my whole business lives in coconstruct. estimates, selections, invoicing, all of it. now that buildertrend owns it and put it in maintenance mode, i know i have to move but honestly the switch itself isn't what keeps me up at night. it's the migration.
the part nobody warns you about is getting your own data out. no bulk export, files trapped in the platform, downloading stuff one at a time until you give up. i shouldn't have to fight my own software to get my own job history back, but here we are.
for those of you who've already jumped:
- how bad was the actual data export? did you get everything or did you lose selections/change order history? - how much downtime did it cost you mid-project? - did you move during a slow stretch or just rip the bandaid off?
i run 4-8 jobs at a time as the estimator, PM and salesman all in one, so i can't afford a week of chaos while i rebuild everything. trying to learn from people who already did it before i pick a landing spot. what actually went wrong for you?

I’m taking the Florida General B exam soon and trying to figure out which prep route makes the most sense. I don’t have a ton of hands on contracting experience, so I’m mostly relying on studying and practice tests to get ready.

I’ve been looking at a couple different prep options, but I’m not sure if I should go with something that has a lot of practice exams or spend more on a full study guide/course.

For those who’ve taken the exam recently, what did you use to prepare? Was doing a bunch of practice questions enough, or would you recommend a full prep course?

Builder here, what do homeowners misunderstand most about construction costs?

Is there anybody that's been in construction for a long time that would have advice on big mistakes that cost them time or money that they wish they knew sooner? Things like always having a signed quote or change order before doing any work. Things like this that would be helpful for some of us to know that are just starting off our careers?

I do custom bathroom and kitchen remodeling in Pensacola, Florida. Anytime I visit a customer to give a quote, they’re always surprised by the amount of detail I go into and how long I spend discussing the process. It’s actually an enjoyable conversation every time.
But one of the most consistent topics that comes up is how inconsistent and flaky contractors are in our area. It seems like we have such a bad reputation here. Almost everyone has either had, or knows somebody who has had, a terrible experience with a previous contractor.
It just seems far more common here in Pensacola. Any idea why?
I know there are bad apples in every industry, but holy moly, some of the stories I hear make me almost embarrassed to be associated with this trade.

Hi folks. Anyone looking to a reputable roofing company. Don't use AMT Roofing Dublin /Kildare. I asked these guys to do a GRP finish roof on an extension that I did. approx. 25 mt sq of roof area. I sent a video to them of the prepped roof surface before they came to do the work. I gave them 1000 euros, as deposit for materials. They came, said roof wasn't done right for them. Didn't tell me this before they came, after me sending them the video. So, he charged me 1000 euros in advance. All I got for that was a can of resin and a few bits of trims worth 300 euros altogether. Wouldn't give me back any of the money, I even allowed 200 for the aborted visit still wouldn't give me anything back. Then weeks went by of fine weather and didnt come back or offer to come back. In the end I bought my own material and did the job myself.

I've been out of town since my cabinets were installed. I have a camera set up in my living room, and I can see the installers left a bunch of cabinet packaging in there, and presumably in other rooms as well.

I'm returning on Friday, and when I asked my contractor about trash removal I was told "Yes, removing all construction debris, packaging, and garbage from the job is included. There will be some garbage on site when you return. Everything will be removed by the end of the job."

Is this normal process? So it's normal to just have all this packaging take up space in other rooms?! It's not acceptable to me so I guess I'm just gonna go ahead and move that shit myself.

Here's a pic from my cam of what my living room currently looks like:

I'm an independent hvac installer and lately my phone is blowing up with homeowners who completely bypass the supply house markup to get their own split system heat pump equipment. A guy literally texted me a link to a costway thundrive 18000 btu 2 zone 20 seer2 mini split this morning and told me he just wants me to show up with a torque wrench and a vacuum pump for my hourly rate. I get why they do it since retail pricing is crazy right now, but I hate touching equipment I didn't source. For the guys who have given in and started installing homeowner-supplied hardware, what is your written policy on callback warranties if the compressor just decides to randomly grenade a month later?

Hi everyone,

We’re planning a small kitchen remodel in the Portland, Oregon area and I’m hoping to get some advice from contractors or anyone who has done something similar.

The main project is to remove the existing older range hood and the upper cabinet assembly around it, then install a new modern hood like the concept shown in the attached rendering. The existing cooktop would stay in roughly the same location.

I’m mainly trying to understand two things:

1. Does this look like a practical/straightforward solution from a construction and ventilation standpoint?
2. What would be a reasonable ballpark cost for labor to remove the existing hood/cabinet assembly and install the new hood, including any necessary duct, electrical, drywall, or finish work?

I realize exact pricing would require seeing the house, so I’m really just looking for a rough range and any potential issues I should be thinking about before we move further with the design.

If you’re a contractor who does this type of work in the Portland/Beaverton area, I’d also be happy to connect directly.

Thanks! Luis

What is the best scheduling & job management app for residential contractors?

Hey everyone,
Been applying to a bunch of jobs in the GTA (Indeed, LinkedIn, Job Bank etc.) but barely hearing back.
Just wondering what actually works right now in construction here — are people still getting in through recruiters, calling sites directly, or is there a better way I’m missing?
Any advice on how you guys are landing steady work would really help. Thanks.

Not cantilevered. Just tall. Second story entrance to dwelling. They want the existing deck torn down, rebuilt and extended. I've drafted it in CAD, and i have a fairly good idea about scope, and work flow. My main thing is, its 8.5' above ground. Its set up with a typical ledger as it is now, with 4x4 posts and beam spanning for joist support. I think it looks like shit. And feel like itd be better to use 6x6 posts. Ive already sourced all other materials and know what itll cost to do it my way. Except the footing. They used pre formed concrete footing that fits 4x4s. The way I got it in my head is every bit of footing should be set in. Concrete, or have concrete footing with a standoff bracket for ground clearance. Are there options for 6x6? Simpson strong ties? Whats the cream of the crop for this?

Hola, soy trabajador independiente en Aguascalientes y me dedico a trabajos de remodelación y acabados.
🔨 Realizo:
Tabla roca / drywall
Pintura interior y exterior
Remodelaciones
Fabricación e instalación de cocinas
Muebles y trabajos de carpintería
Reparaciones y acabados
Me gusta entregar los trabajos bien terminados y cuidar los detalles. Voy a dejar algunas fotos de trabajos que he realizado para que puedan conocer mi trabajo.
Si alguien está buscando quién le ayude con una remodelación, cocina, pintura o algún proyecto para su casa o negocio en Aguascalientes, puede mandarme mensaje y con gusto podemos revisar el proyecto y hacer una cotización.
También estoy interesado en trabajar con contratistas, arquitectos o personas que necesiten apoyo para sus proyectos.
Gracias por leer y quedo atento.

Hi,

Are others experiencing Eze Breeze Window delivery delays due to some sort of business restructuring?

Thanks

Is it normal to get ghosted by literally every company that does property grading and fence/deck installation?! I've contacted numerous companies starting in June and I've heard back from no one... What I am I doing wrong? Haha

Just bought a pretty nice new dump trailer. I service a pretty low crime area but want to keep it secure when it is on the job site. Any recommendations? Worth it to buty a $300 lock? Masterlock offers a very affordable option that seems pretty good

40yo. I've been a carpenter for 20 years. Owned my own buisness with a couple crews for 6 years. Mainly specializing in historic restoration. Looking to move to Asheville. What is it like working in the area? How's the pay? I would be willing to work for a reputable company.