r/Construction • • 54m ago

Plumbing 🛁 North American in Scotland this us what I’m constantly dealing with

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• Upvotes

No one here sees anything wrong with this, as I’ve been told by multiple people, “if you use a good quality sealant you won’t have problems” lol and yes that’s spray foam for some backer between the tray and the tiles


r/Construction • • 19h ago

Carpentry 🔨 Check out what I just found on this new build 😬

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179 Upvotes

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


r/Construction • • 22h ago

Other What’s the craziest/funniest story from on the job.

181 Upvotes

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


r/Construction • • 1d ago

Humor 🤣 They always know someone who can do it cheaper.

11.5k Upvotes

r/Construction • • 27m ago

Other Building Pony Wall Over Tile

• Upvotes

Morning folks,

I'm a facility manager at a non-profit, and recently got tasked with adding a security station to our lobby by way of framing out a pony wall and putting in a floating desk to mount everything. The reason for the wall itself is to run electrical and low-voltage connections for everything, plus it's cheaper than buying a desk purpose-built for this function.

My dilemma is there is tile in the lobby; porcelain 24x24 tile. The wall itself is anchored to the existing wall on one side, then makes an L-shape at the front and another small L on the left side. Think of the shape of a 7 with a tail on the end of the top, the long part being connected to the existing structure.

I'm also probably going with wood instead of metal studs, just for the rigidity factor. My question is, would mounting this small half-wall directly to the tile be alright? I'm thinking to use silicone for the bottom plate of the wall, and then drill through the grout lines and secure it here and there with Tapcons (the grout lines are only 3/16" so there's not much room to work with). I'm trying to keep any demo work as limited as possible since it's the main traffic area of the facility.

In y'all's opinion, is this an acceptable move?


r/Construction • • 29m ago

Tools 🛠 what power bank actually holds up on a construction site?

• Upvotes

i am trying to find a power bank that can actually survive being used on a construction site every day. dust, rain, getting dropped, getting tossed around in the truck with tools… basically normal jobsite abuse. i was looking at the outdoor rugged 10000 and the ip67 rating caught my attention since dust and water are pretty much unavoidable on site. it also has drop protection, 45w usb c charging, a built in flashlight and a carabiner loop which all seem like things i could actually use.

but i have bought stuff before where the specs sounded great and then it didnt hold up once i started using it every day, soo i am a little hesitant. not looking for a sales pitch, just curious what's actually held up for you guys. regular power bank, rugged one or something else?


r/Construction • • 1h ago

Informative 🧠 TELEHANDLER OPERATOR TOMORROW IN LA

• Upvotes

Looking for a telehandler operator tomorrow for a full day job. HMU


r/Construction • • 1d ago

Humor 🤣 I told em 15 feet

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489 Upvotes

r/Construction • • 2h ago

Other What is the best way to work on excovaters

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0 Upvotes

Hello looking to see if anyone would have any tips on working and operateing excovaters ?


r/Construction • • 19h ago

Careers 💵 Trying to work at Home Depot before going into construction, what should I tell the hiring manager?

23 Upvotes

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?


r/Construction • • 12h ago

Careers 💵 Career Advice

2 Upvotes

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?


r/Construction • • 18h ago

Informative 🧠 Should I become a welder?

4 Upvotes

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


r/Construction • • 1d ago

Other How do you deal with a disrespectful subcontractor foreman when you have no real authority over him?

60 Upvotes

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


r/Construction • • 11h ago

Business 📈 One Brand or Multiple Specialized Brands?

1 Upvotes

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?


r/Construction • • 1d ago

Picture Winter coats more durable than carhartt

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261 Upvotes

So I basically wear holes in the wrist/ forearm areas of my carhartt coat every winter and have to buy a new one for the next winter... any better options or do i just have to buy a new jacket every winter?


r/Construction • • 17h ago

Informative 🧠 Employee testing Kiewit

0 Upvotes

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


r/Construction • • 18h ago

Careers 💵 How to become a commissioning engineer?

1 Upvotes

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?


r/Construction • • 1d ago

Picture Pulling sheet piles

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25 Upvotes

Had a fuck of a time pulling 24' sheet piles yesterday. The right track on our 470 was almost 2' off the ground at times, and we had like 20 of them to pull up 🤣


r/Construction • • 19h ago

Structural Exterior brick Wall Rendering...

1 Upvotes

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


r/Construction • • 19h ago

Informative 🧠 "Fixed" lally column installation question

1 Upvotes

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.


r/Construction • • 22h ago

Safety ⛑ Radix Replacement Liner?

1 Upvotes

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


r/Construction • • 16h ago

Electrical ⚡ I get fired a week ago, and I'm confused by the reasons given. What do y'all think of my situation, was it a fair firing?

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0 Upvotes

r/Construction • • 22h ago

Tools 🛠 Looking for lightweight, breathable, hi vis rain coat [UK]

0 Upvotes

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?


r/Construction • • 1d ago

Other Anyone have experience with Hardie Architectural Panels? Worth it over other siding options?

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6 Upvotes

I’m an owner-builder building a two-story house in western Washington. We’re going for a modern look and considering Hardie Architectural Panels, but I’m also looking at regular Hardie panel siding and lap siding.
Would love to hear from anyone who’s installed them or has them on their house:
How did the total installed cost compare with other options?
How difficult was installation, especially the trim, seams, and flashing?
How have they held up in a wet climate?
Any issues with cracking, fading, or maintenance?
Would you use them again, or choose something else?
I’ll be doing a lot of the work myself, so I’m weighing material cost against installation time and how forgiving the system is. I like the architectural panel look, but want to know whether the finished result justifies the extra cost.
Pictures of finished projects would be appreciated, along with any alternatives you’d recommend.


r/Construction • • 1d ago

Careers 💵 Im looking for advice: Ive run a handyman business now for 2 years and I dont know whether I should stop or not and work for someone else to expand my knowledge.

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0 Upvotes