education

Residential heating contractors can hone their boiler technology and hydronic skills and knowledge by participating in a Weil-McLain^® 2023 School of Better Heating training program this fall. The School of Better Heating program is an annual series of comprehensive condensing boiler technology training seminars from the leading North American designer and manufacturer of hydronic comfort heating systems.

The Condensing Boiler Technology & Hydronic Fundamentals course will be available in one- and two-day sessions and feature seminars and hands-on training for condensing gas boilers, including Weil-McLain’s ECO^® Tec Series 2 high-efficiency premium residential boiler. This year’s training schedule kicks off in Pittsburgh on September 12 and will continue through November at various locations in the Eastern and Central regions of the country, including:

• September 12 – Pittsburgh
• September 13 – Cleveland
• September 13-14 – Westchester County, N.Y. (Two-day session)
• September 19 – Stevens Point, Wis.
• September 21 – Milwaukee
• September 26 – Duluth, Minn.
• September 26-27 – New England / Raynham, Mass. (Two-day session)
• September 28 – Twin Cities, Minn.
• October 10 – Detroit
• October 12 – Cincinnati
• November 2 – Akron, Ohio

Each course will cover the following objectives:

• Hydronics basics and fundamentals
• Design, construction and operation of condensing boilers
• Proper installation, venting, piping and wiring, as well as set-up and programming of controls
• Boiler start-up, maintenance and troubleshooting

Registration for this year’s School of Better Heating classes is $99 for the one-day sessions and $199 for the two-day sessions, and includes reference materials, breakfast and lunch and a certificate of completion. For more information or to register online, visit www.weil-mclain.com/residential-training.

The illnesses, shutdowns, and disruptions caused by Legionella in building plumbing systems are a constant risk to building inhabitants. To learn more about these threats, participants can enroll in Watts’ comprehensive 8-module course, Mitigating the Risk of Legionella, available exclusively on Watts Works Online or by visiting training.watts.com.

This highly informative 2.5 hour course is specifically designed for facility managers, engineers, and infection control professionals. Upon completion of the course, participants are accredited with 0.25 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) through the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE).

As an added incentive, those who complete the course between May 15 and June 26 will receive a free 12 oz. campsite mug.

For assistance in building an effective water management strategy, visit www.watts.com/solutions/legionella/legionella-resources.

The construction industry is dynamic, fast-paced, and challenging. You’ll need to stay on your game to succeed as a business owner. Construction contracting generally involves working with clients to complete construction projects and sometimes as a sub-contractor helping to fill a smaller niche within a larger job.

As such, you may have limited control over the final scope of the project and how much money you stand to make. Without the right coverage in place, this could leave your business vulnerable. Contracting is a risky business, which is why contractors need protection.

1. Have the Right Insurance in Place

Contractors need to get the right insurance coverage in place before they start working on a project. Without insurance, your business will pay for damages and injuries during work. Make sure you have general liability insurance that covers your business’s operations.

If you are involved in building a new home, you’ll want construction insurance. Homeowners’ insurance will not cover any contractors working on your property. If you own heavy equipment, get the proper insurance for it.

You should also have workers’ compensation insurance and surety bond insurance. This coverage ensures ethical business practices and compliance with building codes. You’ll want to find an insurance company that specializes in contractor insurance.

2. Stay Current on Training and Education

You should seek out training and education opportunities that will help you to improve your business. Don’t just focus on traditional education, but also on staying up to date on the latest technology and best practices.

You can do this by joining industry trade associations. These associations will help you stay connected with other contractors and the latest information; you should also consider taking classes and attending workshops. There are many training and education opportunities available to help build your skills.

Check with your state’s licensing board to see if they offer any training programs. Training and education opportunities can help you improve your time management skills, paperwork processes, and client communication skills.

3. Run a Background Check on Potential Employees

Workers play a critical role in the success of your contracting business. You must maintain a safe work environment; it starts with hiring the best possible employees. You can screen potential employees by conducting a background check.

It will help you gauge an applicant’s character and potential risk to your business. It can also help you avoid hiring somebody who has questionable work history. Make sure to conduct thorough and accurate background checks.

Background check services are available to help you with this process. Also, talk to your insurance company about any coverage they offer for hiring employees. Some insurance companies will provide coverage against negligent hiring.

4. Maintain a Strong Payment System

Contractors rely on getting paid for their work. A strong payment system is essential to keeping cash flowing smoothly. You should have a payment system in place before you start working on a project. Some contractors prefer a payment system that is a percentage of the project’s cost.

Other contractors prefer a fixed-price system. Before you choose a payment method, you need to consider how much experience and expertise you have working on that particular type of project. You should work with your client to establish a payment plan.

You should also create a payment plan that is realistic for your business. Take into account how much work is left to be completed, any costs involved in the project, your employees’ time, and other expenses.

5. Utilize Technology to Stay Protected

Protecting your data, equipment and employees goes beyond a strong payment system. Contractors can use technology to stay protected. Make sure to have a data backup system that protects your information during a disaster.

Modern contracting involves technology, so make sure all your hardware and software are up to date. It includes computers, software, cell phones, and other devices used in your business.

It will help decrease frustration and provide a better experience for your clients. Also, using technology in construction has made it much easier for contractors to stay in contact with their clients.

Conclusion

Much has changed in the construction industry over the years. Technology, insurance, and training are just a few examples. Fortunately, all of these changes have the same underlying theme; better protection for all parties involved. As a contractor, it is important to stay protected and keep up-to-date on industry trends to ensure the longevity of your business.