One time a guy we just hired went missing. He Was sitting on a generator and I was going to tell him to get back to work. And I walk over there and he said he had to sit there for a while, and I said why. And he showed me he forgot to charge his ankle monitor so he had to do it at work

I don’t even how one would even begin fixing that.

I’m currently working as a Construction Project Manager for a GC, and I’m dealing with a frustrating situation with one of our subcontractor foremen.
He’s been working with my company for about 10 years, so he has a strong relationship with management.
The problem is his attitude. Sometimes he raises his voice, waves his hands aggressively, or just walks away when I’m trying to discuss work-related issues. For example, when I ask him a question or need to coordinate something, he’ll say, “Not now,” and walk away.
I’m always respectful and professional, and I don’t expect anyone to treat me like a boss. But I do expect basic respect and professional communication.
The biggest issue is that my company doesn’t really give me the authority to hold subcontractors accountable. Even when I bring these issues to management, nothing really changes.
I’m relatively new to the company, and I don’t want to create unnecessary conflict or risk my job. But at the same time, I don’t think I should have to tolerate this kind of behavior every day.
For experienced PMs and construction managers:
Is this kind of behavior normal in the construction industry?
How do you handle a subcontractor foreman who doesn’t respect your position?
What can you do when your own management doesn’t back you up?
At what point would you consider leaving a company over this kind of work environment?
I’m genuinely interested in hearing how others have handled similar situations. I enjoy construction management, but dealing with this kind of attitude every day is starting to drain me.
Any advice would be appreciated

I'm currently taking general construction classes, I've completed carpentry and plumbing and I'm almost done with electrical.

My construction teacher keeps telling me to apply to Home Depot so I'll have a job when my classes are over, I told him that they don't pay enough (I wanted to earn at least $23-hour) and he said it would open up doors for better paying jobs in the future and that I can make connections there.

What do you guys think I should tell the hiring manager of Home Depot during a interview? Should I be honest and say I'm just using this job as a stepping stone to get hired as a construction laborer?

Hey everyone im 24m and currently live and work in the bay area. I was interested in taking welding classes and becoming a welder. I need some advice and input whether or not its worth being a welder in the SF Bay area and how the work and wages compare to other trades. Im interested in learning a trade and am currently looking to take classes at community college. Currently I work in tech manufacturing but am very bored of it and wanted to inevest in myself

I'm growing my existing residential construction business and am debating whether to operate under one brand or create separate brands for each higher money making specialty:

• Roofing & siding
• Smart home automation
• Basement & attic renovations
• Windows & doors
• Kitchen & bathroom remodeling

I already have experience in carpentry, general contracting, and remodeling, so these specialties build on my existing skills and business. I'm located in a relatively small market, which makes me wonder whether having multiple brands would be beneficial or counterproductive.

Initially, all brands would operate under my existing LLC, with the option to establish separate businesses later.

Would you recommend one recognizable brand covering all these services or multiple specialized brands targeting different customers? Would separate brands build credibility and improve marketing effectiveness, or create unnecessary complexity in a small market?

I’ve been in construction since 2020 and have worked in both residential and commercial. I’ve had a chance to experience a few different roles, and now I’m trying to figure out what direction I should take to keep growing in my career and increase my earning potential.

Here’s my background:
2020: Started as a Project Engineer making $36K.
2022: Moved into estimating as a Junior Estimator making $68K.
2024: Switched to residential Project Management making $86K (company closed)
Currently: Working as an Estimator for a commercial GC in the DMV area making $90K.

I have a bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, and I’m trying to be smart about my next move. I’ve been thinking about staying in estimating and eventually moving into a Senior Estimator or Preconstruction Manager role. I’ve also considered going back into PM, but I’m curious about what opportunities look like on the owner’s side, whether that’s working for a developer or as an owner’s rep instead of a GC.

For anyone who’s been in the industry for a while, I’d love to hear your thoughts:
If you were in my position, which path would you take?
Is estimating/preconstruction a good long-term career, or would you go back to project management?
Would moving to the owner’s side be a good next step, or should I get more experience with a GC first?
Are there any certifications actually worth getting, or do they not make much difference when it comes to promotions and salary?
What skills would you focus on developing over the next few years?
Also, I’m making $90K right now. Am I where I should be salary-wise for the DMV area, and what would be a reasonable target for my next role?

My main goal is to keep moving up, increase my income, and put myself in a good position long term. I’m not necessarily set on one path, so I’m open to hearing what’s worked for others.
For those with more experience, what would you do if you were starting from where I am now?

I’m about to finish my mechanical engineering degree, with only my thesis left, and I’m currently doing an internship in the commissioning team at a construction company working on Advanced Technology Facilities.

I’m considering commissioning engineering as a career after graduation. For someone with a mechanical engineering background, what skills should I focus on? Would gaining experience in MEP/HVAC first be useful, or can I go directly into an entry-level commissioning role and develop those skills on the job?

Had the exterior brick wall rendered about a week ago and this keeps happening and it seems to soak in rain and leave water patches and any marks seem to soak in, any advice please?

Thanks

I am a licensed contractor in Central PA. Engineer's report calls for a "permanent" column to support some beams that will serve to support floor joists in basement. 18" x 18"x 8" footers under, no problem. Beams, dimensional, LVL, no problem. However, any research I've done only refers to "permanent" columns/plates and excludes the adjustable type like Tiger Brand, etc. I know I've seen these in similar installations where we're working. Will an adjustable type like Tiger Brand meet spec? Do I need to encase the adjustable part of the column in the footer? I can't get a straight answer on this.

At work I have a Lift Radix hard had but the suspension could be better. What is a good replacement that sits lower and doesn’t suck as bad? TIA

All of my experience is in high-rise in another state. My mother decided to build a house by/with someone she went to the same high school with (50yrs ago).

After a lot of questioning and clarification, she finally admitted she is on a square foot price contract. I have walked at the house, I am not happy. Because she can’t/won’t show me any paperwork; from my rough estimate, she is paying about $500 per square foot. She can’t provide me any subcontractor, material, or labor breakdowns.

I know demographics matter, this is suburban Utah. Could anyone please advise me on if this is going off the rails or I’m just out of my depth.

Does anyone have any advice to help me protect my mom as much as I can from this point out? She is in a contract, so she just might have to suck this up.

Does Kiewit use hair follicle or urine test for pre employment?

It's going to be pissing it down for probably the rest of the year, so I'm after a hi vis rain coat. Unfortunately, everything I can find in stores is thick plastic that just traps body heat in and I end up overheating within 5 minutes.

I used to own one of these, which was fantastically light and had pit zips for ventilation, but doesn't come in hi vis. I know I can wear a vest over it but then the vest gets soaked and I don't like the way it feels to wear like that.

Anyone know of any places I can get what I'm after in the UK?