Voices
Here’s something we haven’t yet published: Praise for Ontario’s GreenOn program!
by canadiancontractor“I look forward to anything that elevates the committed tradesman from the not-so-committed tradesman.”
Net Zero is easier once we ditch wood frame construction, he argues
by canadiancontractor“Our (home building) methods and materials have taken us back as far as the 1900s – and nobody has noticed…”
Why weren’t there any representatives from the home building industry at Skills Canada’s Ontario competition?
by canadiancontractorLen Rance, a staunch proponent of apprenticeships and developing the next generation of contractors, wants to know
Legalization of marijuana will NOT lead to increased impairment on construction sites, Scott argues
by canadiancontractorAll that the legalization of marijuana will do is “keep current users on the right side of the law,” this commenter claims
Alberta apprenticeship ratios frustrate his job search
by canadiancontractor“I am finding nothing but a million apprenticeship listings,” Shane says
This contractor fought a four-year battle with Ontario’s Tarion new home warranty program.
by canadiancontractor“Tarion has a reputation for trampling on builders’ legal rights,” says Doug Abbott. In particular, they can come after you PERSONALLY, even if you have an incorporated company, he says.
Why is it so difficult for Ontario contractors to work in Quebec?
by canadiancontractorA Montreal contractor explains this mysterious state of affairs in down-to-earth terms
Jerry and his price book
by Steve PayneHis gross margin had slid all the way down to 15 per cent, just like that. Except in business, there IS no “just like that.”
Do you have a plan for your contracting firm’s future?
by Robert KociWell, if you don’t have a vision for your future, how can you expect anyone to back you?
A contractor is a machine: Are you revving too high – or too low?
by Steve MaxwellDifferent contractors work at different intensities. But like any engine, there is a sweet spot for the most efficient output. Have you thought about yours?
“Canada’s safety profession is a make-work project”
by canadiancontractorThe real goal of the safety industry, says Chris Langman, is to create a “Hoover Dam” of rules and red tape – and more government jobs.
Roofer: “Majority of roofing injuries are CAUSED by ‘safety’ equipment”
by canadiancontractorAnyone care to comment on this claim. We really don’t know what to say.
“We should put Justin and Kathleen on a worksite as labourers, and have the machine operators stoned.”
by canadiancontractor“They would change the legalized marijuana laws the same day.”
He had a locksmith show up, stinking of pot
by canadiancontractorAnother of our many comments from contractors very worried about the potential for increased marijuana use on their job sites
He doesn’t think increased marijuana use on the job site will lead to safety issues
by canadiancontractorRay says that weed causes well-known short-term memory issues – but not actual safety hazards.
Asbestos dangers overblown?
by canadiancontractorThe fear of asbestos dates back to when workers were exposed to dense clouds of asbestos dust before health and safety standards existed, Mike says
Busting myths about skylights: Installer sticks to one brand only
by canadiancontractorRon Gauthier is a Velum-certified installer
Fly-by-night contractors who work for half what you do
by canadiancontractorIn this post, Al Barnes lists all the aspects of a quality $40,000 basement renovation. Unfortunately, many contractors will bid $20,000 – and then make a total hash of it.