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Getting Started in the Construction Industry

Starting a construction project can be a huge endeavor. Project owners must anticipate roadblocks, adapt to complexities, and ensure that the final project meets their vision.

Coen Construction professionals use their skills to build everything from rudimentary shelters to skyscrapers. Throughout the years, construction technology has improved to meet ever-changing needs.

The construction industry contributes to many important projects, including residential buildings and commercial complexes, industrial facilities, infrastructure such as bridges, roads, dams and airports, as well as the utilities that power our homes and businesses. However, the industry is facing a significant challenge in terms of finding and keeping skilled workers. As older employees retire and Gen Z takes the place of previous generations, firms need to find ways to attract younger workers to the field.

The good news is that technological advancements are transforming construction and making it an attractive career option. For example, the use of sensors and connected devices on job sites enhances safety protocols, enables predictive maintenance for vehicles and generators, and improves operational efficiency. Additionally, AI technologies allow for better project management, with software analyzing data and providing a more comprehensive overview of a building’s performance.

In addition, cloud computing is enabling greater flexibility and accessibility of project data, improving communication and collaboration between teams. In the future, smart or intelligent construction (also known as Construction 4.0) will leverage these emerging technologies to increase project efficiency and reduce costs. This new generation of technology includes augmented reality, the Internet of Things, robots and drones, autonomous vehicles and 3D printing.

While these advances have the potential to transform the industry, many developing nations are facing challenges in adopting them. Poor infrastructure, lack of access to funding and limited training are some of the main barriers. Fortunately, there is a growing awareness of the need to invest in these technologies and develop appropriate training programs for professionals.

As a result, the future looks bright for the construction industry. For young people considering a career in this highly valuable sector, it is important to consider education and training options. Earning a degree or certification from an accredited institution such as NMU Global Campus is a solid foundation for entering the construction industry. By studying topics such as construction technology, cost estimates, building codes and regulations, sustainable practices, and communication strategies, students have the skills they need to navigate the complexities of modern construction.

Education and Training

Construction training teaches learners practical skills that can be used across a wide range of professional fields. Whether you work in an office or out in the field, understanding basic construction techniques and building materials can help you perform pragmatic tasks like repairing drywall or replacing light fixtures. Learning about construction techniques can also improve your efficiency in the workplace and give you an edge over competitors.

As the industry continues to innovate, it’s important for construction professionals to stay up-to-date on new technologies and sustainable practices. This knowledge can help you deliver projects more efficiently and ensure compliance with local regulations.

You can learn these skills by enrolling in a construction training program or taking individual courses online. In-person classes are the most immersive and interactive option, allowing you to ask questions in real time as an instructor guides your learning. Online self-paced courses are more flexible and allow you to fit your studies into your daily schedule, though they may require longer commitments than live classes.

Some common construction-related skills include:

Project management skills: Developing and overseeing complex projects, meeting deadlines, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with building standards and safety regulations.

Engineering and technical skills: University-level training in the fundamentals of engineering and structural design. This includes an understanding of how building materials are sourced, where they’re used, and how each material can be best installed. Construction site safety skills: Adherence to OSHA regulations, a familiarity with construction equipment and tools, and a thorough understanding of how to construct a safe working environment.

Blueprint reading: The ability to read and understand detailed blueprints is a must-have skill on any construction site. Invest in a course bundle from VDCI to learn how to interpret these documents, including training on scale, drawing types, and specifications.

Communication skills: Construction sites are dynamic environments that change on a daily basis, and you’ll need to be able to communicate with your team to resolve issues, identify risks, and keep everyone updated. Take a communications course that emphasizes soft skills like active listening and clear communication, or read industry publications to keep up with new trends.

Skills Needed

Construction workers have to be physically fit enough to handle the labor involved in the trades and keep up with the fast pace of work on building sites. Often, new construction workers are paired with an experienced team member who provides them with on-the-job training as they learn their craft. Those interested in entering the industry can also take courses and enroll in certification programs that teach them the basics of various construction trades before starting on a job site.

In addition to having the right skills for a specific trade, construction workers need strong organizational and project management abilities. These skills are vital to ensure projects stay on track and meet deadlines. They are also necessary to ensure the safety of everyone involved in a project. Construction workers may need to interact with clients and other professionals, so good communication and relationship-building skills are essential.

As the labor shortage continues to plague many industries, efficiency is becoming increasingly important for construction companies. Technology like automation and robotics can help mitigate the impact of a limited workforce by reducing the amount of manual labor needed on a project. This can free up time for skilled workers to focus on more complex tasks.

A good understanding of how to read blueprints is another key skill for construction workers. These technical drawings provide a roadmap for the entire project, detailing where walls should go, how plumbing and electrical systems will run, and how different parts of the structure will connect together. This ability allows construction workers to complete their work quickly and accurately.

Depending on the type of construction, some workers need additional specialized training to complete their jobs. For example, those who want to build industrial buildings need specialized training in how to anticipate industry-specific needs and adhere to strict safety guidelines. Other construction workers may need to undergo extensive training to learn how to safely operate a crane or other heavy machinery.

Although there are many skills that are crucial for construction workers, the most important is a willingness to learn and progress in the field. This industry is always changing, and it is important for construction workers to be flexible and adaptable in order to succeed.

Work Environment

The work environment is made up of many components that can affect the quality of the work. This includes the physical condition of the office, communication between team members and overall company culture. Having a positive work environment will help to increase productivity, motivation and commitment to the job.

It will also ensure that all employees have a sense of purpose and belonging. Having an open dialogue about the current work environment can help to identify areas that need improvement. This can be done through surveys, focus groups and open conversations. Using inclusive language that encourages different perspectives is key to building a supportive work environment.

Foundation Repair – Why It’s Important to Inspect Cracks in Your Foundation

August 12, 2025August 12, 2025 Floyd Wood Contractor Services building contractors, commercial remodeling contractors, foundation repair, general contractors, industrial remodeling, metal buildings, steel buildings

Foundation Repair Nashville is typically less invasive than home replacement and allows you to stay in your home while it is being repaired. Your contractor will develop a plan to add support to areas of your foundation that are unstable or have cracks in them.

There are a few ways to do this, but they all involve raising your home back up to its original level. This will close cracks, re-align doors and windows, and restore functionality to your home.

When cracks form in your foundation, they often signal a serious structural problem. It’s important to inspect them regularly and take action as soon as possible, to prevent more serious damage and protect the value of your home. Whether the cracks are wide, vertical, diagonal, or growing over time, there’s a lot they can tell you about your foundation’s stability and the cause of the cracking.

Vertical cracks, which run up and down or slightly diagonally, are usually the result of settling and shrinkage in concrete. They’re typically not a major concern, but it’s wise to monitor them and make repairs as needed. Wider cracks, especially those that run horizontally or are broader at one end than the other, indicate serious structural problems and should be assessed by a professional as soon as possible.

Diagonal cracks that appear along the foundation wall are most often caused by differential settlement in different parts of the house. These cracks are usually a sign of a more serious problem, such as a sinkhole or sever soil movement, and should be repaired immediately.

A professional contractor can repair most types of foundation cracks by injecting epoxy resin into the cracks. A specialized kit is available that includes epoxy resin, injection ports, and applicators. These kits are easy to use and allow for fast, effective repairs. If the cracks are severe, it may be necessary to dig out and fill in the affected area of the foundation to stabilize it.

Another way to repair foundation cracks is to install helical and push piers to support the foundation. This is a more involved process and requires a thorough inspection of the foundation, but it can be very effective in preventing further cracking and stabilizing the foundation. These systems can also be used to repair basement foundation leaks. Water can be a huge problem for your home’s foundation, causing rot, mold, and other problems. Keeping trees and shrubs away from the foundation, keeping up with regular maintenance, and taking swift action when cracking occurs can help prevent these issues from occurring.

Water Invasion

Water invasion is a homeowner’s silent nightmare that gradually undermines the integrity of a home’s foundation. Unchecked, it can cause major structural issues and costly repairs. Moisture mitigation is key to preventing this dangerous problem.

One of the most common causes of moisture invasion is a lack of proper drainage. Homes with clogged gutters and downspouts can create over-saturation of soil that can lead to foundation problems. This is especially true in clay soils, where over-saturation leads to expansion and contraction that can cause foundation cracking.

Another source of moisture invasion is plumbing leaks. If you suspect a leak in your basement, you should call a professional immediately to fix the issue and prevent further damage. If left unchecked, a leak can cause mold and mildew growth in the basement that can further weaken the materials in your foundation.

Some natural disasters, such as floods and earthquakes, can also damage your foundation by creating hydrostatic pressure against it. This pressure can force water through cracks in your foundation, expanding them over time. This can lead to serious structural problems and even collapse the entire structure of your home.

During drought conditions, water seepage into your home’s foundation can also become an issue. It’s important to keep the area around your foundation moist, so the soil doesn’t dry out and leave the foundation susceptible to movement. One easy way to do this is by running a drip irrigation system that can add moisture to the soil on a regular basis.

In addition, it’s important to plant trees and shrubs that are well away from your home’s foundation. This can help avoid tree roots from seeking out moisture and causing damage to the foundation. If you have existing trees, get a professional’s opinion before they are pruned close to your foundation.

Generally, if you see a crack that is wider than 1/10 of an inch, it’s a good idea to have it inspected by a professional. Any crack that is accompanied by significant moisture or is getting wider over time should also be inspected. If the crack is found to be structural, your contractor may suggest piers as a repair solution.

Structural Issues

The foundation of a home is essential to its integrity. Without a strong, stable base, the entire structure could collapse. Unfortunately, many homeowners ignore warning signs of foundation problems and fail to take them seriously until it’s too late. The good news is that structural issues can be repaired by experienced professionals using various methods, such as underpinning or helical piers. Understanding the root cause of the problem will help you choose the right repair method and prevent future damage.

One of the most common causes of foundation problems is soil movement or shifting. This can be due to natural processes, poor construction practices, or changes in moisture levels over time. For example, expansive clay soils can swell with moisture and shrink during dry periods, leading to foundation settling. Poor drainage can also lead to foundation issues, causing water to build up underneath the house and creating hydrostatic pressure. Tree roots growing too close to the foundation can disrupt soil and create voids under the home.

Regardless of the cause, the first sign of foundation problems is usually cracks in walls or ceilings. These cracks may be hairline or wider and can vary in length depending on the severity of the settling. Other warning signs include uneven floors and doors or windows that stick or won’t open easily.

A professional inspection should be performed as soon as possible to assess the problem and determine the best course of action. Prompt action can prevent the problem from worsening, saving you money and reducing stress on your property.

Once the assessment is complete, the repair process can begin. First, any loose or deteriorated concrete must be removed from the affected area to prepare the surface for new repairs. Then, a bonding agent is applied to ensure the repair material adheres well to the existing foundation.

After the surface is prepared, steel or concrete piers are installed to provide additional support for the foundation. Helical piers are also an option, wherein hydraulic jacks are attached to a steel rod that is drilled into the ground and then used to lift the foundation. This is an excellent option for cases where the foundation has become severely unstable, as it provides a strong, long-lasting solution.

Cost

The cost of repairing foundation damage can be significant. However, it is often worth it. Foundation repair solutions provide long-lasting stability and increased home value. In addition, addressing issues like uneven floors and doors that no longer close can save you money in the long run by reducing energy costs.

When considering whether or not to invest in foundation repairs, it’s important to consider your neighborhood’s market trends. If you live in an area where homeowner pride is high and homes are selling quickly, investing in foundation repair may pay off. If, on the other hand, your neighborhood is in a downturn and many of the homes around you are turning into rentals, it might make more sense to wait until market conditions improve.

If you decide to go ahead with the repair, your professional will evaluate the damage and prepare a scaled footprint drawing of your property. They will then discuss the results of your evaluation with you and answer any questions you may have.

Depending on the severity of your problem, experts can use various methods to repair cracks and other structural damage. Epoxy and polyurethane injections are effective for hairline cracks, while hydraulic cement is good for more serious repairs. In some cases, excavation and reconstruction is necessary to fix severe bowing walls.

Once your foundation has been repaired, small cracks may reappear as the walls and joists adjust to their original position. These are common and nothing to worry about, but they can be repaired with caulking or putty. Experts will also tamp dirt back down, rough grade, and replace grass as needed.

If your foundation is sinking, it can cause other problems such as misaligned doors and windows and off-kilter trim. By restoring the home to its original elevation, professionals can correct these problems and re-align everything to where it should be.

Once the job is complete, it’s important to disclose foundation repairs to potential buyers and provide them with a third-party Professional Engineering report. This will help ensure that the repairs are completed to the standards set by an Engineer and protect your home’s resale value.

Foundation Repair – How to Repair Cracks in Walls and Floors

December 30, 2024August 22, 2025 Lina Carroll Concrete Contractors building contractors, commercial remodeling contractors, foundation repair, general contractors, industrial remodeling, metal buildings, steel buildings

If you’ve noticed cracks in your walls and floors or see other signs of foundation problems, it’s important to act quickly. Foundation repair methods like slab jacking and high-density polyurethane foam can help stabilize your home and prevent further damage.

Foundation experts will inspect your property for signs of settling and recommend a solution that fits your needs and budget.

Cracks in foundation walls are an inevitable part of the aging process and can happen in any home. However, some cracks are more serious than others. Structural cracks can threaten the structural integrity of a home if not repaired promptly. Non-structural cracks, on the other hand, may only cause cosmetic problems such as moisture intrusion or poor indoor air quality.

When determining the severity of a crack, its width and depth is important. Wider cracks are generally more concerning than narrower ones. It’s also important to note whether the crack is active or stable. If it is growing over time, this is a sign that you need to contact us for a professional inspection and repair.

Hairline cracks that appear in the basement or concrete slab are often caused by concrete shrinkage during curing. This is a common issue and does not pose a serious threat unless the crack becomes wider over time. Often these cracks are only cosmetic in nature and can be easily patched with epoxy sealant.

If a crack is wider than 18 inch and appears in a load-bearing wall, it is a sign that there is a more significant problem with your foundation. Horizontal cracks are a particular concern and should be repaired immediately. They can indicate that hydrostatic pressure is building up against your foundation walls, which can eventually lead to foundation failure if not corrected.

These cracks can often be repaired with push pier or helical pier underpinning solutions. Contact us to schedule an evaluation and quote for these types of repairs.

Water Invasion

When a foundation or piles are damaged, water seepage can lead to a variety of problems. If not addressed promptly, these issues can compromise the structural stability of your home and depreciate its value. NZ CCS offers a range of repair methods to repair foundations and piles that are compromised by water damage, including underpinning and helical piers.

When soil around a foundation becomes oversaturated with water, it creates a phenomenon called hydrostatic pressure. This pressure exerts force against the foundation walls and can cause them to bow, crack or shift. It’s particularly problematic in areas with clay soils, which are more likely to absorb and expand with water.

Another common sign of water invasion in your foundation is the presence of mold or mildew. These substances grow best in damp environments and are a clear indication that there’s an issue with your foundation that needs to be addressed.

Water can also invade through cracks in the foundation, or through gaps that haven’t been sealed properly. These openings can also be used by tree roots to penetrate your foundation and cause further damage.

Lastly, if you notice that parts of your basement or crawl space feel humid, this could be a sign that there’s an issue with the foundation. Moisture in the foundation can create a breeding ground for pests like termites, wood rot and mildew, which are not good for your home.

If you suspect that your foundation is at risk of water damage, it’s important to seek expert advice as soon as possible. There are a number of things you can do to protect your foundation and piles from this threat, such as ensuring there’s sufficient drainage in the area surrounding your property. Adding French drains, a sump pump and cleaning your gutters will help to keep the soil dry and prevent water accumulation. You should also make sure that at least 6 inches of your foundation is exposed to the elements, so it can dry quickly if there’s ever a problem. This will help to avoid the formation of mold and mildew, wood rot, termite infestations and pest attraction.

Foundation Shifts

Foundations settle into the soil in which they’re built. This is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it’s often necessary to maintain the structural integrity of your home. But, it can cause problems if the house moves unevenly. If you’re experiencing significant shifting or sinking, it is a serious issue that requires immediate attention. Fortunately, there are several effective repair solutions available to mitigate foundation movement and prevent further damage.

The most common causes of foundation settlement are changes in soil conditions, moisture levels, and imbalances in the structure. A shift in your foundation may also be the result of a tree root growing into the soil or an earthquake. The best way to identify a problem is to look for signs of shifting in your home, including sloping floors and walls, sticking doors and windows, and other structural problems.

A common mistake homeowners make is to apply waterproofing paint to cracks in their foundation wall, which can mask the problem but not fix it. This method is ineffective because it doesn’t address the root cause of the cracks, and will not hold up against future shifting.

Another common DIY error is to pour concrete in a crack, which can actually cause more shifting and structural damage. While this is a quick and affordable solution, it is not permanent. It is important to contact a professional to assess the situation and find the right solution for your home.

Other repair methods include grouting and mudjacking, which both stabilize and support the structure. Grouting fills minor cracks and prevents moisture damage, while mudjacking targets larger sunken areas of the foundation to lift them back into place.

Preventive measures include ensuring the proper drainage of your home, and managing your yard to avoid oversaturation with water near your foundation. It is also important to keep trees and shrubs away from your foundation, as roots can extend beneath the surface. Finally, regular inspections and maintenance from a foundation contractor can help prevent damage to your home. Contact a foundation specialist to schedule an inspection and estimate today.

Structural Damage

Structural damage to a foundation may be caused by soil movement, water infiltration, or construction defects. While non-structural cracks can be repaired with epoxy injection or carbon fiber reinforcement, structural cracks are a clear sign that the foundation is deteriorating and need to be repaired as soon as possible. These cracks can be horizontal, vertical, or stair-step in appearance and occur throughout the foundation, walls, or floor. Leaving these issues unaddressed can lead to more severe cracking, drywall collapse, and other home problems.

Stair-step cracks, which appear in a stair-like pattern, are almost always structural cracks. These cracks are a result of the foundation shifting and should be repaired by a professional. Other signs of structural damage include bowed walls, which are often a result of untreated foundation movement. These issues can be repaired with carbon fiber strips or steel, but only if the problem is detected early before too much movement has occurred.

Settling is another common cause of structural damage to a foundation. This happens when the weight of the structure compresses the soil underneath. Some amount of settling is expected, but if the settlement is uneven it can put pressure on your foundation.

If you have a bowed wall, you can typically stabilize it with carbon fiber strips or concrete anchors. You can also repair a sagging basement by installing helical piers or pilings. These are installed underground, either by digging and drilling (for piers) or by driving them into the ground with hydraulic pressure (for pilings).

If you’re considering buying a home with a foundation issue, it’s important to get any cracking inspected by a professional foundation repair contractor or a geotechnical engineer. They will be able to tell you whether the cracks are structural or non-structural, and will be able to give you information about how serious the settlement is and the best course of action to take. They can also advise you about any potential issues with the soil that might be causing the shift in the foundation. They’ll also be able to provide you with an estimate of the cost of repairs, which should be factored into your purchase price.