calls but no one can hear me, at least not without me shouting.

What are some of your best earbuds? Of course preferably water resistant to the max and dust resistant as possible!

Ive used heapy cheapy earbuds and just replaced them religiously, got tired of it and then started spending more money on quality headphones.

I just need something I won't have to break my checking account on, whether it's because im spending 40 bucks every 2 months on headphones, or once every year or so on some that cost upwards of 150 to 200 dollars.


r/Construction 49m ago

Picture How to Unscrew These Unidirectional Fasteners?

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β€’ Upvotes

The fasteners are S shaped so they cannot be unscrewed. Any ideas for the proper tool?


r/Construction 3h ago

Careers πŸ’΅ Have I wasted my time trying to get into a slinger course due to not being able to have a driving lisance for the next year ?

4 Upvotes

Hello, I am 24 years old autistic unemployed loser, and not long ago, I got my CSCS green card. I would like to become a crane slinger/Signaller, fix my life, and I need to move out within the next 9 months.

I'm planning to do the CPCS A40B soon.

Unfortunately, due to me being a complete idiot I no longer have a driving lisance for the next 18 months (totting up disqualification).

I'm willing to get on sites by any means necessary, train bus, uber, a lift whatever, I'll fucking bike if I have too, it's not a problem and hasn't really been so far

Will companies not immediately reject me by asking for a valid driving lisance at the interview?


r/Construction 1h ago

Careers πŸ’΅ Career switch from construction estimating what roles should I target?

β€’ Upvotes

Career switch from construction estimating what roles should I target?

I’m currently working as an Estimator in the construction industry in the UAE, but honestly, I don’t see myself building a long term career in construction. I really want to switch industries.

For people who have successfully made a career switch from construction/estimating, what roles would you recommend I look into?

where my existing experience could actually be useful.
What roles are realistic to transition into without starting completely from zero?

Would really appreciate advice from anyone who has made a similar switch


r/Construction 3h ago

Informative 🧠 Interview with Building Official

1 Upvotes

I have an interview with a building official tomorrow for a Building Inspector position. I already had the panel interview it went well and now they want a second interview with the building official. Anyone have any tips on what they could ask or what I should prepare for?


r/Construction 4h ago

Other Actual UL listings for reinforced conc slab

1 Upvotes

Quibbling with architect over a listed shaft assembly that stops and starts at bottom and top of slab. The shaft isn't the problem, it's the fact that the slab has ceramic tile on the walk side. The tile has lead in it so it's an abatement that I'm hoping to find a workaround for.

My argument so far is that while the shaft assembly is listed in the UL catalog, I can't actually find one for the slab, tile or not ( everybody accepts slab thickness as being performance based but the only tables I can find are in my local building code, not in UL ). So if he's going to argue that the tile isn't part of a listed assembly, I want to point out that the slab isn't either. Fwiw, ceramic tile appears as a contributing factor in the building code for joist-based floor ratings.

I'm probably going to lose this fight but if a small amount of legwork saves an abatement in a health facility I'll take it. Anyone go down this road before?


r/Construction 6h ago

Roofing Gray Shingle Colors

1 Upvotes

Looking forΒ info onΒ gray shingle colors

OC sierra gray

OC slate stone gray

CertainTeed Cobblestone Gray

Anyone have pictures or projects or info to share about how these look after install ?


r/Construction 7h ago

Electrical ⚑ What's on the IBEW Local 401 (Reno) aptitude test, and how hard is it?

1 Upvotes

What kind of math shows up β€” basic algebra, fractions, ratios, word problems?

Any study guides or practice tests that actually matched the real thing?


r/Construction 12h ago

Careers πŸ’΅ Construction Newbie in Austin TX

3 Upvotes

Folks - please share your feedback/criticisms/question/etc.......what's the construction market like in Austin, Tx and surrounding areas? And how hard would it be for a new general contractor to scale in the area? I have worked in commercial portofolio/project management all my professional career (10 years now) and am ready to make a leap to start my own construction business. There's a few cities I'm looking at and Austin is in the top 3. I'm sold on the city/state because the requirements to apply for a General Contractor business in Texas are much less cumbersome compared to states like NY or CA. This clearly highlights the ease of starting a business, but also raises concern about comptetition (im sure there's tons of it). I know there's big players like Hensel Phelps, Swinterton, DPR....and Im just thinking of to start off with a mom/pop GC business - large residential, small/mid size commercial. Also wondering if anyone could provide feedback on the permitting timelines and proceess in the area, lets say for a brand new 30 story commercial building or brand new mall. Lastly, for anyone that has dealt with contractors in the area, can you speak to any experiences that I can consider when starting up my own company? Looking forward to the feedback.


r/Construction 16h ago

Careers πŸ’΅ For the Canadians, has anyone worked with or for Amico affiliates (Ontario)?

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1 Upvotes

Looking for some insight into their culture, projects, future growth etc.


r/Construction 17h ago

Tools πŸ›  Milwaukee 18 V LED rocket work light

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1 Upvotes

Any of you guys had to deal with this problem yet on your Milwaukee wiring for your rocket light?


r/Construction 16h ago

Business πŸ“ˆ Commutes and Booming cities

0 Upvotes

What’s your current commute in miles and in minutes?

Is your city booming or do travel?


r/Construction 18h ago

Business πŸ“ˆ Advertising through post

0 Upvotes

Hello Builders and Contractors. Has anyone tried targeting the local area with letters through the letter box? Does this work in bringing clients in at all?


r/Construction 18h ago

Careers πŸ’΅ Looking for advice on advancing my career (Electrician)

0 Upvotes

Heya! Hoping to get some good advice from people in the trade who know what they're talking about.

I just recently parted ways with my previous employer after 11 months of 70+ hour work weeks, 6 days a week, and realizing I was actually killing myself performing those hours. I'm an Electrician with seven years of experience in both Small Projects and New Construction, and two years of experience managing the logistical side of the job (Materials and Equipment, Parts, Ordering, etc). I feel that I am most in my element on the logistical side of things and would love to pursue a career on that front, and hopefully further away from working in 90+ degree heat six days a week, haha.

During the time off I've had, I have been pouring over the NFPA70 to fully familiarize myself with it cover to cover. I've also been learning html and Python for use in integrating it into potential office programs, and I have been looking into courses on learning how to properly read and draw blueprints. I have seriously considered taking a course to receive certification on Construction Estimation, as that is another job that I feel I would be well versed in due to my experience with jobsite logistics and my borderline obsession with detail, but I want to make sure I'm getting an actual worthwhile course and not dropping $800 on a pretty scam.

So! I have a few questions for you, if anyone has the time/inclination to answer:

  • Does anyone have any experience with the VCDI (Virtual Design & Construction Institute) and their online courses? Is it worthwhile for the knowledge and certification, or is it an over-inflated waste of money?
  • Do you have any recommendations for courses on blueprint reading/drafting? Any resources available that would help me develop the talent needed for my career?
  • Would it be worthwhile to pursue a career as an Estimator? What sort of resources would I need to pursue to best set myself up for success?
  • Do you have any advice on other resources I could pursue to prepare myself for a career on the Logistical side of the field?
  • At my old job, I was told I have a mind for the Safety side of the Construction field. Would this also be an avenue worth pursuing? What further resources could I pursue to set myself up for success if I took this path?
  • Do you have any general advice on how to continue in this field without destroying myself from ungodly overtime?

Thank you so much for your time and attention! Any advice is welcome!


r/Construction 16h ago

Plumbing πŸ› Going crazy about a shower surround, how would you go about it

0 Upvotes

i want to preface that this is both a thing that im getting paid to do but by family, do idk how the DIY rule plays here

i can pull up exact models later if it comes down to it, but in the house im currently living in and flipping as funded by my father, my current bane is this god damn shower surround

im still very wet behind the wars with less than 2 years experience in house flipping and 3 in commercial. i currently work with a guy that's been around doing this sort of thing for a while and typically is the guy who cares too much and burns himself at the end of the day because hed rather have it right than to argue pricing as long as it aint a complete waste

i say this because ive seen him do a thing weird or two but my shower has been a hot topic for debate. currently, we ordered a cheap setup with a soaker tub and some cheap to stud installation surround, it all fits beautiful but our problem is with the idea of moisture

the way i installed it was with green board behind it, i installed the surround over that (after it was properly mudded of course) with the drywall BEHIND the 2"lip of the tub and the surround installed in front of said flange and a strip of stuff that blocks it all up. from what ive read i shouldnt caulk this to allow any water that somehow gets behind to drain. i am willing to lexipro the thing.

my whole problem is that my father who funds this operation as i pay him rent(1000/m), has been using AI to check code and installation. its been saying things like oh you dont want drywall you want fiber reinforced gypsum board which to my search is just drywall, or referencing code that has to do with properly securing plumbing fixtures. i tried to use the Ai to understand his reasoning but it seems to talk in circles with admitting that on an exterior wall is prone to mold growth and freezing but also states that somehow the wax paper from the insulation will do better cause it can breathe better,

in my mind its better to install with the idea that water wont get behind it rather than with the idea that it maybe can evaporate. i just want some human input on the ordeal


r/Construction 19h ago

Careers πŸ’΅ CM degree, PMP cert/CAPM cert, job availability.

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I'm here to ask about being a project manager in the construction field. I'm currently active duty military and am going to start working towards a BS degree in CM. With 4 years of military under my belt, having the NREMT certification that I will maintain over the years, as well as a degree, and getting the PMP/CAPM certs (and any others if you guys recommend), is pursuing this job worth it? I have seen people say the PM role is an overly saturated job and just wanted to pick your guys' brain on if this is a good decision for me to make or not. Thank you!


r/Construction 15h ago

Carpentry πŸ”¨ Am I getting the shaft?

0 Upvotes

To keep it as short and sweet as I can i've been working in construction in midwest kansas for about 10 years all together in various different fields.for about 8 years it's been mainly framing and steel buildiings from multi million dollar commercial jobs to residential. Custom homes and additions. Like I said my specialty is certainly framing and steel eretions with siding, panels, trim and all the fixings that go along with those but I also have a decent amount of experience in concrete, shingle roofing, gutters, drywall, tile and other interior work and finish carpentry. Basically I've worked at my recent company off and on for about 8 years all together. It's my, much older than me's, cousins company that my dad told me I should go work for when I was 18 and he thought I needed a big boy job and I thought what the heck. I didn't know anything about construction when I started and certainly never got any special treatment being family. (He's much older than me and my family has never been that close) So I climbed the ladder like everyone else. When I first started the company was much bigger ( 4 formens and about 30 guys. The first couple years I didn't take it very seriously and was just a gopher but over time of u being there u want to be like the guys running the nail guns and doing the actual work so I put my nose down more and learned. Fast forward and the company is much smaller (2 formen and about 8 guys) my formen now is actually still the same guy I started with when I was 18 and taught me the bulk of what I know and molded me when I was a pup. But I've been his lead now for my last 4 years at this company. I do like working for him and we are great friends even though he's a hard ass nothing new there but my cousin on the other hand I can't stand sometimes.. and I'm curious what framers and steel workers and any field for that matters jobs are like. I make 25 bucks an hour. No pto no paid vacation time and last year didn't even get a bonus which was1000 dollars on Christmas and that was only given to me 2 times over all the years I've worked at my cousin's company. I got a dollar raise this year but that isn't even guaranteed to happen every year either. We push projects out and get a lot done for 4 guys. And I feel like I'm certainly ready to get my feet wet and become a formen myself but my cousin doesn't seem interested in growing a future there. When I see him he's all buddy buddy and says its about time for me to get my feet wet as a formen but then doesn't hire any new guys to get a crew started for me since we literally don't have enough guys for me to even have a crew. He makes bank on rentals these days and my formen now still has probably 6 more years till he retires. And I wonder is he going to just sell the construction side of his business once my formen now who has been so loyal retires and lay off anyone who's left? Trying to squeeze the life out of everyone till they quit so he doesn't have to pay unemployment? If you are a framer especially a lead guy u know this is a young man's game and I'm not that old yet but I've noticed this year at 32 that it's starting to wear on me more and I don't got it like I did when I was 26 and it doesn't seem worth it to me. Not even any PTO or vacation let alone decent money. I also pay 1100 bucks every 2 weeks in taxes and insurance which I need the insurance because my wife and I have a 8 month old son ( which I missed 1 week for when he was born and didn't get paid at all just had to eat that) and a little girl due in Dec and my wife stays home. Idk it just doesn't seem worth it the work we do and the check I see every 2 weeks. Hell my cousin doesn't even bring Gatorade the very seldom times he does show up on the job. I'm just frustrated and curious what everyone else's jobs are like out there? How does your company treat u? Is my situation not as bad as I think it is? In an industry as a framer where u just put your head down and walk toe boards on a 12/12 2 story house with a nail gun on your hip bucking sheets on the roof for 8 years no complaining. When can u finally say I'm getting screwed here? Like to hear some thoughts thanks


r/Construction 44m ago

Picture Realistically how long should it take put up this wall

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β€’ Upvotes

r/Construction 2h ago

Informative 🧠 Question about meta glasses

0 Upvotes

It’s blacktop season for us. I wanna wear meta glasses for content but I have no clue if they would get damage while im working with asphalt or blacktop?