Strategies for building a successful construction company, as well as construction industry news and commentary. Topics will include creating winning job bids, maximizing profitability, job costing, marketing strategies, our thoughts about industry trends and more.
The ProfitDig guys have a conversation with home renovator, Josh Young, who explains that just having a strong work ethic, and being willing to roll up your sleeves and learn, goes a long ways toward building a successful career and business. Another factor in Josh's success is having a solid understanding of tasks that he is good at and those he is not comfortable doing, and making sure you are able to do top-notch work that is in your wheelhouse.Bid jobs, track costs and make more money with ProfitDig. Sign up at https://www.profitdig.com. Save 50% off your first 3 months with coupon code 50off (no contract, cancel any time).
11/25/24 • 16:07
Smart thermostats can be an excellent way to control temperatures in a cost effective way, but Internet-connected thermostats have a very real potential danger - losing control of the ability to set the temperature in your own home or business. This is already happening in other countries - could it also happen in the U.S.? Is it already happening?From your friends at ProfitDig - job jobs, track costs, make more money. Made for construction contractors like you. Sign up today at https://www.profitdig.com and save 50% off your first 3 months with coupon code 50off (no contract, cancel any time).
11/19/24 • 26:45
As HVAC professional, David Collins, explains, the HVAC industry has completely changed in the last 5 years. One major change is the refrigerants that are used. New refrigerants are being used that have zero ozone depletion and low global warming potential. In 1987, the Montreal Protocol was signed, which was the beginning of the movement to save the ozone layer. Since then there has been a continue effort to create refrigerants that do not deplete ozone and also have low global warming effect. The problem is that those new refrigerants are very flamable, which changes the whole way HVAC units work. Modern HVAC is a fascinating field and you're not going to find many people more knowledgable than David, so give it a watch! You will definitely learn something.Bid jobs, track costs and make more money with ProfitDig. Sign up at https://www.profitdig.com. Save 50% off your first 3 months with coupon code 50off (no contract, cancel any time).
11/12/24 • 26:31
Professional HVAC instructor, David Collins, joins the ProfitDig guys for a conversation about how one goes about becoming an HVAC professional. They discuss what is involved in the one-year HVAC training program that David teaches, and how a coopreative program with local HVAC companies is so critical in getting his students the hands-on experience they need. That experience is invaluable in getting better jobs post-education and is worth more than just having good grades. HVAC professionals are in high demand, so this is an excellent career choice for anyone who likes solving problems and working with their hands. As David explains, just having a strong work ethic goes a long way toward getting your foot in the door and having a great career.From your friends at ProfitDig - job jobs, track costs, make more money. Made for construction contractors like you. Sign up today at https://www.profitdig.com and save 50% off your first 3 months with coupon code 50off (no contract, cancel any time).
11/4/24 • 16:29
In our final video with HVAC expert, Jonathan Booker, he tells the guys some HVAC horror stories, such as encountering rats, opposoms, skunks and various other creatures in attics and crawlspaces (skunks love ductwork); getting eat up by dogs while under a house; witnessing weird (and sometimes disturbing) things at peoples' homes; horny customers and much more! Give it a watch or listen for a laugh.From your friends at ProfitDig - job jobs, track costs, make more money. Made for construction contractors like you. Sign up today at https://www.profitdig.com and save 50% off your first 3 months with coupon code 50off (no contract, cancel any time).
10/28/24 • 21:17
Continuing our conversation with HVAC expert, Jonathan Booker, we talk about various HVAC-related topics, including the value of having backup generators, green energy options, changes in refrigerants, electrical versus gas systems, and many more interesting topics. If you have any involvement with HVAC in your work or life, you will definitely learn something!Bid jobs, track costs and make more money with ProfitDig. Sign up at https://www.profitdig.com. Save 50% off your first 3 months with coupon code 50off (no contract, cancel any time).
10/22/24 • 17:22
HVAC expert Jonathan Booker discusses the differences between HVAC systems for homes versus commercial locations. If you are involved in home or building construction, take the time to increase your knowledge of HVAC systems by learning from a professional with many years of experience.From ProfitDig - bid jobs, track costs, make more money. Easy! Sign up today at https://www.profitdig.com and save 50% off your first 3 months with coupon code 50off (no contract, cancel any time).
10/15/24 • 15:46
HVAC expert Jonathan Booker joins the ProfitDig crew to talk all about heating, venting and air conditioning. HVAC is becoming increasingly complex, but it is a critical component of building and home construction. Learn what HVAC is, how HVAC systems work and what your options are for HVAC systems. He also spends time explaining how important it is that an HVAC system be sized appropriately for the structure (not too small, not too big) and much more! Whether you're a home owner needing to understand HVAC or a contractor constructing buildings, you will learn some valuable information here.Another useful video from your friends at ProfitDig - easy job bidding and costing for construction contractors.https://www.profitdig.com#contractors #HVAC #construction #heating
10/8/24 • 18:31
Certified bridge inspector, Corey Work, finishes his visit with the ProfitDig guys by explaining the exact steps he follows when inspecting a bridge. He also talks about weird things he or his co-workers have seen under or around bridges. As Corey explains, step one: turn the truck off and get out of the track. The guys have quite a few laughs in this one, so give it a watch!From ProfitDig - win more jobs and make more money with ProfitDig. Sign up with coupon code 50off at https://www.profitdig.com and save 50% off your first 3 months' subscription. No contract, cancel any time.
9/30/24 • 25:50
Our buddy, Seth Williams, collects rare concert posters, most of which he personally purchased at the actual concerts. Many of those posters are not very valuable. ProfitDig's Jerry Work is a collector of vintage toys and comic books. If you are a collector, you will enjoy this conversation between two guys who are passionate about their collections!Most of the time we talk about construction...but sometimes we don't!From ProfitDig - easy job bidding and costing for construction contractors. Sign up today at https://www.profitdig.com.
9/23/24 • 21:07
Continuing our conversation with certificed bridge inspector, Corey Work, the ProfitDig guys talk about if there is anything that could have prevented the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore from collapsing (other than not running into it with a cargo ship), how bridges over water are constructed, underwater bridge inspection, the reason a major bridge in Memphis was shut down last year, how too much stress can cause cracks in steel, having to shut down a bridge, and much more!Another fascinating discussion brought to you from ProfitDig. Easy job bidding and costing for construction contractors, starting at $99/mo., no contract required. Sign up today at https://www.profitdig.com.
9/16/24 • 13:42
Bridges are on everybody's minds, so this week professional certified bridge inspector, Corey Work, joins the ProfitDig guys to discuss what a bridge inspector does and what they look for when inspecting bridges. Corey discusses the three main components of a bridge and what inspectors look at in each component. He also discusses environmental factors that affect a bridge's integrity and many other bridge-related topics. This is just part 1 of a 3 part series with Corey.Another fascinating video from ProfitDig - bid jobs, track costs, make more money. Easy!Sign up at https://www.profitdig.com. Save 50% on your first 3 months with coupon code "50off". No contract, cancel any time.
9/10/24 • 12:57
Seth Williams, an engineer who currently makes his living managing lighting crews for major entertainment acts, talks about his experience working on wind turbines, which often required him to climb up an ever-narrowing tower that stretched hundreds of feet into the air. This is some wild stuff!Just another entertaining and educational video from ProfitDig - easy job bidding and costing for construction contractors.https://www.profitdig.com - sign up today and save 50% with coupon code "50off". No contract, cancel any time.
9/3/24 • 18:48
The ProfitDig guys welcome Seth Williams, a skilled electrical engineer who has spent years managing lighting for major artists since 2007. Seth talks about the technical challenges and difficulties setting up lighting trusses, managing his crews, and just life on the road. He also talks about some of the wild things he has experienced in his career. You do not want to miss this one!Another fine video from ProfitDig - Bid jobs. Track costs. Make money. Easy!Sign up today at https://www.profitdig.com - save 50% on your first 3 months with coupon code "50off".
8/26/24 • 22:38
Professional construction Project Manager, Jeff Spencer, has spent the last 22 years bidding construction jobs, and as he explains, the key to increasing your company's profits is by increasing production. Materials will cost everyone the same, and profit margins tend to be fairly standard across firms. Bidding with higher margins baked in will likely cost you jobs, so the key is beating the production rates used to create the bid. Watch this short video and learn from a master!From ProfitDig - easy job bidding and costing for construction contractors. Starting at $99/mo., no contract required.
8/19/24 • 02:21
The ProfitDig guys talk about safety precautions when performing elevated work, such as on lifts and ladders. Safety is no joke! Workers on a lift must be tied off and they must have safety harnesses. OSHA and PPE costs are discussed. Nowadays, safety requirements are industry standard, which makes it easier to stay compliant. Most general contractors have safety measurements in place that are often higher than what is required by OSHA. If you are not compliant with the GC's safety requirements you will not be hired for work in the future. Jeff explains that his company has a safety sub who looks at their safety plans and write their MSDS sheets to make sure they are in compliance with safety regulations. However you account for safety, make sure you account for that cost in your bids!Another fabulous video from your friends at ProfitDig - easy job bidding and costing for construction contractors. Sign up today with coupon code "50off" and save 50% off your first three months. Non-contract, cancel any time.https://www.profitdig.com
8/12/24 • 16:13
Construction project manager, Jeff Spencer's firm has a division that specializes in sprinkler systems. Jerry mentions that he knows people who live in a town where a huge EV battery factory is being built, and wonders aloud what kind of sprinkler system you have to have for something that potentially dangerous and difficult to control. Jeff discusses the classification of fire system you have to have, water volume and pressure demands, flow data, onsite water tanks, installer liability and more. Another fascinating discussion from ProfitDig - easy job bidding and costing for construction contractors. Save 50% off your first 3 months' subscription with coupon code "50off". Non-contract, cancel any time.https://www.profitdig.com
8/5/24 • 08:55
In this episode of the ProfitDig Construction Show, the guys talk about mobilization. Planning ahead is the key to effective mobilization. Does the job have multiple phases? Look at the phasing plan so you know how many times you will have to move your equipment in and out of the jobsite. There could be weeks between phases of mobilization. Look at where the project is located. There is a big difference between a city project and a rural project. Make sure you understand everything that the project will entail from a mobilization standpoint and bid appropriately for that part of the job. Listen in and learn from a professional Project Manager with decades of experience.From ProfitDig - easy job bidding and costing for construction contractors just like you. Save 50% off your first three months with coupon code "50off" (no contract, cancel any time).https://www.profitdig.com
7/29/24 • 06:06
There are very important differences between a construction bid and an estimate, and it is critical that you use the correct language with customers or potential customers. Jeff Spencer has been bidding work for 30 years so is highly knowledgeable on the subject. Our special guest, contractor Luke Fielder, joined us for this conversation and described his personal experiences related to the matter. From ProfitDig - the world's easiest to use construction job bidding and costing solution. Save 50% off of your first 3 months (no contract, cancel any time) with coupon code "50off". Visit us today at https://www.profitdig.com.
7/22/24 • 07:19
The guys talk about hot water heaters. Recent extreme cold weather in Tennessee had water pipes busting all over the place. What can cause a hot water heater to go bad? A hot water heat is just a tank with a heating element and supply lines. Your local codes will dictate how water lines should be run. Should you go tankless? Jeff Spencer is an expert at underground water lines, so listen in as he explains the technicalities of water lines and heating.Another useful video from ProfitDig - bid jobs, track costs, make more money. Easy!https://www.profitdig.com - sign up with coupon code "50off" to save 50% off your first three months (non-contract, cancel any time).
7/15/24 • 11:54
In today's ProfitDig video, the guys talk about when you should get your General Contractor's license. The discussion centers around the state of Tennessee, but the ideas apply anywhere. They also discuss the risk to General Contractors that allow you to operate under their license. Jeff Spencer is a highly experienced construction project manager and former company owner, so he is highly experienced in licensing and bonding requirements, concepts that aspiring contractors must understand.From ProfitDig - bid jobs, track costs, make more money. Easy. Sign up at https://www.profitdig.com with coupon code "50off" to save 50% off your first three months' service (non-contract, cancel any time).
7/8/24 • 06:14
Chris and Jeff talk about construction bonding. Bonding can cost you a potential job if you are unable to perform the required bond. You have to work with your insurance company, and you likely have some kind of monetary limit on your bonding capacity. Make sure you know your limit.Watch and learn much more about this critical aspect of construction job bidding.Another helpful video from ProfitDig - bid jobs, track costs, make more money. Easy.Save 50% off your first three months (no contract, cancel any time) with coupon code "50off".https://www.profitdig.com
7/1/24 • 10:16
The ProfitDig guys talk about emerging technology trends for the construction industry for 2024, with Jeff Spencer, our resident construction project management expert, Jeff Givens, our resident engineering expert, and Jerry Work, who doesn't know much but he reads a lot of articles. Topics include:AI and robotics on the construction siteThe problems caused by lack of available labor, and solutions such as "tilt-up walls"Industrial 3D printingTechnology wavesRisks in relying too much on artificial intelligence for decision makingMass timber as a carbon-friendly alternative to concrete and steelListen in as the guys have a fascinating discussion about topics that will have a profound impact on the construction industry in the years ahead.From ProfitDig - bid jobs, track costs, make more money! Easy.https://www.profitdig.com
6/24/24 • 19:39
ProfitDig's Jeff Spencer talks about his preferred brands of heavy construction equipment (based on his extensive experience) and discusses the concept of "or equal to" materials.From ProfitDig - bid jobs, track costs, make more money. Easy!
6/17/24 • 09:28
Construction contractor, Luke Fielder, gives his advice for how to repair a damaged driveway.Any gravel driveway without a finished surface like asphalt will require period maintenance. Making sure your sub-grade is correct is the first step. Make sure your base stone is dropped on an even surface. Ditches need to carry your water away from the driveway. Water should not be allowed to flow across a road.Listen and learn from the construction experts at ProfitDig!Bid jobs, track costs, make more money with ProfitDig. Easy!https://www.profitdig.com
6/10/24 • 10:06
The ProfitDig guys talk about tilt-up construction, a form of construction in which concrete walls are poured in forms on the construction site and then lifted to form walls of a building. How does it work? What are the advantages and disadvantages? Watch now and find out.Another useful video from ProfitDig - bid jobs, track costs, make more money with ProfitDig. Easy.
6/3/24 • 07:11
The guys talk about weird things they have seen on a jobsite - such as a guy who left to get a tool from his truck and then showed back up with it months later. Have a laugh with the guys as they talk about jobsite ridiculousness.From ProfitDig - bid jobs, track costs, make more money. Easy. Visit https://www.profitdig.com.
5/28/24 • 11:24
Wally Rankin, from Trout Creek Home Inspections, LLC, gives his take on the state of the economy from his perspective as a home inspector. As Wally explains, home inspections have died down quite a bit in his market area, likely indicative of the overall market in an environment of inflation and higher interest rates.The guys have a laugh, as usual, while discussing a very serious topic.From ProfitDig - bid jobs, track costs, make more money with ProfitDig!https://www.profitdig.com
5/20/24 • 14:02
Being your own General Contractor on a construction project, such as a home build, is difficult if you are not highly experienced in the construction industry. Jerry explains the difficulties that someone he knows well has experienced while acting as her own GC. Jeff explains that the GC must elicit bids from subs for every part of the project that cannot be self-performed (which is likely most of it). From excavation to roofing, plumbing, electrical and everything else, there is a LOT that must be dealt with, and it must be done correctly to pass codes. Though it is difficult, IT CAN BE DONE!So listen in as the guys talk about how to be your own General Contractor.From ProfitDig - easy job bidding and costing for construction contractors.Sign up today at https://www.profitdig.com.
5/14/24 • 12:11
The ProfitDig guys break out into an economics discussion regarding interest rates. How are rising interest rates affecting the construction industry? How are they affecting new home construction? Home loan applications are at their lowest rate since 1995. A recent home building rebound likely reflects permits approved many months ago. Can the construction industry survive while rates remain high? What should a contractor do? Listen in!From ProfitDig - make more money in 2024 with ProfitDig! The world's easiest to use construction job bidding and costing solution. Visit https://www.profitdig.com now.
5/6/24 • 09:21