What
a year. Good riddance and let’s hope for a turn around in 2009. Most people
feel surviving 2009 will be the key and things should improve in 2010. With
banks failing, construction starts down, and stocks in the tank, it can only
get better. This year was a bad year for us in the industry on another front.
We
all have to be careful and CYA. Everyone knows what CYA is an acronym for.
Sometimes, people can go too far and lose sight of what is really important.
The following is a true story that shows how CYA can hurt innocent people.
If you think this editorial is about CSI Miami, count yourself lucky. The construction forensic expert is someone who investigates construction defects.
I
just wish I could look this good when I reach 70. For me, the magazine and this
70th year anniversary issue have a special meaning. I grew up in the industry
and remember the magazine around the house when I was only in grade school.
We
have all met someone that makes us think differently. How about someone that
makes you look at the world you live in differently? I think these tougher
economic times should make us open our eyes and maybe, just maybe, we will
appreciate what we have.
I
receive letters to the editor on a regular basis, some complimentary, some not.
In the first half of this year, EIFS and stucco were attacked by self-serving
groups, and fortunately the industry responded with its own “letter to the
editor.”
Are you like me? You go on a vacation and are accused of not leaving work behind. I don’t mean fretting about your business, and if all the little details have been handled. I mean spending too much time looking at construction details. Take heart, you are not alone, not by a long shot and I have proof. The following are the writings I have done on vacation.
Q: I was recently questioned about the metal studs I am using and if they are code-compliant. I was informed that if they are not, I– the subcontractor–could be held liable. This has me quite worried considering all the construction defect litigation today.