The Fixie Chick blog
Brenna Hartmann is the co-founder of Fixin'Chix Inc., a do-it-yourself enterprise that includes a comprehensive home improvement website; how-to workshops, seminars and publications; and a product line. Brenna is dedicated to empowering women "do-it herselfers" (DIHers) who have the passion and desire to improve their homes. Brenna writes the popular Fixie Chick home improvement column found in Home & Yard Handbook, and is the co-host of "Home & Yard Radio with the Fixie Chick" on WROC-AM (950). Brenna lives in Webster with her husband and two children.
Back To School? Current Trends in Construction Employment
From 2004 to 2006, construction was among the leading contributors to job growth, with
employment expanding at over triple the rate of total nonfarm payrolls as measured by the
Current Employment Statistics (CES) or "establishment" survey.
Fueled by a boom in housing, the industry had added over a million jobs since its most recent trough in 2003. In 2006, the
housing boom ended as homes sales stalled and the number of unsold homes rose.
Construction employment peaked in September 2006 and then fell by 112,000 over the year.
Residential construction has borne the brunt of the slowdown, shedding 192,000 jobs since
March 2006.
Job losses in construction appear subdued in comparison to the sharp declines in some of the
other housing indicators. Homebuilding has continued to weaken, with starts, permits, and
construction spending all falling.
In August 2007, the number of single family units under construction was 22.4 percent below the previous year's level, and residential construction spending was down 16.0 percent over the year. Throughout the recent turmoil in housing, the
downturn in construction spending has been confined to the residential segment, which accounts for just under half of total construction spending. Expenditures on nonresidential building and public-sector construction have continued to expand throughout the downturn, with annualized spending increasing by 14.7 percent, as of August 2007. Overall, construction
spending has only declined 1.7 percent over the year ending in August.
This information is published with permission from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.Personally, I believe that we will see growth in residential constructions employment as new home building slows. During these lulls, homeowners typically "improve" rather that "move", increasing the need for skilled laborers and project managers.
Check back to the Fixie Chick Blog this coming Friday as I will be posting some education information I have researched for those of you who may be considering a career in construction!
-Till Friday
The Fixie Chick
Back-To-School? Consider Construction and Building Inspector
Employment of construction and building inspectors is
expected to grow by 18 percent over the 2006-2016 decade,
which is faster than the average for all occupations.
Concern for public safety and a desire for improvement in the quality of construction should continue to stimulate demand for construction and building inspectors in government as well as in firms specializing in architectural, engineering, and related services.
The growing focus on natural and manmade disasters is increasing the level of interest in and need for qualified inspectors. Issues such as green and sustainable design are new areas of focus that will also drive the demand for construction and building inspectors.
The routine practice of obtaining home inspections is a relatively recent development, causing
employment of home inspectors to increase rapidly. Although employment of home inspectors is expected to continue to increase, the attention given to this specialty, combined with the desire of some construction workers to move into less strenuous and potentially higher paying work, may result in reduced growth of home inspectors in some areas. In addition, increasing State regulations are starting to limit entry into the specialty only to those who have a given level of previous experience and are certified.
Job prospects: Inspectors are involved in all phases of construction, including maintenance and repair work, and are therefore less likely to lose their jobs when new construction slows during recessions. Those who are self-employed, such as home inspectors, are more likely to be affected by economic downturns or fluctuations in the real estate market. However, those with a thorough knowledge of construction practices and skills in areas such as reading and evaluating blueprints and plans will be better off. Inspectors with previous related experience in construction, a postsecondary degree, and engineering or architectural training will have the best prospects. In addition to openings stemming from the expected employment growth, some job openings will arise from the need to replace inspectors who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force.
BACK TO SCHOOL:
Many community colleges offer certificate or associate degree programs in building inspection technology. Courses in blueprint reading, algebra, geometry, and English also are useful. A growing number of construction and building inspectors are entering the occupation with a college degree, which often can substitute for previous experience.
Some States require home inspectors to obtain a State issued license or certification. Currently, 33 States have regulations affecting home inspectors. Requirements for a license or certification vary by State, but may include obtaining a minimum level of education, having a set amount of experience with inspections, purchasing liability insurance of a certain amount, and the passing of an examination. Renewal is usually every few years and annual continuing education is almost always required.
Earnings:
Median annual earnings of wage and salary construction and building inspectors were $46,570 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $36,610 and $58,780. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $29,210, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $72,590. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of construction and building inspectors were:
Architectural, engineering, and related services $46,850
Local government $46,040
State government $43,680
Building inspectors, including plan examiners, generally earn the highest salaries. Salaries in large metropolitan areas are substantially higher than those in small jurisdictions.
This information was obtained from the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition
Twice a week, throughout the month of August, I'll be posting ideas and information pertaining to education and job outlook for women interested in "construction" (it sounds so manly doesn't it?) Please feel free to email me or comment on this blog if there is a subject of particular interest to you during the August Fixie Chick blog series: "Back-To-School?"
Thanks for reading,
The Fixie Chick
Back-To-School?
It's hard not to be reminded of the inevitable back-to-school "season". It seams they are marketing it at even the gas station these days! But as our children enter a pre-determined curriculum at grade school, many adult learners are simply looking for one that sounds appealing and offers a decent job outlook. I thought I'd spend these next few weeks researching and reporting on education opportunities and job statistics for women in construction -or home improvement- as I like to call it.
Twice a week, throughout the month of August, I'll be posting ideas and information pertaining to education and job outlook for women interested in "construction" (it sounds so manly doesn't it?) Please feel free to email me or comment on this blog if there is a subject of particular interest to you during the August Fixie Chick blog series: "Back-To-School?".
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the number of wage and salary jobs in the construction industry is expected to
grow 10 percent through the year 2016, compared with the 11 percent projected for all industries combined. Employment in this industry depends primarily on the level of construction and remodeling activity
which is expected to increase over the coming decade.P.S. This will be a weekly topic of discussion on Home&Yard Radio with the Fixie Chick, Saturdays at 10am. WROC 950am. I welcome your questions or comments, please call 222-NEWS.
-The Fixie Chick
Salvia divinorum
For any household that has a garden and children on the internet this is a must read!
According to: A June 2008 DEA/OD/ODE release, SALVIA DIVINORUM AND SALVINORIN A have been labeled under Drugs and Chemicals of Concern.
Salvia divinorum is a perennial herb in the mint family native to certain areas of Mexico. The plant, which can grow to over three feet in height, has large green leaves, hollow square stems and white flowers with purple calyces, can also be grown successfully outside of this region. Salvia divinorum has been used by the Mazatec Indians for its ritual divination and healing. The active constituent of Salvia divinorum has been identified as salvinorin A. Currently, neither Salvia divinorum nor any of its constituents, including salvinorin A, are controlled under the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA).
Chemistry and Pharmacology:Salvinorin A, also called Divinorin A, is believed to be the ingredient responsible for the hallucinogenic effects of Salvia divinorum. Chemically, it is a neoclerodane diterpene found primarily in the leaves, and to a lesser extent in the stems. Although several other substances have been isolated from the plant, none have been shown to be psychoactive.
In the U.S., plant material is typically either chewed or smoked. When chewed, the leaf mass and juice are maintained within the cheek area with absorption occurring across the lining of the oral mucosa (buccal). Effects first appear within 5 to 10 minutes. Dried leaves, as well as extract-enhanced leaves purported to be enriched with salvinorin A, are also smoked. Smoking pure salvinorin A, at a dose of 200-500 micrograms, results in effects within 30 seconds and lasts about 30 minutes.
A limited number of studies have reported the effects of using either plant material or salvinorin A. Psychic effects include perceptions of bright lights, vivid colors and shapes, as well as body movements and body or object distortions. Other effects include dysphoria, uncontrolled laughter, a sense of loss of body, overlapping realities, and hallucinations (seeing objects that are not present). Adverse physical effects may include incoordination, dizziness, and slurred speech.
Scientific studies show that salvinorin A is a potent and selective kappa opioid receptor agonist. Other drugs that act at the kappa opioid receptor also produce hallucinogenic effects and dysphoria similar to that produced by salvinorin A. Salvinorin A does not activate the serotonin 2A receptor, which mediates the effects of other schedule I hallucinogens.
Illicit Uses:Salvinorin A and Salvia divinorum products are abused for their ability to evoke hallucinogenic effects, which, in general, are similar to those of other scheduled hallucinogenic substances.
User Population:
According to a National Survey on Drug Use and Health Report published by SAMHSA in February 2008, it is estimated that 1.8 million persons aged 12 or older used Salvia divinorum in their lifetime, approximately 750,000 did so in the past year. Use was more common among young adults (18 to 25 years old) as opposed to older adults (>26 years of age). Young adults were 3 times more likely than youths aged 12 to 17 to have used Salvia divinorum in the past year. Use is more common in males than females.
Illicit Distribution:Salvia divinorum is grown domestically and imported from Mexico and Central and South America. The Internet is used for the promotion and distribution of Salvia divinorum. It is sold as seeds, plant cuttings, whole plants, fresh and dried leaves, extract-enhanced leaves of various strengths (e.g., 5x, 10x, 20x, 30x), and liquid extracts purported to contain salvinorin A. These products are also sold at local shops (e.g., head shops and tobacco shops).
Control Status:Salvia divinorum and salvinorin A are not currently controlled under the CSA. However, a number of states have placed controls on Salvia divinorum and/or salvinorin A. As of June 2008, twelve states have enacted legislation placing regulatory controls on Salvia divinorum and/or salvinorin A.
As of June 2008, legislative bills proposing regulatory controls on salvinorin A and/or Salvia divinorum were pending in New York.
Salvinorin A and/or Salvia divinorum have been placed under regulatory controls in Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Italy, Japan, Spain, and Sweden.
Comments and additional information are welcomed by the Drug and Chemical Evaluation Section, telephone 202-307-7183.
Children who are looking for ways to get high can not only access information and how-to's online, but they can also purchase this stuff! There are even YouTube videos of kids using Salvia.
-The Fixie Chick
Do-It-Yourself Home Energy Audit
A home energy audit is the first step to assess how much energy your home consumes and to evaluate what measures you can take to make your home more energy efficient.
You can easily conduct a home energy audit yourself. With a simple but diligent walk-through, you can spot many inefficiencies in any type of home. You should keep a checklist of areas you inspect and problems you find as you go. This list will help you prioritize your energy efficiency upgrades.
Air LeaksFirst, make a list of obvious drafts. This will indicate where air is leaking. Check for indoor air leaks, such as gaps along the baseboard or edge of the flooring and at junctures of the walls and ceiling. Check to see if air can flow through these places:
Electrical outlets
Switch plates
Window frames
Baseboards
Weather stripping around doors
Fireplace dampers
Attic hatches
Wall/window-mounted air conditioners.
If you can see daylight around a door or window frame, you have an air leak.
DIY Basic Building Pressurization Test:==>Close all exterior doors, windows, and fireplace flues.
==>Turn off all combustion appliances such as gas burning furnaces and water heaters.
==>Turn on all exhaust fans (generally located in the kitchen and bathrooms).
This test increases infiltration through cracks and leaks, making them easier to detect.
TIP: Use incense sticks to locate leaks. Moving air will cause the smoke to waver.
OUTSIDE: Check the exterior of your home by inspecting all areas where two different building materials meet.
Insulation
You will need to find out how much insulation you have in your home and where. For energy efficiency, your home should be properly insulated from the roof down to its foundation. Inspect the following areas:
-Attic spaces
Attic access doors to unfinished attics
(If the attic hatch is located above a conditioned space, check to see if it is at least as heavily insulated as the attic, is weather stripped, and closes tightly).
-Knee walls in finished attics
-Ducts in unconditioned spaces
-Cathedral ceilings
-Exterior walls
-Floors above unheated garages
-Foundations
-Basements
-Crawl spaces
-Slab-on-grade floors
R-value indicates insulation's resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the greater the effectiveness.
When calculating the R-value of a multilayered installation, add the R-values of the individual layers.
*While you are inspecting the attic, check to see if there is a vapor barrier under the attic insulation.
*Make sure that the attic vents are not blocked by insulation.
-Interior walls
Select an exterior wall and turn off the circuit breaker. Be sure to test the outlets to make certain that they are not "hot".
Remove the cover plate from one of the outlets and gently probe into the wall with a thin, long stick. If you encounter a slight resistance, you have some insulation there. Ideally, the wall cavity should be totally filled with some form of insulation material.
Unfortunately, this method cannot tell you if the entire wall is insulated, or if the insulation has settled. Only a thermographic inspection can do this.
-Basement
Your water heater, hot water pipes, and furnace ducts should all be insulated.
-Heating/Cooling Equipment
Check furnace filters
Check your ductwork for dirt streaks, especially near seams.
(This indicates air leaks)
Insulation R-Value (6 is recommended for ductwork)
-Lighting
Wattage size of light bulbs. (You may have 100-watt bulbs where 60 or 75 watts would do).
If your are not a DIY'er, professional auditors use a variety of techniques and equipment to determine the energy efficiency of a structure. Thorough audits use equipment such as blower doors, which measure the extent of leaks in the building envelope, and infrared cameras, which reveal hard-to-detect areas of air infiltration and missing insulation. Many help you find government programs that help with financing too.
Source: U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
We'll be talking about the DIY Home Energy Audit tomorrow morning on Home&Yard Radio with the Fixie Chick. Be sure to call in with your questions. 222-NEWS. Every Saturday at 10 am. WROC 950
Have a great weekend.
-The Fixie Chick
Faux May Be The Way To Go
Renewable Bamboo
Hardwood flooring is attractive, as it lasts for years and is relatively durable, but installation can be expensive. In addition, the flooring requires regular waxing and refinishing to maintain its beauty. With a unique look and strength that surpasses hardwood, coupled with its ability to renew quickly in nature, bamboo is quickly becoming one of the hottest flooring trends. It is also resistant to moisture and very durable, resisting nicks, scratches and warping.
"Faux May Be The Way To Go" will be the topic of the July Fixie Chick blog series. Twice a week I'll be posting ideas and information on some of the coolest and innovative new "faux" products for your home and yard.
-Have a great week
-The Fixie Chick
Faux May Be The Way To Go
"Faux May Be The Way To Go" will be the topic of the July Fixie Chick blog series. Twice a week I'll be posting ideas and information on some of the coolest and innovative new "faux" products for your home and yard.
PolyresinPolyresin is an all weather material. It is a great choice for outdoor furniture and statuary. Polyresin can be mold and mildew resistant and withstands UV rays and hot temperatures. It comes in a variety of colors, from bright yellow to natural wood tones.
FYI
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Polyresin is a resin compound generally used for statues, figurines, and decorative furniture. It is a sturdy material that can be intricately molded, allowing a great level of detail with consistent texture.
Additives can be incorporated into the compound to enhance the material's strength, reduce its weight, add heat stability, decorative effects, and so on. Polyresin is also compatible with a large range of different finishes, including paint and metallic finishes, which is why many decorative pieces are made from this material.
One form of polyresin often used is Alabastrite. It is a stone-based material, easy to sculpt, takes paint well, and has a similar appearance to porcelain and pottery.
Good to know!
-The Fixie Chick
www.FixinChix.com
