I was in Europe this summer and toured a factory that made rammed earth walls. These walls are historic and built on basic principles.

There are various ways to determine if a person is qualified to do a task or trade. Licensing through the state is probably one of the most common and is often required.

Costs for materials seem to be escalating all around us. Some industries are experiencing more of this than others. As an association director, I am responsible for large meetings and events.

The pure mark-up method of making a profit has me baffled.

Subcontractors buy materials, hire labor, bid against competitors and then have crews install materials. 

Subcontracting has always been a unique business. There are many extra challenges a subcontractor faces that other businesses do not.

Once upon a time, workers in the construction industry were looked upon as respected members of society. We seem to have come a long way since then.