In the latest episode of “If Walls Could Talk,” Jill Bloom engages in a conversation with Trent Cotney from Adams & Reese, providing a crucial update on a recent ruling that redefines the status of independent contractors. The ruling, issued this year, replaces the previous framework with a comprehensive multi-factored test. Cotney emphasizes key considerations such as the opportunity for profit or loss, investments in workers, the permanence of the relationship, control over the work, and the skill and initiative demonstrated by subcontractors, all of which contribute to the determination of independent contractor status.

The recovery effort following hurricanes Milton and Helene in Florida is slowly underway, and roofing contractors on their way in to help need to be prepared, said W&C Legal Insights expert Trent Cotney. Gas shortages, downed trees and power lines are commonplace during a state of emergency, and he cautioned regulatory enforcement won’t take a step back.

In particular, contractors need to be aware of:

• Personal Protective Equipment – hard hats and eye protection, in particular.
• Floodwaters with toxins, and gators!
• Widespread power outages
• Blocked roads from trees and downed power lines
• Price Gaugings

Listen to the entire conversation here now.

The rise in spray foam manufacturers is driving prices down, but contractors are losing margins by competing on price instead of focusing on the product's value. Harris warns that some off-shore manufacturers are falsely marketing sealants as insulation without proper U.S. certification, risking the use of inferior products in the market.

After taking full ownership of Agent Wall Systems, Adam Taubman faced challenges during the pandemic but has since expanded the business into western Virginia. The company now specializes in load-bearing stud framing and prefabrication, influencing project designs. Taubman sees their recognition as a Top 50 Contractor as a tool to promote further growth.

In this special episode of If Walls Could Talk, Walls & Ceilings Associate Editor Michael Levitt speaks with Phampena Inc.’s Taide Pham, Hien “H” Pham and Trinidy Pham. The company is on the cover of W&C’s September issue and has grown into an industry leader since being founded in 2010.

In this episode of If Walls Could Talk, Jill Bloom and Trent Cotney discuss the complexities of marijuana use in the construction industry. Cotney addresses the challenges employers face due to varying state laws on marijuana legalization, emphasizing the importance of safety and supervisor training to identify impairment. He also highlights the difficulties of maintaining a drug-free workplace, considering testing limitations and insurance requirements, which often necessitate policy re-evaluations for contractors.

Thea Dudley chats with Jill Bloom about payment portals, fraud targets, best practices in debt collection and other methods to address fraud and tardy customers.