5 Jobsite Factors Contractors Evaluate

Whether you’re building new or updating an existing structure, your contractor will visit your jobsite first before doing any work. Even though they have a blueprint of your plan, there are specific factors at the jobsite a contractor must consider. 

Why evaluate the jobsite:

Site evaluation is critical to truly understanding the scope of the job and identifying possible challenges that may arise. After reviewing the building blueprint, visiting the jobsite helps to ensure the requirements and site details are accurate. A site visit allows for double checking dimensions, elevations, and details related to door openings and beam pockets as well as to identify safety issues and potential excavation challenges.

A quality contractor will visit your jobsite to evaluate five specific factors that can impact project success, budget and timeline.

5 Jobsite Factors Contractors Evaluate

  1. Space. The size of the area impacts the type of excavator and how well machinery will be able to maneuver around, as well as the extent of trees and brush to be cleared.
  2. Soil. Whether soil is cohesive or granular will impact the foundation in relation to structure, load and how it will be used. 
  3. Slope. The steepness of a slope will impact drainage around the foundation, equipment stability, and safety during excavation.
  4. Survey of area. The distance to wildlife, extent of people in close proximity and level of traffic nearby play a factor in the access and safety of the project.
  5. Safety. Operating large equipment requires safety awareness not only for oneself but others around the jobsite. Location, nearby hazards, and traffic flow are all considered.

Make sure your contractor not only reviews your plans but also does a site visit. These five factors can dramatically impact your design, budget, and timeline. At Kurk, we always visit a jobsite and thoroughly review the foundation plan, double check dimensions, elevations, underground utilities, and the five factors above.

Consider Kurk Inc. for your next excavation and concrete project.

5 Reasons for Concrete Construction

Different concrete structuresConcrete. We see it everywhere; at the park, on the street, in our homes, where we shop, where we worship, where we eat, and where we walk. According to ScienceDirect, concrete is the most consumed material in the world, second to water. It is so commonly used in construction we take it for granted. Have you ever wondered why we use concrete to construct our buildings, homes, shops and entertainment areas?

Reasons to construct with concrete

  1. Concrete is strong. A chemical reaction between cement and water gives concrete its strength. Cement is a powder made up of limestone, calcium, silicon, iron, and aluminum. When cement is mixed with water it forms a paste, like glue, binding together sand, gravel, and crushed stone. The paste hardens over time setting and adhering the pieces in place.
  2. Temperature tolerant. In the midwest where temperatures can range from below zero in winter to over 100 degrees in summer, concrete will retain its form and strength. To properly prepare concrete for those extreme temperatures and prevent spalling, scaring or pits, it is important to pour concrete with the right amount of water, at the right environmental temperature, and allow for the right amount of time for it to cure.
  3. Easy to maintain. Sealing concrete extends the life of it, makes it resistant to stains, and retains its visual appeal. In addition to sealing, we recommend keeping your concrete clean and dry, using a ehumidifier in enclosed places, and making sure the drainage system is working properly.
  4. Cost effective. Only a few key materials are used for making concrete. Materials that are relatively plentiful in supply and easy to acquire, making the cost to produce it reasonable. The fact concrete can last almost forever makes the investment well worth it.
  5. Aesthetically pleasing. Accurately leveled surfaces and fine-tuned finishing work provide that smooth, glossy finish look we all love to see. It is versatile in that you can create different designs by cutting it into various shapes and sizes. Different finishes and sealants can be applied in varying colors creating unique designs.

Concrete is the go-to material for most construction projects. When you’re looking for a reliable partner to pour concrete for a commercial building foundation, home foundation, or flat surface, call Kurk. We are a partner that goes above and beyond to get the job done right. 

 

now hiring union grove wisconsin construction

Join the Kurk Crew | Now Hiring in Union Grove

Kurk, Inc., a concrete and excavation company located in Union Grove, WI,  is hiring equipment operators. Kurk provides concrete foundations, flatwork, site excavation, and site utilities in Racine, Kenosha, Walworth, and Milwaukee counties. Visit the Kurk website to learn more about job opportunities in concrete construction and excavation.

Hiring: Concrete Placement & Equipment Operator

Requires a Class A CDL and a desire to get things done attitude.

This position requires employees to drive and operate equipment such as concrete placement pumps, conveyors, semi trucks, dump trucks, skid loaders, tractors, etc.

Hiring: Skilled Concrete Foundation & Flatwork Crew Members

We are always looking to add individuals with a great attitude and williness to work to join the Kurk Concrete Crews. Specific positions include: wall laborers, flatwork laborers, flatwork finishes, and more.

Consider a Career in Construction

Are you looking for a life-long career? Or looking to do something a little different? If you’re ready to learn a new skill set, consider joining the Kurk Crew! Construction skills and safety training is provided on- the-job with experienced foreman in our excavation, site utilities, concrete flatwork, concrete foundation divisions.

Employee Benefits

Competitive Pay
Health & Life Insurance
Health Savings Account (HSA)
Employee Wellness Program
401K Retirement Planning
40 Hour Work Week + Overtime Opportunities
Paid Vacation & Holidays

Email your resume to [email protected] or stop in our office to fill out an application.

heat safety and awareness

Heat Safety : Tips to Keep Cool & Safe During Hot Weather

With temperatures escalating and an excessive heat warning in place, it’s critical that we all put heat safety first by protecting ourselves from the dangers of excessive heat. Heat stress is a legitimate concern that we all need to pay attention to. Heat illnesses and deaths are preventable when appropriate measures are taken.

water rest shade heat illness prevetion

In 2011, OSHA launched the Heat Illness Prevention campaign to educate employers and workers on the dangers of working in the heat. The safety message comes down to three key words: Water. Rest. Shade. Learn more about workplace heat safety here.

Beat the Heat With These Tips For Heat Safety

Whether at work or spending time outdoors at home, heat safety should be a priority for everyone.

Hydrate

The first and most important heat safety tip is to stay hydrated – before, during, and after spending time outdoors. When spending time outdoors in the heat, you should drink 2-4 cups of water every hour – even if you’re not thirsty. Sports beverages are a good option to replace electrolytes lost during periods of prolonged sweating.

Avoid Alcohol & Caffeine

Alcohol, caffeine, and sugary beverages offer minimal hydration. These types of beverages can actually increase your risk for heat stress. It’s also a good idea to cut back on tobacco use.

Modify Your Work Schedule

In extreme heat conditions, it is best to consider rescheduling your work to cooler part of the day. If you’re working at home, could certain tasks be done in the morning or evening, avoiding the hottest parts of the day (10 am -2 pm)?

When work schedules cannot be changed, everyone needs to watch more closely for signs of heat illness and take more frequent breaks to rehydrate and cool down.

Rotating job functions among workers can help minimize overexertion and heat exposure.

Choose Your Clothing Carefully

When working outside during hot weather, choose light colored, loose fitting, breathable clothing. Cotton shirts are a good choice as are new engineered fabrics that provide a cooling effect and absorb sweat. Wide brimmed hats can protect your head, neck, eats, eyes, and nose from direct sun exposure. Sun block with a minimum of 30 SPF should be reapplied throughout the day to keep exposed skin protected from UV rays.

Rest & Shade

Working in the full sun can increase heat index values by 15° F. A critical part of heat safety while working outside is taking time to rest in the shade and rehydrate. This allows your body to properly cool down.

Stay Alert for Heat Exhaustion

Heat illness symptoms should not be ignored. If you see someone exhibiting any signs of heat illness, action should be taken to cool the person down.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) offers the diagrams below to help monitor signs of illness.

heat stress OSHA diagram

Early Symptoms of Heat Illness

If you notice someone exhibiting these symptoms: lethargy, disorientation, stumbling, dropping tools, slurred speech, it’s time to take action. Help this person to shade or a cooler area.

Progression of Heat Illness

Heat exhaustion leads to heat cramps and is followed by heat stroke.  You can learn more about heat related illness and first aid on the OSHA website.

heat safety and first aid