#Associated Builders and Contractors of Texas

[dontmeantobepoliticalbut]

The FBI on Thursday arrested a businessman at the center of the scandal that led to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s historic impeachment, a move that came amid new questions about the men’s dealings raised by financial records the Republican’s lawyers made public to try to clear him of bribery allegations.

Nate Paul, 36, was taken into custody by federal agents and booked into an Austin jail in the afternoon, according to Travis County Sheriff’s Office records. It was not immediately clear what charges led to his arrest, but the records showed he was being held on a federal detainer for a felony.

Paul’s arrest followed a yearslong federal investigation into the Austin real estate developer — a probe that Paxton involved his office in, setting off a chain of events that ultimately led to his impeachment last month.

Lawyers for Paul did not immediately respond to requests for comment. One of Paxton’s defense attorneys, Dan Cogdell, said he had no additional information on the arrest. The FBI declined to comment, and a spokesman for federal prosecutors in West Texas did not respond to inquiries.

FBI agents examining Paul’s troubled real estate empire searched his Austin offices and palatial home in 2019. The next year, eight of Paxton’s top deputies reported the attorney general to the FBI on allegations of bribery and abusing his office to help Paul, including by hiring an outside lawyer to examine the developer’s claims of wrongdoing by federal agents.

The allegations by Paxton’s staff prompted an FBI investigation, which remains ongoing, and are central to articles of impeachment overwhelmingly approved by the GOP-led state House of Representatives.

On Wednesday, Paxton’s defense team showed a packed room of journalists a bank statement that included a 2020 wire transfer purportedly showing him, and not a donor, paying more than $120,000 for a home renovation.

The wire transfer was dated Oct. 1, 2020 — the same day Paxton’s deputies signed a letter informing the head of human resources at the Texas attorney general’s office that they had reported Paxton to the FBI.

The $121,000 payment was to Cupertino Builders, whose manager was an associate of Paul, state corporation and court records show.

The company did not incorporate as a business in Texas until more than three weeks after the transaction took place. A company of the same name was formed in Delaware in April of that year, although public filings there do not make clear who is behind it.

Last year a court-appointed overseer for some of Paul’s companies wrote in a report that Cupertino Builders was used for “fraudulent transfers” from his business to Narsimha Raju Sagiraju, who was convicted of fraud in California in 2016. The report described Sagiraju as Paul’s “friend.”

Paul, who also employed a woman with whom Paxton acknowledged having an extramarital affair, has denied bribing Paxton. In a deposition, Paul described Sagiraju as an “independent contractor” and said he didn’t remember how they first met.

The timing of the payment — and the identity of who was paid for renovations at Paxton’s home in Austin — was not publicly known before his new legal team held a news conference Wednesday in which they put financial documents on a projector screen while criticizing the impeachment. They were first reported by The Wall Street Journal.

Tony Buzbee, a prominent Houston attorney who was hired by Paxton over the weekend and led the news conference, said by email Thursday that receipts “clearly demonstrate” Paxton paid for the repairs. He did not address questions about the timing of the payments or Cupertino Builders.

“Without any evidence the politicians leading this sham impeachment falsely accused General Paxton of not paying for the repairs to his home. That is a lie,” Buzbee said.

Since becoming just the third sitting official in Texas history to be impeached, Paxton has attacked the proceedings as politically motivated and rushed, saying he was never given the chance to rebut the accusations in the state House.

“We have the receipts,” Buzbee told reporters Wednesday as the documents flashed onscreen. “This is the type of evidence we tried to offer them once we found out this foolishness was going on.”

Paxton is temporarily suspended from office pending the outcome of a trial in the Texas Senate that is set to begin no later than Aug. 28. The jury will be the members of the 31-seat Senate; one of them, Paxton’s wife, Sen. Angela Paxton, has not said whether she will recuse herself.

The Paxtons purchased the Austin house in 2018. When it was remodeled two years later, Paxton’s former staff alleged in court documents, Paul “was involved in” the work.

Among the 20 articles of impeachment are accusations that Paxton used the power of his office to help Paul over unproven claims of an elaborate conspiracy to steal $200 million of the developer’s properties. The FBI searched Paul’s home in 2019, but he has not been charged and his attorneys have denied wrongdoing.

The city has no record of building permits from the time of the renovations. A different Austin contractor — not Cupertino Builders — received a federal grand jury subpoena in 2021 for records related to work on Paxton’s home that started in January 2020.

Cupertino Builders was formed in October 2020 and dissolved less than two years later, according to Texas corporation records. Its manager was Sagiraju, who said in a deposition for an unrelated case that he did “consulting” work for Paul’s business and had an email address with Paul’s company.

Sagiraju acknowledged that he served prison time for securities fraud and grand theft in California before moving to Austin, according to a transcript of the deposition. He said he was first introduced to Paul by a mutual friend before his prison term and they later did “a few projects” together.

A lawyer for Sagiraju did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Paxton was separately indicted on securities fraud charges in 2015, though he has yet to stand trial.

[prodigiousbuilders]

new home builders in Texas Grand Ranch - new home builders in Republic Grand Ranch - new home builders in Victoria TX

https://www.prodigiousbuilders.com/about Prodigious Builders & Contractors was founded on the principle of providing forward-thinking builders and contractors who understand the most progressive means and methods of construction. Our team is composed of PTI-certified and ACI-certified professionals who are also active members of the Foundation Performance Association. We pride ourselves on staying up-to-date with the latest techniques and methods in the industry, and we utilize these methods to provide the highest quality construction services. Our past architecture and engineering designs have astonished many contractors who simply did not know advanced techniques and methods of construction, ultimately saving owners unnecessary dollars.

[derrickjones]

Lueders stone

Lueder Stone is renowned for its strength, resistance to slipping, and beauty. These characteristics help to create a focal point in your landscape and make this building stone an excellent choice for a range of projects. Customizing pools is one of the main applications. Limestone, sometimes referred to as Lueder Stone, is a very common material for both residential and commercial surfaces. Patios, walks, and pool coping are a few of the more typical outdoor surfaces where Lueder Stone is commonly seen. Lueder stone is a stunning stone, but it's not without issues. Browse our online store to locate the ideal product for your stone surfaces if you want them to stay in excellent shape. Because it is a porous stone, a variety of issues could arise. One major one that you should be mindful of is chemicals. Cleaning agents may unnecessarily damage permeable stones and eventually cause the stone to erode. Keeping that in mind, you must use the proper cleaning techniques and supplies to prevent hastening the degeneration of your stone.

We sell stone edging by the pallet, half pallet, and piece in a variety of styles and hues. Customers may bring a pickup truck or trailer to the Houston, Texas, landscape supply store to pick up. Using a front-end loader, one of our team members will load the chopped stone edging. Undoubtedly, our clientele comprises of homeowners, landscape companies, contractors, construction firms, house builders, pool companies, restaurants, schools, churches, homeowners associations, and several other businesses.

Additionally, we provide stone delivery services throughout Houston and the neighboring areas for your residential or business landscaping project. Moreover, services for installing landscapes with chopped stones are offered. Stone patio edging, chopped stone walkway edging, and stone landscape edging are examples of landscape services. Residential and business clients in Houston, Memorial, Bunker Hill, Piney Point Village, Bellaire, Meyerland, Katy, Richmond, Sugar Land, and the surrounding areas can hire us to install landscape stone edging.

[poolbuilderreviewguide]

Building Your Backyard Retreat: Pool Construction Quotes Friendswood Unveiled

Imagine stepping into your backyard oasis on a hot summer day, the sun shining down as you dip your toes into the cool, refreshing waters of your own private pool. A dream for many homeowners in Friendswood, Texas, but one that can become a reality with the right pool construction quotes. When it comes to creating your personal paradise, obtaining a professional pool construction quote is essential. Not only does it provide you with a clear understanding of the scope of work and associated costs, but it also ensures that you are working with experienced professionals who can bring your vision to life. A pool construction quote typically includes detailed information about the project, such as the size and shape of the pool, materials to be used, labor costs, permits required, and any additional features like waterfalls or lighting. Understanding these components is crucial in making informed decisions about your backyard retreat. In Friendswood, several factors can influence pool construction costs. The size and complexity of the pool design play a significant role in determining the overall price. Additionally, factors like site accessibility, soil conditions, landscaping requirements, and local building codes can all impact the final cost of your project. When comparing pool construction quotes in Friendswood, it's essential to look beyond just the bottom line. Consider the reputation and experience of the pool builders, as well as the quality of materials they plan to use. Cheaper quotes may seem appealing at first glance but could result in subpar workmanship or costly repairs down the line. To ensure you are getting value for your money and creating a backyard retreat that will stand the test of time, here are some tips for evaluating pool construction quotes: 1. Request detailed breakdowns of costs - Make sure each aspect of the project is clearly outlined so you can easily compare quotes from different contractors. 2. Check references and reviews - Look for testimonials from past clients to gauge the quality of work and customer satisfaction. 3. Ask about warranties and guarantees - A reputable pool builder should offer warranties on their workmanship and materials. 4. Don't be afraid to ask questions - Clarify any uncertainties or concerns you have before signing a contract to avoid surprises later on. By following these tips and taking the time to carefully review pool construction quotes in Friendswood, you can feel confident in selecting a contractor who will bring your backyard retreat vision to life. Remember that investing in quality craftsmanship now will pay off in years of enjoyment and relaxation by your own private pool oasis. So why wait? Start exploring pool construction quotes today and begin building your ultimate backyard escape in Friendswood!

Pool Construction Quotes Friendswood

[lboogie1906]

Richard Allen (June 10, 1830 - May 16, 1909) politician and civic leader, was born enslaved in Richmond, Virginia. He was brought to Texas in 1837 and ultimately to Harris County, where he was owned by J.J. Cain until emancipation in 1865. While enslaved he earned a reputation as a skilled carpenter and was credited with designing and building the mansion of Houston mayor Joseph R. Morris. After emancipation, he became a contractor, bridge builder, and saloon owner. He built the first bridge over Buffalo Bayou in Houston.

After the Civil War, he became an agent for the Freedmen’s Bureau and a controversial registration supervisor in the Fourteenth District in 1868. Such a job catalyzed his interest in politics. An orator who could sway an audience to his will, he was elected to the Twelfth Legislature to represent Harris and Montgomery counties in 1869. As a political leader, he occasionally took unpopular positions. In 1879, he broke with most other Black Republican leaders in Texas and became a spokesman for the short-lived Exodus Movement, which told Blacks that they would never enjoy educational or economic opportunity in Texas and therefore should move to Kansas.

Though he served only one term in the Texas Legislature, he remained active in politics for all of his adult life. He was a delegate at nearly every Republican convention–local, state, and national. (1872-1900). He held several public and private offices including Houston street commissioner, member of the Board of Directors of The Gregory Institute, second Grand Master of the Colored Masons of Texas, and secretary of the Colored Baptist Missionary Association of Texas. He and his wife had five children. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence

[custombuildershouston]

Building Luxury Homes in Houston: Tips and Tricks

Did you know over 400,000 homes were sold in Texas on 2022? (https://www.statista.com/statistics/1299491/home-sales-volumes-texas/#:~:text=Home%20sales%20transactions%20in%20Texas,to%20house%20prices%20increasing%20significantly.) In this scenario, for anyone looking to construct their ideal luxury home, Houston, Texas, provides plenty of suitable options. However, starting a project like this calls for careful planning, cautious site selection, and a clear grasp of the associated expenditures. Let us go over some important pointers and strategies for constructing opulent homes in Houston that will guarantee your idea becomes a reality in a classy and sophisticated manner.

Planning before construction

Careful planning is essential before you begin building luxury homes. Start by imagining the plan, features, and architectural style of your ideal house. Think about things like the number of bathrooms and bedrooms, the size of the living areas, and any other features you would like, such as an outdoor kitchen, Jacuzzi, or home theatre. Work with a skilled contractor to turn your ideas into precise schematics. Work closely with them to make sure that your home is a reflection of your style and way of life in every way.

To create a harmonic atmosphere that radiates luxury and comfort, pay close attention to the flow of spaces, natural light, and integration of indoor and outdoor living areas. Furthermore, remember how crucial it is to include ecological and energy-efficient design features in your ideas. These elements not only increase your home's worth but also help you save money in the long run and practice environmental responsibility.

Careful Site Selection

The overall charm and value of your luxury house are greatly influenced by the location you choose. There are several lovely neighborhoods in Houston, each with its special advantages and character. Take into account elements like accessibility to major highways and transit hubs for easy commuting, as well as closeness to prestigious schools, cultural sites, and recreational amenities. To get the best views and natural light, consider the size, topography, and orientation of prospective building sites.

Make sure the chosen location complies with local construction laws and zoning regulations by doing extensive due diligence. Additionally, look for prospective development projects in the vicinity that can affect the quality of life or property values. Speak with seasoned contractors to learn more about the real estate market and property prices in the neighborhood of your choice. Their knowledge can assist you in finding hidden treasures and making well-informed judgments that complement your dream of a luxurious Houston house.

Consider Building Costs

Since constructing a luxury home in Houston requires a substantial financial outlay, it's critical to create a reasonable budget upfront. Don't forget to account for expenditures associated with permits, design fees, landscaping, and site purchases in addition to construction cost to build a house. To comprehend the cost breakdown for every stage of construction, get comprehensive estimates from reliable contractors. Partnering up with experienced contractors helps you to minimize the chances of encountering unforeseen challenges. This foresight reduces the chances of going over budget.

In Conclusion

If you want to make sure that your luxury property endures and maintains its worth in the very competitive Houston real estate market, put quality and craftsmanship above cost-cutting tactics. Invest in high-end materials, amenities, and finishes that complement your home's overall design and functionality while showcasing your refined taste and way of life. Allow luxury home builders in Houston to express your taste and goals, creating a masterpiece that perfectly captures the essence of luxurious living in the center of Houston.

[marwoodconstruction1]

Best Houston Home Builders For Your Home Building Needs

Houston home builders come in many sizes and produce a variety of different house building products. Determining the best Houston home builders depends upon your housing need, the location you want to live, and the amount of mortgage you can afford.

Houston home builders can generally be separated by the price ranges of their homes, location, and their accreditations and reputation. Although there are home builders in Houston that offer single-family products at multiple price point ranges, most of these new home prices vary due to location, size of the house, and land cost.

For a deeper dive into the impact of house vs land values influencing housing prices in Houston visit our link. There are approximately 1,500 house construction companies in Houston according to the GHBA. The number of active house building contractors varies from time to time. In the State of Texas house construction companies are not required to be licensed or certified by the state.

Although mechanical, electrical, and plumbing contractors are required to be licensed in the State of Texas. Another matter that often surprises consumers is that many areas outside of the city limits of Houston do not require inspections.

The 5 surrounding counties in the greater Houston area require certain documents for new house construction, but not for house remodeling. The typical authority on modifications to the exterior of a home rest with the approval of the Home Owners Association for each community. Read more…

[usbestgear]

A Step-By-Step Guide On How To Become An Electrician

These days, we cannot live without electricity. Even though electricity has been readily available for many years, now it is used for everything, such as household appliances, lighting, computers, cooling, heating, etc.

Electricians are responsible for installing and maintaining electrical wiring, reading blueprints and wiring diagrams, inspecting electrical systems, and troubleshooting electrical problems.

Also, they must familiarize themselves with the local and state regulations that apply to their work and adhere to these regulations.

So how to become an electrician? Let’s explore!

How To Become An Electrician? 

How to become an electrician? 

Step 1: Complete a GED or high school diploma. Focus on subjects that deliver skill sets for electricians, such as physics, English, algebra, shop drawing classes, and more.

Step 2: Consider attending a technical, trade, or vocational school. You should also consider attending an electrician training program, as it can help when gaining the required certification and searching for a job.

Step 3: You must join an apprenticeship to become a licensed electrician. 

So how to get an electrician apprenticeship? Apprenticeships are typically found through Independent Electrical Contractors, trade schools, Associated Builders and Contractors, Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committees (JATC).

JATC has locations in a few states and cities throughout the US, including California, South Texas, and Central Florida.

Step 4: Now is the time to get certified and licensed. Once you have completed state requirements for training hours, take the electrician license test.

How Many Types Of Electricians Are There?

Electrical engineer

Electrical engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining electrical systems for buildings, transport systems, and power networks.

They work within many industries and need an in-depth understanding of engineering science, computer skills, and strong math.

Electrical tester

These professionals survey, inspect, and test electrical installations in businesses and homes. They typically identify faults and complete test reports to determine which equipment is working efficiently and safely and which are unsafe to use.

The domestic/residential electrician

In most cases, they handle domestic electrical work, including replacing or installing wiring and electrical systems and fixing faults in private housing. They typically work alongside other professionals, especially on construction sites.

What Are The Certification Levels For Electricians?

The certification levels differ by state. Still, most states have a master electrician level and a journeyman level. 

In states with those licensing levels, you must fulfill experience requirements before getting licensed at each level. In many states, you must pass a test as well.

How Much Does An Electrician Make?

As of December 31, 2022, the average annual pay for an electrician in the US is $52,282. It is equivalent to $25.14 per hour, $1,005 per week, or $4,356 per month. 

The average pay range for an Electrician varies depending on skill level, years of experience, and location.

FAQs

Which States Require Electricians To Be Licensed?

Most states (about 41 states) require electricians to be licensed. Meanwhile, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and New York don’t require licensing for electricians.

How much does it cost to become an electrician?

Training costs may vary by the duration of the program, but the average cost for fees and tuition at two-year public schools in 2019-2020 was $3,800.

How hard is it to become an electrician?

It’s not easy to be an electrician

It is harder than other professions because of the health & safety legislation. 

You need to ensure you get the proper experience and training. It is one of the main reasons these experts are typically the highest paid of all the professions.

What industries can an electrician work in?

The list will include renewable energy, construction, agricultural, industrial, lighting, fire protection, security and power networks, and more. 

Many electricians also work in EV point installation, Solar PV, wind farming, Heat pump installation, and more.

Why should you become an electrician?

There are various great reasons to become an Electrician and join this industry. 

Once you have qualifications and core skills, there are so many areas to move into. It is an exciting and rewarding industry.

How long will it take to become an electrician?

An apprenticeship lasts from 3 to 4 years. Yet, many people finish in 2 to 3 years.

Is it okay to become an electrician at 40?

Yes, although it is a physical job, if you feel fit and ready, training as an electrician will be proper for you.

How to become a journeyman electrician?

Step 1. Gain a high school diploma or GED

Step 2. Become an apprentice

Step 3. Get a certificate or degree

Step 4. Get a license

Step 5. Apply to journeyman electrician jobs

The Bottom Line

If you prefer fixing practical things and have an analytical, methodical approach to handling problems, becoming an electrician will be the right career.

Qualified electricians are always in high demand, rarely short of work, and have good earning potential. 

Article Source: https://www.usbestgear.com/how-to-become-an-electrician/

[hakesbros]

San Antonio, Tx Actual Estate San Antonio Homes For Sale

Schedule a walk-through of the house you wish to promote with one of our licensed, native agents who could make a reliable cash supply without the need for repairs. Yun unveiled the association's forecast today during NAR's fourth annual year-end Real Estate Forecast Summit. SABOR said just shy of 94% of homes offered for his or her listing value, whereas average and median costs every rose 6% year-over-year for December sales. At Perry Homes, we are dedicated to offering you with exceptional value, high quality and customer support. Family-owned and operated, we’ve spent over 50 years constructing a sterling status as some of the trusted homebuilders in Texas and are committed to a practice of excellence. We supply new construction homes which would possibly be move-in ready and available to build in Austin, Dallas / Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio.

Actual position of house on lot might be decided by the positioning plan and plot plan. Floor plans, interiors and elevations are artist's conception or mannequin renderings and aren't meant to show specific detailing. Floor plans are the property of PulteGroup, Inc. and its affiliates homes for sale san antonio tx and are protected by U.S. copyright laws. This isn't an providing to residents of NY, NJ, CA or CT or the place otherwise prohibited by legislation. Centex Real Estate Company, LLC is a licensed North Carolina General Contractor (License # 37977).

This website is using a safety service to protect itself from online assaults. The motion you simply carried out triggered the safety answer. There are a quantity home builders in san antonio of actions that might trigger this block together with submitting a sure word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data.

You can browse all New Braunfels real estate or contact a Coldwell Banker agent to request more info. 2226 and 2248 W San Antonio Street, New Braunfels, TX (MLS# ) is a Apartment property with zero bedrooms and 0 full bogs. 2226 and 2248 W San Antonio Street is presently listed for $495,000 and was received new home builders san antonio on January 25, 2023. Want to be taught extra about 2226 and 2248 W San Antonio Street? The homes for sale in and round San Antonio are just a small portion of greater than four million homes bought in Texas and throughout the United States every year.

Homes for sale in San Antonio, TX have a median listing home price of $295,000. There are lively homes for sale in San Antonio, TX, which spend a median of 98 days on the market. Some of the most popular neighborhoods close to San Antonio, TX are Stone Oak, Vance Jackson, Highland Park, Heritage, Greater Harmony Hils. Created by Ben Caballero, founder and CEO of HomesUSA.com, it's homes for sale san antonio the first Days on Market index to trace Texas new home market and includes homes listed whereas beneath construction. Caballero notes that the 3-month moving average of Texas’ new home gross sales in its 4 largest markets elevated in December to 4,467 from four,103 in November – a record for the yr.

That historically low fee had made borrowing dust cheap, and was meant to encourage spending and investments to help raise the economy out of pandemic-induced recession. The quantity of sales seems to be slowing, although outcomes are still new homes san antonio blended. The volume of Bexar County home sales fell 3.2% from March 2021, the biggest drop in months. However the San Antonio-New Braunfels and statewide gross sales volume grew by a percentage point or less over March 2021.

[hakesbrother]

Cimarron El Paso Builders New Properties Cimarron El Paso

Our professionally designed floor plans are certain to guarantee a homebuilding experience that may please all your customized wants. Classic Heritage Homes will allow you to select or create a plan that's best for you, your beloved ones, and your lifestyle. Aspen Remodeling is a basic contractor that gives residential and commercial remodeling throughout El Paso. For 15 years, the company has helped prospects remodel their properties into functional and comfortable living spaces which are extra appropriate for their needs.

Features and performance that streamline the construction process, provide virtual design experiences and supply real-time access to order and delivery info. Builders FirstSource has the resources to accommodate your millwork wants. We can design, create and ship the doors, windows, mouldings and more that you just need for any kind of project. Our expert group and national community of 135 millwork places are ready to fulfill your project needs.

In distinction with other home builders, we offer a comprehensive process that permits homebuyers to embark on a journey to their dream home. BIC Homes believes luxury must home builders in el paso be inexpensive for everyone. By combining luxury features with inexpensive pricing, we offer our home buyers with wonderful worth.

“It’s the worst time to buy a home in a very long time,” Columbia actual estate professor Christopher Mayer recently advised Marketplace. The Mortgage Bankers Association tasks charges will fall to about 5.5% by the home builders in el paso tip of this 12 months. For occasion, in El Paso, Texas, newly constructed single-family houses made up half of all properties for sale within the third quarter.

Jimmy may be very easy to work with, was at all times on web site with his employees and stayed on schedule. Albert known as and gave me a quote inside 24 hours of request for quote. His crew showed up on time and completed inside the time-frame. They cleaned up their mess and left me with an superior workshop.

Jer Custom Homes presents an in-house design studio to create custom home floor pans, and our list of features may be custom-made to swimsuit virtually any budget. Jer Custom Homes is dedicated to building new and custom houses in El Paso that accomodate everything essential and priceless to you and your family. Through innovation, integrity and professionalism, we build high quality properties for you. Unless you undoubtedly are an extremely enthusiastic person home builders in el paso, with a nice deal of spare time and broad knowledge of construction, constructing codes, and ordinances, you're sure to seek the providers of a custom home builder. A custom home builder is going to be there to handle just about probably the most significant areas of the method. There are two completely different contracts you could select from whenever you get to hire a house builder.

[prodigiousbuilders]

https://www.prodigiousbuilders.com/about concrete contractors in Texas Grand Ranch-Wood Framing contractors in Willis TX-custom home builders in Willis TX Prodigious Builders & Contractors was founded on the principle of providing forward-thinking builders and contractors who understand the most progressive means and methods of construction. Our team is composed of PTI-certified and ACI-certified professionals who are also active members of the Foundation Performance Association. We pride ourselves on staying up-to-date with the latest techniques and methods in the industry, and we utilize these methods to provide the highest quality construction services. Our past architecture and engineering designs have astonished many contractors who simply did not know advanced techniques and methods of construction, ultimately saving owners unnecessary dollars. Contact us for inquiry : 832-255-0066

[indovance]

Five largest construction projects in the USA

For the American construction business in 2022, there are numerous highlights to look forward to. This year also offers new parks and public spaces, college buildings, and civic gems repaired and reimagined. This project demonstrates many methods for decarbonizing the built environment, ranging from ecological restoration to adaptive reuse, at a time when climate change is on everyone's thoughts. Here are some of the significant anniversaries we're looking forward to in the upcoming year.

Let's go over the top projects in the United States to keep an eye on this year, including features and construction information. Major milestones are anticipated to be reached in the upcoming year and beyond for these high-profile, high-impact construction projects with a value measured in the billions.

Top USA Construction Projects in the USA

1.      Amazon HQ2 (Arlington/Crystal City, Virginia)

The first phase of the new Amazon HQ2 office space at National Landing, which started in January 2020, is expected to be finished by 2023, according to Clark Construction. The builder plans to finish installing the exterior on the office buildings at Metropolitan Park by the end of the summer of 2022, and then move on to creating the 2-acre landscaped courtyard once the structures are complete.

The Metropolitan Park campus will feature 50,000 square feet of retail space for nearby small companies in addition to 2.1 million square feet of office space for Amazon in two 22-story LEED-certified buildings. The anticipated cost of Amazon HQ2 is more than $2.5 billion.

2.      Samsung Chip Factory (Austin, Texas)

Samsung revealed its plans to erect a $17 billion semiconductor production facility in Taylor, Texas, northeast of Austin, in late November. In order to start operations in 2024, Samsung intends to start building the factory in 2022. The project was announced as a result of COVID-19 supply problems, which have led to a worldwide scarcity of computer chips.

The business has not yet disclosed who would be the project's principal contractor. It will be the biggest investment the corporation has made in the country. Samsung has run a chip production operation in Austin since the late 1990s, and the two businesses intend to share resources and infrastructure.

3.      NFL’s Buffalo Bills Stadium (New York, NY)

Before their lease to play home games at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, expired in August, the NFL's Buffalo Bills submitted a design to the City of Buffalo for a new $1.4 billion, 60,000-seat stadium to be constructed by 2027.

The new stadium may replace Highmark Stadium on the Bills' current property, or it may be constructed on an undetermined new site in Buffalo's downtown. If constructed on the present Bills site, the new stadium would be the 11th most expensive ever constructed. At $2.1 billion, it would be the third most expensive project in downtown Buffalo. Additionally, there would be expenses associated with moving people and businesses.

4.      Texas Bullet Rail (Dallas/ Fort Worth and Houston, Texas)

The construction of a high-speed rail line linking Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston, Texas, is a goal shared by Texas Central Partners and Matthews Southwest Properties.

A staggering $20 billion is anticipated to be spent on the enormous project. According to Texas Central, the roughly 240-mile high-speed rail route will provide a journey duration of less than 90 minutes, with convenient departures every 30 minutes during peak hours and every hour during off-peak hours.

5.      California High-Speed Rail (Central Valley Phase)

There are 35 active building sites for the 119-mile Central Valley section of the California high-speed rail project, which when finished will be the nation's first long-distance high-speed rail line. According to the State of California's High-Speed Rail Authority, the system will use bullet trains that have a top speed of 200 miles per hour and should be able to travel from San Francisco to Los Angeles in under three hours. If expansions are developed to Sacramento and San Diego, the system's range would increase by up to 800 miles and include up to 24 stations. Currently, it is expected that the Central Valley segment will cost $13.1 billion. The first segment will run between Merced, California, and Bakersfield, California, per the rail authority's 2020 business plan with service expected to begin in December 2028.

[men-pro]

New roofs are getting done✅✅✅great job, and what a way to start the week. 💪💪💪#menpro #roof #greatweek #contractor #builder #houston #texas #houzz #diy #rehab #house #pavilion #park #contractorsofinsta #luxuryhomes #renovation #properties #association #newconstruction #satifaction #construction

[custombuildershouston]

30 Questions You Should Ask Your Custom Home Builder

How long have you been building luxury custom homes?

Your builder should at least 20 years experience in all facets of the new home construction and renovation business. It is also advisable if your builder has been in business as a general contractor for a minimum of 5 years.

What separates your general contracting company from your competitors?

All general contractors use the same subcontractor pool and material suppliers resources So there is little to the claim of higher quality and better craftsmanship. You want an answer that is open and honest and actually delineates the builders process and customer experience.

Will the owner of the home building company be personally involved with your project?

Most builders will not actually build your home. They hire a project manager or a site superintendent to facilitate the actual construction. That includes the critical stages of inspecting for quality control assurance.

Are you licensed and what national accreditations have you earned?

Texas does not require home builders to be licensed. Although your builder should have evidence of continued education in the industry and current good standing with the Texas Secretary of State and not have any unresolved customer actions. We recommend that you speak with a general contractor who is at a minimum is an accredited member of the NAHB or GHBA.

Can you share your home portfolio and references with us?

Many high end custom builders do not have a spec home to view or a model finished home to inspect at particular times. But all builders should have blueprints and high definition photos of homes they have build over the years. They should be able to accommodate your inquiries.

Do you belong to any professional associations and if so, which ones?

Belonging to a national & local building association provides another layer of credibility for the builder and provides the builder a means and method for continued education in their selected field or specialty area.

Do you have liability insurance and carry workman’s comp insurance for your employees?

General liability and workman's compensation are essential insurances for builders to maintain. If your builder does not have these insurances and a general loss or employee accident occurs on your project, you may be found responsible for the expenses.

Do you have insurance in case something in my home gets broken in the renovation and/or construction process?

The contractors liability insurance should be sufficient to cover damages up to the limits of their coverage. In many cases the damage can be paid directly by the contractor to avoid the records of insurance claims on your home.

What is your process for bidding completed design plans?

If there are no bid instructions to follow, we recommend bidding the architects plans specifically. The building plans and supporting documents are the legal reference for all hard bids. If there are not product selections at the time, the builder should provide an itemized list of product allowances. A detailed proposal should be issued from these documents.

Does your firm provide design build new home construction services?

Not all general contractors design build new custom homes. We at Marwood Construction do because we believe that the positives outweigh the negatives when compared with the traditional methods.

Are you willing to engage in the following contract agreements;

a) Fixed Lump Sum contract?

b) Cost Plus contract?

c) Competitive Bid Services contract?

d) Construction Management contract?

e) Time and Materials contract?

Marwood Construction believes that the customer should determine their risk aversion. Each of these contract methods come with a greater or lesser amount of risk for the builder and the homeowner. These risk should be openly and transparently discussed between builder and owner.

How often do you finish a project in the anticipated time schedule?

This is a difficult question to answer because many factors effect a schedule including weather, homeowner selections and design and construction errors. It is not realistic to get assurance from your builder that he will be absolutely finished on a certain day. It is much more realistic for them to provide an owner a best guess estimate based on their experience and support their schedule with a documented master schedule as a road map to the completion of the home.

How often will you be on site to oversee and inspect the progress of the job?

This is indeed a very relevant question. As suggested earlier, most builders do not actually build your home and very few will see the home under construction for the purpose of quality control. Make sure to ask them what they do when they are on site inspecting the progress.

How often will you stop by to check on the progress?

This is a good follow up question to the previous one.

Who is the on-site project manager?

As with most builders it is a good idea to learn as much as possible about the individual that will be actually building your home.

Who will manage your project day to day?

Do not assume that someone is on site each day of construction of your home. If this is important to you we suggestion a longer conversation on this concern. Make sure you are clear on who to contact for routine questions and various site inspection concerns.

Who will provide me with periodic updates?

This is a follow up question from the previous question concerning all the players roles of the builders staff.

Who pulls required permits for the job, you or me?

The builder should submit the plans for review and be the responsible party listed on the master permit. If there is a reason you do not wish to do this, you should have a further discussion with the builder.

Will you write out a contract specifying what you will do?

The formal proposal, home design plans and supporting documents should maintain the specifications for building the home. The contract should provide the legal answers to why, what and when and outline the remedies for what happens if someone does not do what they promised.

Will you offer a guarantee on your work, and, if so, what is the guarantee?

Another good question. A guarantee is defined as a home warranty in most cases. In the state of Texas you should expect a minimum of 1 year cosmetic claims coverage, 2 years electric / mechanical / electrical claim coverage and 10 year structural claim coverage.

What is your process for fixing things after the project is complete and I have moved in?

You should expect a structured warrant inspection program. At Marwood Construction we provide a 90 day walkthrough and a 1 year walkthrough. If there are more serious items that require immediate attention, we recommend you contact us to coordinate the appropriate service company

Have you been involved with any legal disputes following a previous job?

This is a good question to test the honesty and integrity of your builder early in the process. If in fact there are legal actions that have been taken, there will likely be a public record of them filed with the County Clerk's Recorders Office.

How would you recommend structuring the home and construction financing ?

There are various methods to achieve this requirement. We recommend that you receive a fair preliminary budget, expected lot cost and qualify for a mortgage. Then design to the construction budget and roll both lot acquisition and construction cost plus interest into the mortgage at the end of the construction phase. Your banker and your builder will establish a progress payment schedule for the interim construction payments based upon the completion of the project.

Will you agree to including a termination clause in the contract?

This is a proactive question. There are many types of builder contracts for different types of construction risk. You should understand that if you and your builder reach an impasse during the project, that there is a legal clause in the contract that allows you to separate with provisional conditions.

How does the home builder assure you that what they design can be built within your budget?

In most cases, if the custom home builder has designed your home plans you have likely entered into a design build agreement. In this case the builder should be providing the design team a scheduled construction budget update at specified design phase intervals. These updates should provide you the confidence that your home design is still within an acceptable range provided at the beginning of the design stage.

Will you work with my house plan designer and interior designer to make sure my home is built exactly as it was designed or to make changes to the design along the way?

Building a custom home is a team process. Your builder should conduct themselves as an active member of your home design team in developing your home plans and supporting documents. Their job as part of that team is to provide our recommendations regarding buildability and alert the design team when certain design features have a substantial effect on the construction budget.

How quickly will you return my phone calls or emails?

This is a good question to establish the owners expectations for how they can expect to do business with their general contractor. There should be a routine call response and a response condition for more urgent needs.

How do we resolve disputes?

This is a great direct question. Your builder should have a system and answer for escalating issues concerning your displeasure with your homes construction.

Depending on the contract that an owner selects, if the owner is responsible for direct cost and payment of invoices, you might ask; How quickly will I receive invoices and when will you update me on price increase notifications?

These questions should only be asked if the owner is in a time and material or cost plus contract agreement. In these cases, the contract will structure the terms and conditions for notifications and payment requirements.

What specific steps does the home builder take to keep your home construction site clean and safe daily, weekly, and monthly?

This is an important question, due in principle that many more injuries happen on a cluttered and disorganized job site then on a clean orderly site. This is especially relevant if the owner is paying for the builders risk policy that the lender will require.

Source Url. https://www.marwoodconstruction.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/Questions-You-Should-Ask-Your-Home-Builder.pdf

[dreaminginthedeepsouth]

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

June 29, 2021

Heather Cox Richardson

Last week, Florida governor Ron DeSantis became the latest Republican governor to sign a bill making it harder for citizens to shift away from the fossil fuels that are changing the climate. The move came after Miami, which is in danger as sea levels rise, proposed cutting carbon emissions by banning natural gas infrastructure in new buildings. The bill was written by lawyers for utility companies, based on a pattern written by the American Gas Association. Lobbyists for the Florida Petroleum Association, the Florida Natural Gas Association and the Florida Retail Federation, the Florida Home Builders Association, and the National Utility Contractors Association of Florida supported the bill.

Nine other Republican states have already passed similar legislation.

Republican-led states are defending the use of fossil fuels in other ways. News that President Biden’s climate envoy, John Kerry, was urging major U.S. banks to invest responsibly with an eye to the climate crisis, led the state treasurers of West Virginia, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and South Dakota to write to him expressing their “deep concern” that he, along with other members of the Biden administration, was pressuring banks “to refuse to lend to or invest in coal, oil, and natural gas companies, as a part of a misguided strategy to eliminate the fossil fuel industry in our country.” They accused the Biden administration of “picking economic winners and losers” according to “Biden’s own radical political preferences,” and thus depriving “the people” of agency.

Coal, oil, and natural gas are crucial to their states’ economies, they said, providing “jobs, health insurance, critical tax revenue, and quality of life.” They warned that they would withhold public funds from any banks that refused to lend to fossil fuel industries.

And yet, historically, the government has picked fossil fuels as a winner that outranks any other energy source. While Republicans tend to claim any spending for alternative energies is wasteful, a recent report by the Stockholm Environment Institute, a nonprofit think tank, says that U.S. subsidies to new oil and gas projects inflate their value by up to $20 billion per year. This would seem to fly in the face of Republican complaints about “socialism” in which the government picks winners and losers.

A recent Morning Consult poll shows that 50% of voters say climate change is a critical threat to America. Another 26% think it is important, but not critical. Among Democrats, 75% think climate change is crucial, while another 17% say it is important. Among Republicans, 21% say that climate change is crucial, while another 37% say it is important, but not crucial.

With this support for addressing climate change, why do Republicans appear to be dead set against dealing with it in a meaningful way and instead are propping up the fossil fuels that feed that change?

At the nomination hearing for now–Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, who has promised to protect our lands, Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), the top Republican on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, told Haaland that his state collects more than a billion dollars a year in royalties and taxes from the oil, gas, and coal produced on federal lands in the state, and warned that the Biden administration is “taking a sledgehammer to Western states’ economies.”

Oil produces the most revenue for Texas, which earned $16.3 billion from oil in 2019, an amount that made up 7% of the state’s revenue. Oil revenues accounted for 70% of state revenues ($1.1 billion) in Alaska in 2019, 52% of state revenues ($2.2 billion) in Wyoming in 2017, and 45% of the revenues ($1.6 billion) in North Dakota in 2017.

But production declines in the past year due to the coronavirus pandemic have hurt these fossil fuel states. Wyoming expects to have 29% less money than it expected in 2021–2022. Alaska expects an estimated 18% budget deficit in fiscal 2021. Without money coming in from fossil fuels, people will have to make up the difference by paying taxes, an unpopular outcome, especially in Republican-dominated states, or by losing even more services.

Reducing dependence on fossil fuels will also cost current jobs, and one of the hallmarks of an economy developed around an extractive industry is that it tends to have little flexibility. The rural American West was developed around extractive economies, with a few wealthy men employing lots of workers, and its limited economy means that workers cannot transition easily into other fields.

Fossil fuel advocates also contribute mightily to Republican campaigns, adding financial interest to party members’ general dislike of regulation. In Florida, utility companies employ an average of one lobbyist for every two legislators. “It’s no secret we play an active role in public policy,” a spokesman for a Florida utility told Rolling Stone’s Tim Dickinson in 2016.

This week, in the Pacific Northwest, temperatures in Portland, Oregon, reached 115°F; Seattle hit 108°. Canada hit its highest temperature on record: 116°F in British Columbia. Roads are buckling and power cables melting. In the New York Times today, climate scientist Michael Mann and climate communicator Susan Joy Hassol warned that the conditions of our earth will only get worse unless we do something. But, they wrote, “A rapid transition to clean energy can stabilize the climate, improve our health, provide good-paying jobs, grow the economy and ensure our children’s future.”

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Notes:

https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2021/919/BillText/er/PDF

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article249783273.html

https://www.npga.org/news-resources/florida-enacts-law-protecting-propane-and-natural-gas/

https://www.wfla.com/news/florida/local-florida-governments-cant-restrict-dirty-energy-usage-under-new-law-signed-by-desantis/

https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/20788734-state-treasurers-letter-to-john-kerry-on-fossil-fuel-lending-w-signatures

https://www.politico.com/news/2021/03/12/kerry-to-wall-street-put-your-money-behind-your-climate-pr-475565

https://newrepublic.com/article/162842/tax-breaks-fossil-fuel-companies-inflated-profits-oil-gas-drilling

https://morningconsult.com/2021/04/27/paris-agreement-climate-change-threat-poll/

https://trib.com/business/energy/rules-to-keep-coal-fired-power-plants-burning-in-wyoming-are-expected-soon/article_f6feb1f0-21c6-54b6-8de9-91cb98615263.html

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2021/feb/07/massive-losses-should-be-a-warning-to-big-oil-that-its-bonanza-is-over

https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-news/the-koch-brothers-dirty-war-on-solar-power-193325/

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/29/opinion/heat-dome-climate-change.html

LETTERS FROM AN AMERICAN

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON