Wisconsin Builder


Archives for the ‘Construction Corner’ Category

Local preference laws create controversy, opportunity

Local preference laws create controversy, opportunity

By Matthew Rosek • Mar 1st, 2010 • Category: Construction Corner

In today’s business climate of very tight margins, understanding the requirements and implications of the law can mean the difference between a business getting work or closing its doors.


41 years of memories

41 years of memories

By Fred Risser • Feb 1st, 2010 • Category: Construction Corner

I was one of the first Democrats to become a member of the state Building Commission when then-Gov. Gaylord Nelson asked me to join in 1959.


When is the subcontractor notice required in Wisconsin?

When is the subcontractor notice required in Wisconsin?

By Matthew Rosek • Jan 1st, 2010 • Category: Construction Corner

There has been some ongoing confusion in the industry as to what Wisconsin Statute 779.02 means with regard to providing notice to a property owner of the subcontractors working on a project site.


Contractor education: The new standard

Contractor education: The new standard

By Matthew Rosek • Dec 1st, 2009 • Category: Construction Corner

Wisconsin passed the Contractor Education Act three years ago to create new education standards for the construction industry.


New roles mean new rules

New roles mean new rules

By Frank Kowalkowski • Nov 1st, 2009 • Category: Construction Corner

The construction industry has taken some hard hits during the economic slowdown, and many companies are taking on new types of projects to keep their operations going.


Recovery zone bonds offer unique opportunities

Recovery zone bonds offer unique opportunities

By Jeffrey J. Femrite • Oct 1st, 2009 • Category: Construction Corner

In this challenging credit environment, recovery zone bonds offer businesses a cost-effective way to finance qualified projects or programs in distressed communities.


Avoiding common bid errors

Avoiding common bid errors

By John Mielke • Sep 1st, 2009 • Category: Construction Corner

Given the realities of Wisconsin’s construction market, much of the available work in the near future will come in the form of state projects. While working for the state has many advantages, there are some things contractors should pay careful attention to.


Toxic drywall – a hidden threat

Toxic drywall – a hidden threat

By Matthew Rosek • Aug 1st, 2009 • Category: Construction Corner

Homeowners in at least 13 states, including Wisconsin, are alleging their homes have an unusual problem resulting in discolored piping, blackened or corroded metal household items, failed appliances and, worse yet, health issues.


Some arguments seem healthier in sick-leave debate

Some arguments seem healthier in sick-leave debate

By Matthew Rosek • Jul 1st, 2009 • Category: Construction Corner

Some of the legal arguments made against Milwaukee’s paid sick-leave ordinance were convincing and difficult to oppose.


All bid docs should be created equal

All bid docs should be created equal

By Joe Eberle • Jun 1st, 2009 • Category: Construction Corner

The use of standardized construction contract documents would create an equal playing field for all parties involved.