Strathclyde Associates Management Construction Company: Every summer, Scambuster Pete is approached by contractor scammers three or four times. After answering a knock at the door, a young man tells Pete that he's just finished paving a neighbor's driveway, but has materials left over.

Charleston, WV -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/09/2011 -- Strathclyde Associates Management Construction Company: Every summer, Scambuster Pete is approached by contractor scammers three or four times. After answering a knock at the door, a young man tells Pete that he's just finished paving a neighbor's driveway, but has materials left over.

"I'll offer you a big discount if you'll let us repave your driveway, too. I just need a cash deposit, and we'll be right back."

Sound familiar?
If so, you already know about ONE classic contractor scam. However, even if this doesn't sound familiar, we'll show you 7 ways that contractor scammers try to steal your money -- and 7 ways to foil them.

Strathclyde Associates Management Construction Company: Contractor Scam #1. Your roof is about to cave in!

Scare tactics are a favorite of scam artists, especially when they approach seniors.

Sometimes, they'll drop by your house and offer a "free" estimate to assess "problems" with your roof, siding, driveway, etc.

Naturally, the scammer ALWAYS finds something wrong, and then uses inferior materials to "repair" the problem while charging you a big fee.

Tip: We can't stress this enough: Always get at least two estimates for any "damage" to your home, and always consult friends, family or neighbors to learn the names of contractors they've used in the past -- ones they were satisfied with.

Contractor Scam #2. Instant Estimates.
The typical scammer will "assess" problems at your home, and offer a verbal "quote" on how many these problems will cost to fix.
Please note: verbal quotes are NOT legally binding.

If the contractor later charges twice his estimate -- or damages your property during the "repair" process -- it's doubtful you could successfully sue him.

Tip: Legitimate contractors are certified, insured and/or bonded by the state and/or town where you live. What's more: they offer WRITTEN estimates for you to inspect (and often sign) before work commences.

Contractor Scam #3. Door-to-Door Salesmen.

Like the plague, avoid door-to-door salesmen who claim they just happened to be in the neighborhood because they were doing work for someone nearby -- especially if they claim they have materials left over from the last job.

If a contractor has really brought materials from another job, he is likely cheating his previous customer out of the materials they purchased.

Tip: Honest contractors earn most of their business through referrals from satisfied customers. They don't need to travel door-to-door to find business.

Contractor Scam #4. Intentional Damage.
Let's say your area just experienced a severe storm. In the midst of the storm (during the middle of the night) the scammer might just tear a few pieces of vinyl siding from your house, and then -- miracle of miracles -- appear the next day with a sweet deal to repair that damage.

He might also suggest that if, say, additional damage occurs during the repair process, you can charge it to your insurance company.

Nobody gets hurt, right?
Tip: Wrong! Insurance companies have claims investigators who specialize in fraud. They even have lists of suspected scammers, so if you hire a suspected scammer, the investigator will REALLY be on guard. Scambuster Pete knows an investigator who's cracked more cases than Sherlock Holmes. Don't EVER commit insurance fraud.

Contractor Scam #5. Cash Only.
This scenario is easy and common: the contractor tells you he requires that you pay in cash.

Tip: NEVER agree to a cash-only deal. Let's face it: if someone asks for cash only, you almost certainly know you're NOT dealing with a reputable contractor. Chances are, you'll never see this person again after giving him your hard-earned cash.

Contractor Scam # 6. Pay Upfront.
Again, this is easy. If you pay upfront, you may never see this "contractor" again.

Tip: No reputable contractor will ask for most -- or all -- of his payment immediately. In fact, most legitimate contractors only bill AFTER the job is done to your satisfaction. If someone asks for a large upfront payment -- run!

Contractor Scam # 7. Referral Schemes.

Some scammers will offer you a substantial "discount" if you promise to refer other customers or let them show off your home as a "model" or "demonstration" project.

Tip: At best, this is a marketing gimmick. At worst, it's an outright scam, because the "discount" is usually not a discount at all.

If you'd just shopped around, you would have discovered that a reputable contractor's "full price"
was better than the scammer's so-called discount.

We realize that some Scambusters' readers are veteran homeowners, who know most of this stuff -- and hopefully, they haven't learned it the hard way. But we also realize that there are homebuyers who can benefit from this advice.

Either way, be cautious before hiring somebody to remodel or repair your house. Get two or three estimates and -- AGAIN -- consult with friends, family and neighbors for the names of honest and reliable contractors and tradesmen in your area.

Article from scambusters.org

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Charleston, WV-- (SBWIRE) -- 11/22/2010 -- Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company: Learning a few tricks of their trade will help you ensure you get the job done right and at a fair price and to avoid scam By SmartMoney

Things Contractors Won't Tell You, avoid scam - "My license is laughable."

When you hire a general contractor to build an addition onto your house, you probably assume you're getting someone who has spent years learning his craft, giving him the proper credentials to saw a hole in the side of your den. In reality, you could be getting a madman with a toolbox who answers to no one. That's because only 27 states have any state-licensing requirements — and where regulations do exist, they vary. In California, one of the stricter states, aspiring contractors must have four years' experience, prove their financial solvency and pass a written exam to become licensed, whereas in South Carolina, they need only two years of experience along with an exam and submission of financials. Maybe the disparity helps in part to explain why the Better Business Bureau received 1.1 million inquiries in 2006 from people seeking "reliability reports" on specific contractors — to ensure they were trustworthy enough to hire — ranking them third among industries for that request, according to the Council of BBBs.

So how should you shop for a contractor? Ask for and check references, of course. One good resource is Handyman Online, a referral service that can connect you with contractors in your area who are legitimately licensed, carry liability insurance and have at least three references. And Tom Pendleton, owner of McLean, Va.-based consulting firm The House Inspector, offers this advice: "Close to 95 percent of home-improvement contractors go out of business or change their name within three years" due to consumer complaints or mismanagement, he says, "so you want a contractor who's been in business under the same name for more than three years."

Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company: "Our contract favors me …"

When it's time to sign on the dotted line, most contractors will present you with a boilerplate agreement based on one created by the American Institute of Architects. It lays out the job's details, including its scope, materials to be used and a payment schedule. Not surprisingly, according to Mark Levine, co-author of "The Big Fix-Up," a consumer guide to home remodeling, some contractors will set up a schedule that puts your payments ahead of the work. "When (a contractor) has received 50 percent of the money for 25 percent of the work, that's when he stops showing up as often," he says.

Levine suggests a plan such as paying 10 percent down, 25 percent when plumbing and electrical work are done, 25 percent after cabinets and windows are finished, and 25 percent for flooring and painting. "And don't hand him the last 15 percent on his final day," Levine says. "It's called 'retainage,' and you should keep it for 30 extra days just to make sure everything is working the way it should." In addition, if the job is big enough — say, $50,000 or more — Levine suggests investing in four hours of attorney fees to devise a contract that includes a fair payment plan, with retainage, and stipulates that disputes will be settled through arbitration (the quick and easy way to do it).

" … so I can take your money and run."

Mark Zarrilli decided to enhance his Wall, N.J., home by putting a new path around his swimming pool. It was an $11,000 job, and he paid $7,000 upfront to the contractors — supposedly for materials. "They brought somebody in to do the preliminary brickwork, then played a duck-and-run game for three months," Zarrilli says. "They'd tell me the truck broke down, the wife was sick, the cement company couldn't deliver. I'll never get my money back." Zarrilli took the dispute to the Monmouth County Prosecutor's office, who charged the contractor with theft by deception. (The contractor eventually pleaded guilty.)

Mark Herr, former director of the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, calls this alleged scam "spiking the job," and it's one of the worst possible outcomes when you've signed a contract that includes a front-loaded payment schedule. "By completing a little bit of the work, they can face only civil rather than criminal charges," Herr says. You might get sucked into such a scenario if your contractor tells you — like Zarrilli's did — that the upfront cash is for materials. "Typically," Herr says, "that happens because the guy needs to pay upfront for goods since he has no credit, probably because he screwed up somewhere else." Your pre-emptive strategy: Offer to have the materials delivered to your house and to pay for them C.O.D.

"Bargains don't exist in my world."

Before hiring a contractor, you'll probably solicit various bids. If one comes in much lower than the others, it's natural to think you've lucked out, but that's not necessarily the case, says Lisa Curtis, former director of consumer services for the Denver district attorney's office. Because of the fixed costs of materials and labor, a stunningly low bid is a red flag.

Common tactics include starting a job based on a bargain-basement price, then telling the customer that the work is more complicated (and more costly) than originally thought. Then there's the contractor who quotes a price that includes windows he knows are of poor quality; once the job is under way, he'll present his client with what is clearly a better window and talk him into upgrading. "Ultimately," Curtis says, "you may pay more than you would have with a reputable person who started off at a reasonably higher price."

"I'll be back when I feel like it."

So you found yourself a good contractor. Terrific — but here's the bad news. When contractors are busy with multiple jobs, as the best in the business inevitably are, you can pretty much expect the schedule for completing your job will go out the window. "If the contractor's got too many jobs going," Pendleton says, "the workers might only be in your house for two hours when they should have been there all day."

One way to guarantee that your job won't stretch to Wagnerian lengths, he says, is to hire a contractor with a lead person or project manager, "a working supervisor who is on the job from beginning to end." If the job drags, the contractor still has to pay that person, so it "becomes in the contractor's interest to finish the job," Pendleton says.

Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company is passionate in the belief that from adversity comes opportunity. We believe that sustainable competitive advantage is always predicated upon the focused execution of a few core strengths or principles that are endemic to each particular company.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Charleston, WV -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/22/2010 -- Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company: Spring's the time homeowners get to work -- and shady contractors come of out of the woodwork. Here's how to smell a suspicious deal. By Bankrate

Like most homeowners, you probably spent the winter months talking about the home improvements you'd like to make. Now that spring is here, it's time to act on those remodeling impulses. After all, spring is a time of renewal, change and new beginnings.

Unfortunately, it's also a time when shady contractors come out of the woodwork to prey on innocent homeowners. "Some are actual scam artists, while others are just incompetent or unethical," says Ellis Levinson, a consumer reporter and the author of the book "Hiring Contractors Without Going Through Hell."

The good news is that you can protect yourself against these scams. In fact, many scams are easy to detect if you take the time to become an educated, savvy consumer. "Compare prices, call references and research the project you're undertaking in advance," says Bruce Johnson, the author of "50 Simple Ways to Save your House." It seems simple, but many people find this process overwhelming.

Levinson calls it emotional laziness. "It's amazing to me how much time people will put it into buying a TV because it's fun. But when it comes to remodeling a kitchen, people have no time. They see it as drudgery," Levinson says. Ultimately, he says, doing the research to protect yourself is much easier than paying for the consequences.

To help you differentiate a scam from the real deal, Bankrate has compiled a list of the most common remodeling scams. Beware of the following key phrases, and remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company: 'I just happen to be working in your neighborhood'

This happens when contractors appear at your home unsolicited to inform you that they noticed some problems with your home's (insert: chimney, driveway, windows, plumbing, etc.) while working on a neighboring home. For example, a contractor might say he or she was on the roof of your neighbor's home and noticed missing shingles on your roof. This may be the case, but often no repair is needed.

More important, legitimate, established and reputable contractors tend to find enough work through word-of-mouth referrals that they don't need to be going door to door to attract customers. Be especially skeptical if the contractor drives a vehicle with no company name, no phone number or with out-of-state license plates. "Do not let these people enter your home," Johnson warns. "Often they want to be invited inside to see if something is worth stealing."

Also, be sure to ask for proof that he or she is insured, licensed and bonded. "Homeowners that check out contractors beforehand and research their credibility are usually more satisfied with the job than if they abruptly chose a contractor," says Jeremy Zidek, communications coordinator for the Better Business Bureau in Alaska.

Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company: 'I have materials left over'

Sometimes contractors will offer a discount for the job under the pretense that they have extra materials and want to use up their supply. Good contractors order just enough supplies to meet the needs of each job, as often the price for supplies is included in the contract.

If a contractor has materials left over from a previous job and is making them available to you, he either didn't finish the job or is cheating the previous customer. Or he didn't have a previous job but has materials to make it look like he did.

Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company: 'I need cash upfront'

This contractor will take your money and disappear before or (even worse) after your project gets under way. It can be frustrating trying to chase after him, getting him to come back and finish the job or hiring someone else to clean up a messy work site. Don't ever pay in full for a project before any work has been done.

However, you may be expected to pay a down payment. "The contractor may not want to block out time in his busy schedule without some money upfront," Levinson says. He recommends creating a payment schedule with the contractor at the start -- wherein you pay a sizable portion only upon completion of a project. Johnson swears by the one-third theory.

Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company is passionate in the belief that from adversity comes opportunity. We believe that sustainable competitive advantage is always predicated upon the focused execution of a few core strengths or principles that are endemic to each particular company.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company: Renovations are stressful, but if you rush through important details you could fall prey to one of these scams.

Charleston, WV -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/18/2010 -- Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company: Renovations are stressful, but if you rush through important details you could fall prey to one of these scams.

Scam artists are nothing new, but there are plenty of reasons to predict that even more of them will be around, due to tough economic times. While they tend to prey on the elderly, anyone who is not cautious and informed is a potential victim. Your best defense is a skeptical mind and knowing what to look out for when you hear about an offer that's "too good to refuse." Here are some of the most popular, and costly, home-improvement scams.

Home-renovation Scams - Strathclyde Associates Trading: One-time special

It's a rare business that's had only one sale in its entire history. The reality is that most businesses hold sales throughout the year, and that's not likely to change any time soon. If a contractor approaches you with a special offer, ask for concrete evidence that the quoted price is lower than what they have charged in the past for the same work. This could include a past catalog, special mailing, dated price list or evidence of identical work for a past customer.

Don't be pressured into accepting a deal that will expire before you've had a chance to do research, get competing bids and check references.

Home-renovation Scams - Strathclyde Associates Trading: I might as well

Be wary of the contractor who knocks on your door and says he's working just down the street. He tells you that he noticed a few things that need some work on your house and that you could save money by hiring him on the spot. Coincidentally, he just happens to have all the materials and tools to start right away.

This approach is often used to entice you into doing things that are visible from the outside, like roof repair, painting, window caulking, deck restoration, driveway coating and chimney repair. If the contractor claims to have all the materials, ask him where they came from and who paid for them. If they are left over from an earlier job, there's some chance that the previous homeowner footed the bill.

Cash before work
Nothing should set off more alarm bells than the contractor who wants to be paid in full for a project before it's started. This arrangement sets you up for a disappearing contractor who never starts the work.

A reasonable down payment is expected, to cover startup labor costs and materials. Normally, this should not exceed one-third of the total contract value; it's wise to make it as small as possible. The balance of the money can be tied to completion milestones to keep the contractor motivated to stay on schedule. Hold a sizable portion of the money until the project is finished, and make final payment dependent on your personal inspection and satisfaction.

Financing offers
Another warning flag is the offer to arrange financing to pay for your renovation, sometimes from a lender that the contractor knows personally. The offer may include a special interest rate for a limited time only. What won't be disclosed is that the contractor may be getting kickbacks or other favors from the lender.

If you don't review the loan papers carefully, you may later find out that you've signed up for a refinancing or high-interest home-equity loan, or unknowingly transferred your deed. If the money goes to the contractor, there's no incentive to complete the work. Always shop around for the best loan available, and consult an attorney if you need help understanding the terms and conditions.

Fly-by-night contractor
Be extremely wary if a contractor pulls into your driveway in an unmarked truck. If you talk to him, do it outside in public view. Anyone who enters your home is a potential burglar, or worse. If the truck has out-of-state plates, don't even waste your time.

For all contractors, you should apply due diligence. Verify name, business name and license number, address and telephone number. Ask for insurance papers, and verify that they are bonded in accordance with applicable laws.

Model home
Beware of the contractor who wants to fix up your home so he can show it off to other potential customers. You will likely be tempted by a deal that seems too good to pass up. But chances are pretty good that some or all of the work he's recommending doesn't really need to be done. Reputable contractors don't need models to showcase their work, and if they needed one, they wouldn't use an occupied home for that purpose.

Home-renovation Scams - Strathclyde Associates Trading: The bottom line
Use resources such as the Better Business Bureau, the Department of Consumer Protection and the local licensing board to check the contractor's business reputation and credentials. A history of consumer complaints, lawsuits and expired licenses are reasons to keep looking for a reliable contractor.

Common sense and good judgment offer the best protection from home-renovation scams. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. It's always wise to get multiple estimates before starting any project. If there are wide differences in the quotes, try to figure out why. Most importantly, don't sign any contract that you don't understand completely.

Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company is passionate in the belief that from adversity comes opportunity. We believe that sustainable competitive advantage is always predicated upon the focused execution of a few core strengths or priniciples that are indemic to each particular company.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Baltimore, MD -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/21/2010 -- The South African wire industry has been adversely affected by the eco-nomic downturn, especially since stadium contracts for the 2010 FIFA World Cup were com-?pleted, while the overregulation of the steel industry by government is resulting in the closure of factories and job losses, says South African Wire Association chairperson Rick Allen.

Strathclyde Associates Construction Management News: "In some areas, like competition law, overregulation is having exactly the opposite effect intended and reducing South Africa's ability to compete both internationally and domestically. The elimination of competition from smaller players and a single national price for steel are direct consequences of actions by the Competition Commission. There needs to be more trust and discussions between government, labour and business if the steel industry is to regain its former position as a significant contributor to exports and economic development. Current policies are not unified," he says.

"Further, margins in some areas are below cost, while the association is unsure about whether discussing nonexistent margins with mills constitutes a Competition Commission offence. Therefore, important issues, such as exports, adding value (in terms of manufacturing and steel converting), developing the industry and saving jobs are not discussed."

Strathclyde Associates Construction Management News: Construction has slowed down and export markets are weak, while uncertainty in the fields of mining and agriculture is also a challenge. In the past, the wire industry exported about 50% of its production, but now South Africa faces competition from China, locally and in other African countries. "Industry in China has greater support from government, compared with the support received by local industry from the South African government, and the costs of adding value are much lower. China also does not have to deal with regulatory burdens as South Africa does," he says.

Strathclyde Associates Construction Management News: Competition Commission manager for advocacy and stakeholder relations Oupa Bodibe says that competition policy exists to encourage the dynamism of firms through legitimate competition and not through shady collaboration between competitors to fix prices, allocate markets and rig bids.

"Legitimate competition means that a firm constantly strives to win customers by offering better products through constant innovation and by offering competitive prices. It will be irresponsible for the Commission to condone anticompetitive conduct, from whatever quarter, including small businesses. However the competition act allows firms to apply for exemption if the objective cannot be achieved without the collaboration of firms," he explains.

Cape Town-based research company Econresearch's Mike Sampson believes that coastal manufacturers have no alternative but to close down unprofitable operations and revert to importing finished goods, such as nails and netting, while China is able to add value at a lower cost. Further, China's government believes that the need to maintain employment as critical.

Strathclyde Associates Construction Management News: Administered expenses, such as electricity, labour and harbour costs, all exceed the inflation rate, making the addition of value difficult. The steel industry and wire manufacturers are also challenged by the iron-ore surcharge arising from the dispute over iron-ore supply and prices between local steel producers ArcelorMittal South Africa (AMSA) and Kumba Iron Ore.

"Government only now shows signs of recognising the importance of vertical integration as illustrated by its interference in the argument between Kumba and AMSA. Considering its high cost structures, the only way South Africa can compete internationally is to allow the advantages of cheap iron-ore to work to benefit downstream manufacture and the economy. "However, government is confusing domestic competition with the ability to compete internationally and, consequently, the wrong target is reached. The recent history of the wire industry illustrates the point," says Sampson.

Strathclyde Associates Construction Management News: He explains that, in 2000, mining and steel company Iscor faced the closure of its Newcastle works because exports were unprofitable. It had divested its wire interests and lost the domestic market on wire rod to two scrap-based minimills, Cape Gate and Scaw Metals, both having strong downstream interests. To counter this vertical integration into the wire industry, Iscor entered into a steel agreement with a small group of independent wire producers. It protected their margin in return for a guaranteed tonnage. Thisincreased the level of competition in the industry and effectively enabled a more internationally competitive industry. It saw the emergence of three vertically integrated groups, enabling South Africa to compete against imports and strengthening coastal manufacturing and exports.

"However, the competition authorities described the steel agreement as discriminatory and an unfair practice. The 2005 case against AMSA of unfair discounting of wire rod is still not finalised, as is a recommended fine of 10% of its yearly turnover on wire rod. The competition authorities only understood the minor horizontal position between individuals and not the greater vertical integration issue of the industry. It was not in their competition mandate to investigate the broader industrial view. As a result, the influence of this action on steel pricing in South Africa was profound and out of all proportion to the tonnage affected," says Sampson.

As a result of the penalty, AMSA cancelled the agreement and the introduced transparent horizontal pricing or, in effect, a national pricing policy for steel, which still exists today. Sampson adds that other mills simply followed suit, enabling ArcelorMittal, in London, to determine the national steel price in South Africa, which fluctuates in relation to a basket of steel prices regardless of the regional market, the domestic need and the industrial realities.

Strathclyde Associates Construction Management News: However, AMSA spokesperson Themba Hlengani says that, in terms of the pricing structure, steel pricing is not set in London. "It is correct to say that the pricing mechanism currently adopted by the AMSA is one of a basket of prices on a benchmarked pricing model and not import parity pricing (IPP). The company uses the prices of steel in the domestic markets of Germany, the US, China and Russia and divides the prices by four to create an equal weighting, and then converts it to South African rands – this price is then used as a benchmark," he explains.

Strathclyde Associates Construction Management News: AMSA aims to provide local manufacturers with a level of competitiveness with their international counterparts and firmly believes that the basket pricing methodology ?is fair and equitable, and has continued to benefit downstream manufacturers.

Strathclyde Associates Construction Management News: However, Sampson believes that the inflexibility of this policy to meet market realities, particularly during economic downturns, is resulting in the loss of market share and the closure of manufacturing operations. Consequently, steel prices on the coast are no longer viable, as IPP would be R500/t cheaper than IPP in inland regions.

"However, in reality, IPP is a free market price and should determine prices favouring coastal manufacturing and the development of export industries. "It underwrites the export assistance scheme, enabling cheap iron-ore to benefit value-added exports and compete against the Chinese in international markets. Today, coastal industry pays IPP prices, but under another name.

"AMSA is reluctant to meet market realities for fear it is deemed unfair in terms of arbitrary ruling and the current climate of such matters. Further, there is such distrust in the steel industry, and between industry and government, that a sensible industrial policy or even the operation of a free market in steel seems impossible. The problem is that the politicisation of the steel industry and the inability of the industry to organise itself is preventing the emergence of a coherent plan necessary to restore South Africa as a competitive force in world steel trade. As the wire industry reveals, much of the deindustrialisation taking place in the country is self-?inflicted," says Sampson.

Strathclyde Associates Construction Management News: Allen says that the industrial associations are not functioning as they should, and the wire industry's morale is low. Members are reluctant to discuss issues, such as declining markets, factory closures and any form of cooperation or response to imports. The industry is consequently suffering from overcapacity as wire companies secure few contracts, causing operations to close and jobs to be lost on a considerable scale.

"There is no communication at indus-try level, so we are not aware of the full extent of the losses or damage that has taken place. "There is a huge amount of uncertainty and lack of direction because the steel industry is in disarray," he concludes.

By: Tracy Hancock, Edited by: Brindaveni Naidoo

Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company made a number of associations mainly in the Pacific and Southeast Asia regions. These business partnerships added extra strength to Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company. We are proud to be associated with projects in countries including Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and Seoul, S Korea.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Baltimore, MD -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/21/2010 -- Patented alternative construction technology company Imison reports that a number of factors in its manufacturing and supply chain processes contribute to a greener construction process.

Strathclyde Associates Construction Management News: The company uses a technology that creates buildings with panels that are made from expanded polystyrene (EPS) and have a light-gauge steel core. The walls are coated with a spray-on fibre cement plaster.

Imison's EPS tongue-and-groove panels are cut in their Pretoria factory, to allow for simple assembly and plaster coating at the construction site.

Strathclyde Associates Construction Management News: Imison international business development director Albert van Rensburg says that the factory has almost no noise pollution as a result of the quiet machines and that this contributes to the greenness of company's production. The offcuts of EPS are also recycled.

The houses built by Imison can be constructed with significantly shorter lead times compared with traditional bricks-and-mortar houses and can assist government in tackling the local housing backlog, says Van Rensburg.

Strathclyde Associates Construction Management News: He adds that the company has built a number of show houses as part of the selection processes for low-cost housing contracts in communities around the country and that these communities have had a favourable response to the speed with which the buildings were constructed.

"People like to touch something and make sure that it is strong. When we allowed people to enter the house, they were impressed by the feel and strength of the house," says Van Rensburg.

He adds that a challenge with introducing new concepts into the construction industry is the cultural perception of the reliability of bricks. However, he adds says that the Imison technology is lighter and stronger and has a number of advantages that surpass the perceived strengths of bricks-and-mortar construction.

Strathclyde Associates Construction Management News: The Imison construction technology has a degree of flexibility, which allows the houses to withstand ground movement and extreme weather conditions. The technology has successfully undergone hurricane testing in Florida, in the US, and snow load-capacity testing in Sweden.

Van Rensburg says that the insulating quality of EPS in the walls makes Imison homes up to 70% more energy efficient, requiring less heating in winter and less cooling in summer. He adds that the environmental impact at the construction site is also reduced, as Imison's processes cut waste down from 15% in bricks-and-mortar construction to 5%.

Strathclyde Associates Construction Management News: Further, removing bricks and up to 90% cement use from the construction process contributes significantly to environmental friendliness and structural efficiency, says Van Rensburg. An added benefit derived from the lack of weight of EPS is the use of smaller engined vehicles, which results in fuel and emissions savings.

Imison's unique construction model has been used in the Gauteng provincial government's 20 Priority Township project. The project is aimed at building better communities and upgrading local and social infrastructure.

Strathclyde Associates Construction Management News: However, Van Rensburg says that the technology is not only appropriate for low-cost housing and has been used successfully in the construction of luxury homes.

The first building to use the Imison techno- logy was a luxury home built 12 years ago, in Cape Town.

Van Rensburg says that homes built by Imison are bondable and insurable.

By: Lindsey Berry, Edited by: Brindaveni Naidoo

Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company made a number of associations mainly in the Pacific and Southeast Asia regions. These business partnerships added extra strength to Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company. We are proud to be associated with projects in countries including Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and Seoul, S Korea.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Baltimore, MD -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/21/2010 -- Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company News: Trimble has announced today that a SITECH® Technology Dealer has been established to serve contractors in Florida, Georgia and Alabama. SITECH South East joins the network of SITECH dealerships - the first fully dedicated global distribution network offering the most comprehensive portfolio of construction technology systems available to the heavy and highway contractor.

SITECH Technology Dealers represent Trimble® machine control systems for the contractor's entire fleet of heavy equipment regardless of machine brand, along with Trimble's portfolio of Connected Site(TM) solutions--site positioning systems, construction asset management services, software and powerful wireless and Internet-based site communications infrastructure.

Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company News: The experienced construction professionals at each SITECH Technology Dealership can advise contractors on the appropriate construction technology solutions to utilize, and can provide high-quality local customer service, personalized training and technical support. As authorized dealers for Trimble site-wide solutions, the SITECH Technology Dealers understand how to apply innovative construction technology to help solve a variety of contractors' construction challenges. Leveraging technology, contractors can gain greater insight into their operations, enabling them to lower operating costs and improve accuracy, safety and productivity.

Through the adoption of construction technology, contractors can experience new levels of productivity that enable more competitive bidding on projects. SITECH Technology Dealers offer the most advanced and complete set of tools to revolutionize the construction workflow.

Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company News: Trimble is establishing SITECH Technology Dealers in the Americas, Europe and Asia / Pacific regions. SITECH South East will serve heavy and highway contractors throughout the states of Florida, Georgia and Alabama involved in a range of earthmoving applications such as the construction of roads, highways, railways and airports as well as site prep for large commercial, industrial and residential projects.

SITECH South East was formed by Southern Precision, Inc. (SPI) and Trimble.

Strathclyde Associates Construction Management: Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company made a number of associations mainly in the Pacific and Southeast Asia regions. These business partnerships added extra strength to Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company.

We are proud to be associated with projects in countries including Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and Seoul, S Korea.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Charleston, WV -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/20/2010 -- Many architecture and engineering leaders believe integrated project delivery (IPD) — where architects, engineers, owners, contractors, and subcontractors work collaboratively as a team from the inception of a project and share the benefits and risks — is riddled with too many unknowns to even consider at this point, according to a survey by The Zweig Letter.

Strathclyde Associates Construction Management News: Participants in the survey said the lack of specific insurance protection products, no vetting in the courts, and the sheer difficulty of assembling a group of people with a common goal, are all impediments to IPD.

"Unfortunately I feel that IPD will only be tested when there is litigation," said Rick Savely, chief development officer at architecture firm TAYLOR. "Then and only then will we see whether all parties will band together as one."

Strathclyde Associates Construction Management News: Despite the jitters, a number of design firms are pushing the concept, which is seen as a way of producing better projects at lower costs. An evenly split majority of respondents (75 percent) said that they have either tried or are considering IPD.

"IPD allows competent firms to deliver increased value to their clients and achieve better returns if only by slashing bureaucracy, improving communication, and limiting rework, all while containing their liabilities through use of appropriate subcontract agreements," said Kevin Phillips, CEO of FPM Group Ltd. in Ronkonkoma, N.Y., a full-service environmental and traditional engineering firm.

Respondents gave a variety of answers when asked about the greatest impediment to IPD adoption.

Strathclyde Associates Construction Management News: The most common responses focused on inertia, finding partners who think alike, fear of the "point of no return" with IPD, lack of specific liability coverage, legal unknowns, technological challenges, and reluctance to adopt existing IPD contracts, among others.

Specifically, 25 percent of respondents listed lack of specific insurance products as the biggest barrier, followed by lack of legal precedent (17 percent), and the difficulty in assembling the right team and a perception that IPD benefits some more than others (both at 13 percent).

Strathclyde Associates Construction Management News: Nevertheless, many among the skeptics are at least willing to give IPD a try. According to the survey, 44 percent of respondents said they would join an IPD team if they could find the right partners. Another 26 percent said they would entertain the concept if insurance products were available, and a further 26 percent said they are waiting to see how the courts look at litigation involving IPD before looking deeper.

The company was established in early 2005 to serve the booming international construction industry. We work with associate companies worldwide.

Soon after its establishment, Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company made a number of associations mainly in the Pacific and Southeast Asia regions. These business partnerships added extra strength to Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company. We are proud to be associated with projects in countries including Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and Seoul, S Korea.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Charleston, WV -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/20/2010 -- 4D Technologies, an Autodesk Authorized Publisher specializing in self-paced eLearning for CAD and BIM software , announced today that it has published its CADLearning AutoCAD Architecture 2011 Tutorial Series.

Strathclyde Associates Trading News : 4D Technologies, an Autodesk Authorized Publisher specializing in self-paced eLearning for CAD and BIM software , announced today that it has published its CADLearning AutoCAD Architecture 2011 Tutorial Series. The 18-hour training course is composed of 312 granular video tutorials and includes basic concepts, application demonstrations, tips and tricks for productivity and exercise files for users to follow along using their own software. Presented by well-known CAD instructor Reid Addis, this course offers users the ability to stay current with the latest version of AutoCAD Architecture and gain skills and knowledge to better utilize their software application.

"The lessons are clear and concise, which makes it easy for architects to learn during their limited free time," said Matt Murphy, 4D Director of Content Management and Development. "With searchable lessons, users can access the content they need, when they need it, and come back to it at any-time."

Strathclyde Associates Trading News : The course walks users through features and functions of the AutoCAD Architecture software application. Chapter topics include; Introduction to AutoCAD Architecture, Quick Start, Productivity Tools, Introduction To Content, Conceptual Design Tools, Building Geometry, More Geometry, Adding Components, Sections and Elevations, Annotation, Detailing, Understanding The Display System, Using AutoCAD Architecture Layer Tools, Layout Design Objects, Organizing Projects with the Drawing Management System, Advanced Building Geometry, Publishing from the Project Navigator, Creating Custom Styles and Components, Graphic Presentation and Visualization, Working with Others, and Troubleshooting.

Strathclyde Associates Trading News : This is the latest addition to 4D's continuously growing CADLearning course library, currently offering training on 16 Autodesk software titles, including AutoCAD, AutoCAD Civil 3D, Autodesk Inventor, and Autodesk Revit Architecture. The AutoCAD Architecture 2011 Tutorial series is available for purchase at www.cadlearning.com or by phone at +1 603.641.3900.

Strathclyde Associates Trading News : Autodesk, AutoCAD, AutoCAD Civil 3D, Autodesk Inventor, and Autodesk Revit are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.

About 4D Technologies
4D Technologies is a producer and publisher of self-paced eLearning products for the latest CAD and BIM software . Since its inception in 2002, 4D has worked closely with industry experts, including professional CAD instructors and trainers, CAD consultants, and experienced users to develop its learning content. 4D addresses the learning needs of individuals and organizations in a wide variety of markets including education, architecture, engineering, construction, automotive and transportation, manufacturing, utilities and communication, government

The company was established in early 2005 to serve the booming international construction industry. We work with associate companies worldwide.

Soon after its establishment, Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company made a number of associations mainly in the Pacific and Southeast Asia regions. These business partnerships added extra strength to Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company. We are proud to be associated with projects in countries including Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and Seoul, S Korea.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Charleston, WV -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/20/2010 -- We sourced many construction materials. Part of our service is sourcing the best quality and price and provide a full and just in time shipping delivery service.

Please contact us for more details. We are particularly efficient in Thailand, Seoul Korea and Malaysia.

Here is a list of just a few of our products: Metal Building Materials, Granite, Artificial Stone, Heat Insulation Materials, Fireproofing Materials, Construction Adhesives & Sealant, Soundproof materials, Ceramics, Heat Insulation, Pipe Fittings, Waterproof Membrane, Slate, Marble and Timber.

We are very involved in clean room IT factories in Thailand and particularly the new Songdo International City near Seoul in Korea.

Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company is passionate in the belief that from adversity comes opportunity. We believe that sustainable competitive advantage is always predicated upon the focused execution of a few core strengths or priniciples that are indemic to each particular company.

Challenging economic times provide the opportunity for companies to take the steps necessary to becoming more successful, to get leaner and more focused. Those actions taken today to make a company more successful, also provide the needed framework for eventual transition of the business.

We help companies find those core strengths and take those steps now.

As mentioned our two main areas of expertise are construction materials and management personnel. In both these fields, there is some bad reputations in the area of fraud and fraudulant transactions. There are many scams and in the field of personnel, many scammers. We are proud of our reputation of checking and verifying all our products and personnel. Fraudulant financial transactions is the norm. Our checking procedures are second to none.

The company was established in early 2005 to serve the booming international construction industry. We work with associate companies worldwide.

Soon after its establishment, Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company made a number of associations mainly in the Pacific and Southeast Asia regions. These business partnerships added extra strength to Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company. We are proud to be associated with projects in countries including Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and Seoul, S Korea.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Charleston, WV -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/20/2010 -- The services we provide to our customers are supply of high end construction management personnel with relevant language skills i.e. Thai, Korean and Malay.

Some examples of personnel we supply are: CAD Drafter , Construction Estimator, Field Safety Professional, Inspector , Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), Construction Roadway Inspector , Construction Inspector, HVAC Field Supervisor, Project Manager/Superintendents (USACE), Construction Quality Control - USACE CQM, Senior Project Engineer, Glass Construction Manager - VP Level, Mechanical Construction Project Engineer, Waste Water Treatment Project Manager, Construction Materials Tester, Sr. Mechanical Designer, Provides consulting services in the following areas:

MANAGEMENT & OPERATIONS CONSULTING: Organizational Structure Review, Competitive Strength Determination, Individual Performance, Setting the Right Goals, Determining Proper Metrics, Avoiding Unintended Consequences

CONSTRUCTION CONSULTING: Program Management, Construction Management, Project Management, Cost Management, Time Management , Quality Management, Contract Administration, Safety Management, Construction Claims Support, Construction Defect Investigations, Water and Mold Investigations, Insurance Claims, Construction Accidents, Expert Witness Testimony , Construction Monitoring and Inspections, Plan Review (Constructability and Risk), ADA Compliance (Existing and New) , Material Selection Review

CLAIMS MITIGATION CONSULTING: Review & Analysis of Drawings & Specifications, Review & Analysis of Construction & Delivery Schedules, Early Stage RFI process Review, Pre-Construction Stakeholder Sessions, Conflict Resolution Procedure Review & Establishment , Change Order Procedure Review & Establishment

We are very involved in clean room IT factories in Thailand and particularly the new Songdo International City near Seoul in Korea.

Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company is passionate in the belief that from adversity comes opportunity. We believe that sustainable competitive advantage is always predicated upon the focused execution of a few core strengths or priniciples that are indemic to each particular company.

Challenging economic times provide the opportunity for companies to take the steps necessary to becoming more successful, to get leaner and more focused. Those actions taken today to make a company more successful, also provide the needed framework for eventual transition of the business.

We help companies find those core strengths and take those steps now.

As mentioned our two main areas of expertise are construction materials and management personnel. In both these fields, there is some bad reputations in the area of fraud and fraudulant transactions. There are many scams and in the field of personnel, many scammers. We are proud of our reputation of checking and verifying all our products and personnel. Fraudulant financial transactions is the norm. Our checking procedures are second to none.

The company was established in early 2005 to serve the booming international construction industry. We work with associate companies worldwide.

Soon after its establishment, Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company made a number of associations mainly in the Pacific and Southeast Asia regions. These business partnerships added extra strength to Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company. We are proud to be associated with projects in countries including Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and Seoul, S Korea.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

For over 5 years, Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company's professionals have been a leading Service Providers to the construction industry.

Baltimore, MD -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/20/2010 -- For over 5 years, Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company's professionals have been a leading Service Providers to the construction industry. Bringing together a wealth of Business, Legal, Financial, and Specialized Industry experience, Consolidated Construction Services helps industry professionals continue to thrive in an increasingly competitive and challenging business environment.

We are very involved in clean room IT factories in Thailand and particularly the new Songdo International City near Seoul in Korea.

Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company is passionate in the belief that from adversity comes opportunity. We believe that sustainable competitive advantage is always predicated upon the focused execution of a few core strengths or priniciples that are indemic to each particular company.

Challenging economic times provide the opportunity for companies to take the steps necessary to becoming more successful, to get leaner and more focused. Those actions taken today to make a company more successful, also provide the needed framework for eventual transition of the business.

We help companies find those core strengths and take those steps now.

As mentioned our two main areas of expertise are construction materials and management personnel. In both these fields, there is some bad reputations in the area of fraud and fraudulant transactions. There are many scams and in the field of personnel, many scammers. We are proud of our reputation of checking and verifying all our products and personnel. Fraudulant financial transactions is the norm. Our checking procedures are second to none.

The company was established in early 2005 to serve the booming international construction industry. We work with associate companies worldwide.

Soon after its establishment, Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company made a number of associations mainly in the Pacific and Southeast Asia regions. These business partnerships added extra strength to Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company. We are proud to be associated with projects in countries including Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and Seoul, S Korea.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Baltimore, MD -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/23/2010 -- The company was established in early 2005 to serve the booming international construction industry. We work with associate companies worldwide.

Soon after its establishment, Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company made a number of associations mainly in the Pacific and Southeast Asia regions. These business partnerships added extra strength to STRATHCLYDE ASSOCIATES TRADING & MANAGEMENT. We are proud to be associated with projects in countries including Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and Korea.

Our main base of operations is at Baltimore, Maryland..

We have two main areas of expertise, international trading and shipments of construction products from cement to structural steel to panzer glass office windows and many more.

We also supply particularly to Bangkok Thailand, and Seoul Korea a wide range of highly skilled personnel from structural engineers to quantity surveyors.

The extensive building code and best practices knowledge that the construction defect litigation group provides is a significant advantage to our clients, allowing us to draw upon the years of experience in building projects and construction quality assurance of their GCs, Architects, and Engineers on every project."
Kevin Gilles, CEO

As mentioned our two main areas of expertise are construction materials and management personnel. In both these fields, there is some bad reputations in the area of fraud and fraudulant transactions. There are many scams and in the field of personnel, many scammers. We are proud of our reputation of checking and verifying all our products and personnel. Fraudulant financial transactions is the norm. Our checking procedures are second to none.

The company was established in early 2005 to serve the booming international construction industry. We work with associate companies worldwide.

Soon after its establishment, Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company made a number of associations mainly in the Pacific and Southeast Asia regions. These business partnerships added extra strength to Strathclyde Associates Trading and Management Construction Company. We are proud to be associated with projects in countries including Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and Seoul, S Korea.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm