The iPad can be a useful tool for the job site. Today’s guest post comes from Alex Levin representing a variety of clients including several surety bond agencies. As an office powered by an iPhone and an iPad, I rely heavily on useful applications to better serve my clients. But how about you guys out on the job? What is best for your everyday needs? Alex is here to let you know.**. The most useful tool for today’s contractors is neither a level nor a saw. It’s a smartphone. iRuler. Similar applications are also available for Android phones and tablets. AutoCAD WS. Procore. MORE >>

Ever wonder what it might be like to own the greenest of homes? How about the issues you might face in building one? Green building attorneys are generally removed from the day to day issues facing the owners and contractors building MORE >>

Who does your bond work? Photp: Elsie esq. on Flickr). Today’s post comes from Elizabeth Demcsak on behalf of Lance Surety Bonds. Liz is here today to discuss the basics on surety bonds. Every contractor needs to understand how a bond works and where they can find one. Too often, I find clients that believe that their bond does more than it actually does. This article should give you a basic understanding on how the bond works. For many, they are seen as an added expense to starting a project or business. Should they not, the surety is responsible for payment of any associated damages. MORE >>

Score one for Washington - new building codes survive big test from BIAW. federal district court judge has ruled in favor of the State of Washington and several other proponents of a new Washington energy code MORE >>

ConsensusDOCS suggest solution to change in insurance policies. The organization responsible for boilerplate language in most insurance policies has made some changes that probably affect your construction contract. Luckily, the good people at ConsensusDOCS have made us all aware of these changes and they have suggested new contract language to deal with the changes. ConsensusDOCS is a leading construction contract template producer. In my opinion, their agreements are preferable to the standard forms produced by the American Institute of Architects (AIA). MORE >>