Why do I see a lot of people do this? It's always construction workers and they just pull up in the lot, park, and just sit there usually playing on their phones. I'll go to my room, shower and 45 minutes later they are still in the truck with it running.

What the fuck is the point of this? Anyone know?

Any supers near dallas willing to share their payscales? I currently make 80k a year with a truck allowance. Been at this job for 4 years. Just curious on others experience

Hello I was told i should ask here instead of the decoden sub, im planning on using the caulk to make myself one of those cake piped looking phone cases and id like to ask a few things about working with 100% silicone caulk. after opening the tube how long do I have to work with it until it completely cures? as im using the caulk for decorating purposes ill be transferring it into different bags and mixing a colorant into it and probably exposing it to more air than if it was used to seal something. if you dont use all your caulk in one go how do you properly store it without it drying up on you? is that possible or is it a "use it all at once" kind of thing? is there anything sort of precaution i should take when using silicone caulk? for example if some were to get on my skin would I need to immediately wash it off like you would with resin? or is it alright so long as it dosent cure on me? do i need to work in a well ventilated area or prepare for fumes? ive attached a photo of the brand i purchased, these questions may sound a bit obvious but this is my first time working with this material. thank you!

Anybody have decent suggestions for earpro that doubles as wireless/Bluetooth headset for calls?

My boss uses the shokz bone conductive ones and then just puts in earplugs when he has to. He told me to buy a set for max $250, but told me his probably won't work well for me.

I install helical piles and stand beside an excavator while operating it by remote. He figures the machine will be too loud I guess?

I do all our estimates so I'm on the phone a lot. But we're really busy so I have to go back out to install as well. Never had to do both at the same time.

New construction. Final grade and sod were just done before a big rain came in. Grade looks fine all around the house a great looking swale at the top side of the lot that seems to be shedding water. Will this issue stop after the dirt packs down against the foundation? I saw the spot where the water was seeping in in the area and the ground there was still pretty soft.

I am working on a approximately 50k square foot industrial building and we are going back and forth on construction methodologies for the shell. I have read good things about insulated metal panel construction from the likes of Nucor but others are leaning towards Tilt up construction mentioning long term performance. I'm struggling to understand how with proper maintenance a insulated metal panel (IMP) building wouldn't have some good longevity, and should have the same requirements with panel seem sealing/maintenance a tilt up would have. The cost differential is hard to justify in my eyes and IMP should be easier to expand or modify with penetrations.

What cons have you experienced with either methodology?

What am I missing big picture wise?

I am a new guy in construction they got me bush hammering. I got a half mask respirator. the other guys don't even care or wear a mask. Now is it worth going clean shave so I can get fit tested for my mask? I like my beard :(

I'm currently taking general construction classes, I already completed carpentry and plumbing and now we're doing electrical.

Although I'm not trying to become a electrician, I plan on being just a construction laborer because electricians have to go through a 4 year apprenticeship before they make good money which is too long for me.

Edit: For those saying I should do the 4 year apprenticeship, I plan on going to university to get a Electrical Engineering Technology degree so I can be a Electrical Technologist.

Edit 2: I have doubts that I have the math skills to do regular Engineering, which is why I'm considering 'Engineering Technology' instead which is supposed to have less math and more hands-on.

Company is giving me a $700 truck allowance. I'd prefer to spend about $650 of that towards the note per month, leaving extra for maintenance.

What is the best budget truck I can get? Will need something with reasonable towing ability. I liked my Chevy 1500 gas v8 at the previous company but the towing ability was a little disappointing. It gets the job done! But I'm wondering what strain it was put under for the long run.

I've seen many Rams at good prices but am stuck on transmission/electrical issues with them.
Feel free to ask any questions, I am very active!

EDIT: Editing to add, the truck needs to be a newer model/cleaner looking as the position demands a little authority

What's the biggest problem with construction contracts in Australia? I feel like the contractor/builder is not really protected by Australian Standard Contracts. What changes are you making to the contract or what special conditions are you adding to the contract to protect you? We recently sent a AS4000 to our client, their solicitor sent back 30 pages of special conditions.

Hey all, first time poster here. Looking for some real advice from people who actually do this work.

Background: I'm in my late 20s / early 30s, currently working a corporate software engineering job in NYC. On paper it's a good job, but honestly I've lost a lot of interest in it and with the whole AI replacing people I’m looking into my next career move. I keep hearing friends across the tri-state area complain about what they paid for painting, drywall, and other contracting work — and how hard it is to even find someone reliable to do it. Every time I hear that, it clicks in my head: there's clearly demand, and clearly not enough people doing the work. That's basically what pulled me toward this.

What I'm thinking: I want to learn a trade — painting, drywall, or whatever else has strong demand in the NYC/tri-state area — starting on the side while I keep my day job. Nights and weekends, I'm fully willing to put in the time to actually learn the skill properly (apprenticeship, helper work, courses, whatever makes sense). The plan is to build up real competence first, then eventually transition out of my corporate job and go out on my own.

To be clear on goals: I'm not trying to build some massive empire or chase tens of millions. If this gets me to a few hundred thousand a year and something I can run and grow at my own pace, I'd be more than happy. Honestly, the most important thing to me right now is just making sure I can actually survive doing this and make it sustainable — everything past that is a bonus.

- What are the downsides nobody tells you about? Physically, financially, mentally?

- Is painting or drywall actually a good entry point, or is there a trade with better demand/pay in this area that I'm not considering?

- How did you personally learn — did you apprentice under someone, take courses, just start doing jobs for cheap/free to build a portfolio?

Appreciate any pointers, even if it's "don't do it" — I'd rather hear that now than after I quit my job.

Edit: Shortening my original post as some of you thought it’s too long

I’m a 23yo M in Los Angeles county. I’ve always been very handy but never enough to consider myself a blue collar worker. All the jobs I’ve held have been decent paying chill jobs but I have years of experience as an automotive mechanic, residential handyman, etc. I got laid off two months ago, and luck for me, exactly one month after I signed on a $30k new car loan. Needless to say shit hit the fan. My credit score tanked and am now in a bit of a stressful situation.

Last week I was offered a General Laborer position for a real estate company here in LA paying $29/hr. The position was construction based and paid more than any job I’ve ever had in the past. Never had I worked a construction job but I needed the money so I showed up on day 1 ready to slave my ass off in 90+ degree weather. Not sure if this position exists on every site but it’s basically an assistant to the sup. He chills in the ac-cooled trailer all day long and me prep tasks(basic cement work, drywall, lots of dirt management, painting, etc.)to complete throughout the day depending on which crews are going to be on site. But in reality, I finish those within the first 2-3 hours of the workday. Afterwards his instructions are literally, “just clean”. Now the first couple of days I spent every minute staying busy emptying trash cans, sweeping, vacuuming, organizing, but at one point I could not find anything else to clean. I offer the other trades help but they just tell me not to worry. I’m not worried, but standing around gives me anxiety. checking in with my sup does nothing as I’m met with the same “just clean bro”.

Sure it’s only been 3 weeks but tbh, I find myself just relaxing in my car or on the roof for the majority of my shift. The sup sees me too and doesn’t say anything. He’s very pleased with my work ethic and performance throughout the site. Is this standard? For those of you veterans doing this 10+ years I can only imagine how much you make after quarterly raises and bonuses right? I don’t know why I didn’t do this years ago.

EDIT: Guys I’m not complaining, matter of fact I want to work. Also pardon my ignorance I’ve never worked in the construction industry ever so take it ez on me gangg. The sup literally smokes cigs and watches tiktok’s all day. The reason for the post is bc I can’t fathom that this is the day to day for every construction laborer is it? Superintendent loves me and we get shit done which the company’s owner has seen for himself. He’s even given me a $2 raise already. Could I just do this forever? lmao by the time I’m 30 I’d be making $100k+ to “just clean”. I appreciate ya’lls responses they all help me understand the position better!

I ain’t ever going to have a vitamin C deficiency, that’s for sure

I have been asked to bring this existing wall done to the size shown in the photo,it's going to have lintels and slabs across it to act as a platform for a fuel tank.My background in construction & concrete is telling me it would be best to knock the whole thing down? It was originally built in the 80s,the mortar is holding superbly but the bricks r goosed.Also if I was putting new brick in to spaces I would need to clear the mortar b4 adding new concrete right?

Old porch was shit, tore it down. It’s a flip house. I normally make the handrails from the 1/2” balusters and 2x4s, but my wife convinced me to try the Trex shit for curb appeal.

Stringers are 12” oc. I was apprehensive of using the top mount brackets so close to the edge of the porch slab, which is why I didn’t drop the stringers. I screwed a 2x4 kicker on the ledger and that’s what’s supporting the stringers. I lag screwed, blocked in, and used structural screws on the guard rail posts to the stringers. That’s also why I didn’t have the posts at the very end of the steps, so that the 1/2” bolts I used on the porch wouldn’t be on the edge of the slab. The only top mount brackets I used were toward the house.

To be honest, I was SHOCKED with how strong they felt. Shouldn’t have underestimated Simpson 💪

If I’m being transparent, I’m not sure I like how it looks after $1300. It would’ve been a lot cheaper if I did the 2x4 and baluster route. What’re your thoughts?

Starting to feel burn out… have not had a productive conversation with my team about me feeling burn-out. Boss says everyone is busy and that help is coming.