#General Contractor Estimates

[avalonstudiodesignbuilder]

Pitfalls to Avoid When Hiring a General Contractor

Neglecting to Verify References and Credentials

One frequent oversight homeowners make is not thoroughly vetting a general contractor's background. It's crucial to verify their licensing, insurance, and past client reviews. This due diligence helps ensure you hire a trustworthy contractor with a proven history of successful projects.

Failing to Establish Clear Expectations

A successful project hinges on clear communication. Many problems stem from not establishing precise expectations from the beginning. Discuss the project details, timeline, budget, and specific requirements with your contractor. Documenting everything in a written contract helps prevent misunderstandings down the line.

Overlooking Detailed Estimates

Another common error is not paying enough attention to detailed estimates. A thorough estimate should break down all costs, including materials, labor, permits, and any additional fees. Ignoring this can lead to unforeseen expenses and budget overruns. Carefully review the estimate and seek clarification if anything is unclear.

Not Regularly Monitoring Progress

While a general contractor oversees the project, it's still important for you to stay engaged and monitor progress regularly. Frequent site visits and updates keep you informed and allow for prompt resolution of any issues. This involvement helps ensure the project remains on track and meets your expectations.

By avoiding these pitfalls, you can pave the way for a smoother and more successful construction project. Thoroughly vetting your contractor, setting clear expectations, reviewing detailed estimates, and staying involved throughout the process are key steps to achieving a positive outcome and a well-executed project.

[asestimationsconsultants]

Best Estimating Service for Contractors | A Detailed Comparison Guide

Choosing the right estimating service is essential for contractors who want to submit competitive bids, control project costs, and increase profitability. With so many estimating services available, selecting the best one can be challenging. Each service offers different levels of accuracy, turnaround time, software integration, and pricing.

This guide provides a detailed comparison of some of the top estimating services for contractors, helping you determine which one fits your project needs.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing an Estimating Service

Before comparing specific estimating services, it's important to understand the key factors that influence their effectiveness:

Accuracy – The service should provide precise cost estimates, minimizing errors that could impact project budgets.

Software Integration – A good estimating service should use advanced software like PlanSwift, CostX, or RSMeans.

Turnaround Time – Fast estimates are crucial, especially for bidding on projects with tight deadlines.

Pricing Structure – Some services charge per estimate, while others offer subscriptions or bulk pricing.

Industry Expertise – Experience in residential, commercial, or industrial construction can make a difference in accuracy.

Customer Support – Reliable communication and assistance can improve the overall experience.

Top Estimating Services for Contractors

1. RSMeans Data by Gordian

RSMeans is one of the most trusted sources for construction cost data. It provides detailed cost estimates based on industry-standard data.

Pros: Accurate cost data, regularly updated pricing, useful for large commercial projects

Cons: Requires subscription, learning curve for new users

2. PlanSwift

PlanSwift is a digital takeoff and estimating software that helps contractors quickly measure plans and calculate material costs.

Pros: Fast and easy-to-use interface, integrates with other estimating tools, ideal for contractors who need quick estimates

Cons: Requires purchase and training, may not be ideal for highly detailed estimates

3. ProEst

ProEst is a cloud-based estimating software designed for contractors, providing real-time collaboration and integration with project management tools.

Pros: Cloud-based, integrates with BIM, offers detailed cost breakdowns

Cons: Higher price point, best suited for mid-to-large construction firms

4. FastEST

FastEST is a powerful estimating tool designed specifically for mechanical, plumbing, and HVAC contractors.

Pros: Industry-specific features, detailed labor and material estimates, good for subcontractors

Cons: Not as versatile for general contractors, requires software purchase

5. Square Takeoff

Square Takeoff is an online-based estimating tool that allows contractors to perform digital takeoffs from anywhere.

Pros: Web-based, accessible from any device, easy to use for small contractors

Cons: Requires a stable internet connection, limited advanced features

6. Outsourced Estimating Services

For contractors who don’t want to use software themselves, hiring a professional estimating service can be a better option. Some well-known outsourcing services include:

QTO Estimating – Specializes in quantity takeoff for residential and commercial projects

Sigma Estimates – Offers customized estimates for contractors of all sizes

Construction Cost Estimating LLC – Provides fast and detailed cost breakdowns

Which Estimating Service is Best for You?

The right estimating service depends on your business size, project type, and budget. Here are some recommendations based on contractor needs:

For small contractors – Square Takeoff or outsourced estimating services offer affordability and ease of use.

For general contractors – PlanSwift and ProEst provide powerful estimating features with good scalability.

For specialized trades – FastEST is ideal for mechanical, plumbing, and HVAC contractors.

For large construction firms – RSMeans and ProEst provide enterprise-level accuracy and data integration.

Conclusion

The best estimating service for contractors depends on project requirements, budget, and business size. Whether using estimating software or outsourcing estimates to professionals, selecting a service that delivers accurate, timely, and cost-effective results is essential. Investing in a reliable estimating service can improve project efficiency, reduce financial risks, and help contractors secure more profitable bids.

[constructionestimating]

Streamlining Your Construction Business with Effective General Contractor Estimate Services

General Contractor Estimation Services

General contractor estimation services provide detailed project cost analyses. These services take into account labor, materials, equipment, and other variables, delivering a comprehensive cost breakdown. With accurate general contractor estimate, construction businesses can better plan their budgets, reduce waste, and ensure profitability.

Key Benefits of Using General Contractor Estimation Services

Improved Budget Accuracy

Accurate construction cost estimation prevents underbudgeting or overbudgeting. With a detailed overview of all anticipated expenses, businesses can allocate funds more effectively, avoiding surprises during project execution.

Enhanced Project Planning

With a precise estimate, you can create a realistic project schedule. Understanding the resources and time required allows for better coordination between teams, reducing delays and bottlenecks.

Better Resource Management

Knowing the exact quantities of materials and labor needed ensures you don't overspend or face shortages. This efficiency leads to lower operational costs and higher productivity.

Competitive Advantage

Clients expect transparency and professionalism. Detailed estimates demonstrate your expertise, making you more attractive to potential clients and giving you an edge over competitors.

How General Contractor Estimation Services Work

Initial Consultation

During the consultation, professionals gather information about your project scope, goals, and requirements. This stage ensures all critical details are captured.

Data Collection and Analysis

This phase involves collecting data about material costs, labor rates, equipment needs, and other variables. Advanced tools and databases are often used to ensure up-to-date information.

Preparing the Estimate

Using specialized software, estimators compile the data into a detailed report. This document outlines costs for every aspect of the project, including contingencies for unexpected expenses.

Review and Revision

Once the estimate is prepared, it’s reviewed for accuracy and clarity. Any adjustments needed are made to align with the client’s expectations and goals.

Features of Effective Construction Estimation Services

Comprehensive Cost Breakdown

An effective construction cost estimating service provides a view of costs, from materials and labor to permits and overheads.

Customization for Specific Projects

Every construction project is unique. Tailored estimates consider the specific requirements and challenges of each job.

Transparent Reporting

Clear and detailed reports help stakeholders understand project costs, fostering trust and collaboration.

Challenges Addressed by General Contractor Estimation Services

Uncertainty in Material Costs

General Contractor Estimation services use real-time data to factor in these changes, ensuring budgets remain accurate.

Project Complexity

Complex projects with numerous moving parts can lead to oversight. A professional estimation service ensures all elements are accounted for, reducing the risk of missed costs.

Why Outsourcing Estimation Services is a Smart Choice

Access to Expertise

Outsourcing connects you with seasoned professionals who understand the construction estimation.

Cost Savings

Maintaining an in-house estimation team can be expensive. Outsourcing offers a cost-effective alternative without compromising on quality.

Scalability

Whether you’re managing a single project or multiple contracts, outsourced services can scale to meet your needs.

How to Choose the Best Construction Estimating Service

Industry Experience

Look for providers with a proven track record in construction estimation.

Technology Integration

Ensure the service uses modern tools and software for enhanced accuracy and efficiency.

Customization Capabilities

Your provider should offer tailored services to match the unique requirements of your projects.

Transparent Pricing

Choose a provider with clear pricing structures and no hidden fees.

Conclusion

In conclusion, with these services, you can streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance overall efficiency, positioning your business for sustained success.

[quoteplanr]

Streamline operations with our all-in-one business management software. Simplify workflow, quote estimation, CRM, customer portals, and many more with ease.

[contractor-invoicing-software]

3 Things a Repair Contractor Can Fix

Everyone needs help around the house sometimes, but hiring a specialist contractor to take care of small odd jobs may be overkill. Thankfully, repair contractors are available in most areas to handle smaller household repair jobs and building tasks.

A repair contractor is usually a general contractor who has knowledge and experience working with general building, repairing and installing. They may have specialized experience too, but their services are usually advertised as being general and specific to making repairs around the home.

Below are three things a repair contractor can fix for you:

1. Wall Repair

If you’ve ever knocked a hole in your drywall while moving furniture, you know that fixing the damage can be a pain. While DIY patch kits are available from department stores, these may not be sized correctly for your wall’s damage.

A repair contractor can usually handle repairing or even replacing damaged drywall. The nice thing about calling one of these professionals is that they can use repair contractor invoicing software to create an estimate beforehand so you know how much you’re looking at to get things fixed.

2. Light Fixtures

Most repair contractors can also take care of malfunctioning light fixtures or light fixtures that need to be replaced. Keep in mind that a repair contractor may not be a licensed electrician, but many have general knowledge of home electrical systems and can safely fix a light that’s on the fritz.

If you call an electrician to handle these tasks, you may end up paying a lot. By creating an estimate using repair contractor invoicing software, your repair professional can usually quote you a lower price.

3. Doors and Windows That Stick

Doors and windows become difficult to open for various reasons, and in most cases, a repair contractor can help. If you’re facing a foundation issue, some repair contractors can install jacks to support your foundation, but this solution may not be available for all situations. If a change in the weather is causing the sticking, your repair contractor can inspect your insulation and look for gaps in windows and doors that may be letting in air that is leading to the problem.

Read a similar article about roof financing here at this page.

[felassan]

Article: 'EA’s BioWare will lay off 50 and cut ties with unionized Keywords playtesting group'

[BioWare Blog post for reference]

Excerpts:

"The layoffs are a blow to morale at the studio and have made the environment difficult, said Gary Mckay, general manager of the developer, in a statement to employees today. He said EA is trying to make BioWare into a more agile and more focused studio. EA has an estimated 12,000 to 13,000 employees, and BioWare had perhaps 250 people. The moves come with a couple of related or perhaps coincidental events. A spokesperson for EA said that the company was unable to come to an agreement with a part of Keywords, a big game services firm, that provides playtesting services. In June 2022, this small part of Keywords had a group of contractors who voted to unionize. EA said it was unable to create a new contract and so will let that current one expire on September 27. It’s not clear what will happen to the contractors without the EA contract, but it’s fair to guess that some jobs will likely be lost over at Keywords unless they find other work. An industry source said EA has renewed work orders with Keywords Studios since their employees voted to unionize in June 2022. But the source added that, in this instance, the two companies simply couldn’t agree to terms. The Keywords contract requirements exceeded what EA/BioWare needed given the change in development approach at the studio.  The layoff also comes about three months after EA moved production of its massively multiplayer online game, Star Wars: The Old Republic, to a third-party publisher, Broadsword, in Reston, Virginia. The game debuted way back in 2011 and has entered maintenance mode. Broadsword has also taken over games like Ultima Online and Dark Age of Camelot so players can keep playing them. McKay’s leadership will not be affected. Michael Gamble, who recently returned to BioWare, serves as head of the Mass Effect team, and pre-production continues on the next Mass Effect game. Corinne Busche and John Epler, two leaders on Dragon Age, also continue in their roles. Andrew Wilson, CEO of EA, announced back in March that the company would cut about 6% of its total workforce, and these cutbacks are related to that move. EA has not said when Dragon Age: Dreadwolf will ship."

[source and full article]

[mariacallous]

The DOGE-affiliated acting president of the United States Institute of Peace, a Congressionally funded, independent think tank, has moved to transfer the agency’s $500 million headquarters building to the General Services Administration free of charge, according to court documents revealed in a recently filed lawsuit.

Tensions at USIP have been escalating for weeks, starting when the Trump administration fired the agency’s 10 voting board members on March 14 and USIP staffers denied DOGE representatives access at the front door. Three days later, DOGE employees made their way into the building, reportedly using a physical key from a former security contractor. The dramatic confrontations culminated in a full takeover, with former State Department official Kenneth Jackson assuming the role of president. As of this past Friday, most USIP staffers have received termination notices.

Former USIP officials have since filed a lawsuit against Jackson, DOGE, Donald Trump, and other members of the Trump administration, seeking an immediate intervention “to stop Defendants from completing the unlawful dismantling of the Institute,” according to the complaint. While US district judge Beryl Howell declined the USIP request for a temporary restraining order that would reinstate the institute’s board on March 19, she sharply criticized DOGE’s conquest in court.

Court documents filed by defendants on Monday reveal the next phase of DOGE’s plans for USIP. As of March 25, DOGE staffer Nate Cavanaugh—formerly installed at GSA���has replaced Jackson as the institute’s acting president, the documents show. They further state that Cavanaugh has been instructed to transfer USIP’s assets—including its real estate—to the GSA. The letter detailing those changes and instructions was signed by secretary of defense Pete Hegseth and secretary of state Marco Rubio.

Cavanaugh did not immediately respond to a request for comment by WIRED. The lead attorney for the Department of Justice in this case also did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

In a separate undated letter, which was also included in the batch of documents filed with the court, Cavanaugh writes to GSA acting administrator Stephen Ehikian: “I have concluded that it is in the best interest of USIP, the federal government, and the United States for USIP to transfer its real property located at 2301 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20037, to GSA and to seek an exception from the 100 percent reimbursement requirement for the building.”

Cavanaugh goes on to estimate that the building has a “fair market value” of $500 million.

In another letter included in the lawsuit’s docket dated March 29, Project 2025 architect and Office of Management and Budget director Russell Vought writes to Ehikian to approve his request “to set the amount of reimbursement at no cost for the transfer of the United States Institute of Peace’s (USIP) headquarters building.”

To state this plainly: DOGE forced out the directors and staff of a nonexecutive agency, installed one of its own GSA staffers as president, and that person is now attempting to hand the institute’s $500 million headquarters over to the agency he came from, at zero cost.

“The effort to transfer the building to GSA is part of the DOGE playbook to run agencies through a wood chipper. That’s what they’re trying to do,” claims George Foote, longtime outside general counsel to USIP. “They’re trying to kill the agency, which they have no right to do.”

Lawyers for the former USIP staff filed a motion Monday to prevent the transfer of assets. In an opposing court filing, government lawyers claim that “the Institute is an executive agency and has decided consistent with the Executive Order and its statutory authority to transfer its excess property to GSA,” referring to president Donald Trump's February EO that purportedly “reins in independent agencies.”

Judge Howell will decide whether to allow the transfer in court Tuesday; a broader ruling in the USIP case is expected by the end of the month.

[sjsmith56]

Short Fiction Masterlist - multi-part stories

A Better Man - 10 parts AU. Bucky Barnes, a general contractor who also provides services for criminals, falls in love with the single mother of a baby girl. The baby’s father is connected to one of his rivals. Can he be the better man for her?

All the King’s Men - 8 parts Mob AU with Bucky as a Brooklyn mob boss on the cusp of a mob war with the King of New York, Alexander Pierce.

Away Mission - 4 part story. Bucky cuts all ties with the Avengers and his OFC girlfriend, deliberately keeping them in the dark when he is asked by Nick Fury to undertake a dangerous undercover mission. Each part has alternate POV between gf and Bucky.

Chance Encounter - 4 part story (plus a small Drabble) of an act of courtesy leading to a major revelation for Bucky that will change his life.

Changeling - 8 part story, medieval AU. A prolonged engagement against Hydra and the Red Hall takes a new turn when the latter suddenly surrenders and offers Lord James Barnes, the general of King Steven’s army, the gift of a woman as tribute. Who or what exactly is she?

Complicated - Three part story of Bucky giving a ride to a runaway bride that becomes complicated by who she was supposed to marry.

Customer Service - 2 part story. Bucky shows up at the store where his ex-girlfriend works to return something. When Sam asks for help in buying Bucky a suit she helps him out. Angst and fluff.

Dates - Three part story - A visit to his old apartment brings Bucky in contact with the new tenant. With Sam’s help, he asks her out for a first date, a double date with Steve, then ghosts her for the third date until Sam intervenes.

Snowfall - 5 parts. Bucky joins the team protecting an attractive writer from a stalker but they’ve already fallen for each other. How can he do his job when he’s emotionally involved with his client?

The Fae Elements - Six Seven part story. Bucky Barnes as a fae king in the modern world courting an environmental lawyer. The dark fae want her as well. Teaser link.

The Flame Burns From Within - Six part story set in medieval times. Lord Barnes comes to claim the hand of the woman he has been betrothed to since her birth 21 years before. Others object to his claim.

The Gilded Age - Seven part Avengers / Bucky Barnes AU set in 1899. Slightly steampunk story of Bucky falling for the new librarian at the Society of Heroic Individuals and Estimable Lofty Deeds (SHIELD).

Two Steps to the Left - This is an AU four part "what if Bucky didn’t fall from the train story” with a final touch of the cap to a Disney + Marvel series. 

We Danced - Three part story of Bucky meeting a lawyer in Washington, then reconnecting with her in Paris and then New York, where they both realize they have something very special.

You Get What You Need - Two part story in Avengers AU where Bucky learns his former girlfriend had his baby, and is now dying of cancer. Her only hope is a medical treatment developed by Bruce Banner using Steve Rogers’ blood.

Tumblr Masterlist

[misfitwashere]

May 30, 2025 

HEATHER COX RICHARDSON

MAY 31

READ IN APP

In July 2024, according to an article published today by Kirsten Grind and Megan Twohey in the New York Times, billionaire Elon Musk texted privately about his concerns that government investigations into his businesses would “take me down.” “I can’t be president,” he wrote, “but I can help Trump defeat Biden and I will.”

After appearing on stage with Trump on October 5, Musk texted a person close to him: “I’m feeling more optimistic after tonight. Tomorrow we unleash the anomaly in the matrix.” About an hour later, he added: “This is not something on the chessboard, so they will be quite surprised. “‘Lasers’ from space.”

Musk invested about $290 million in the 2024 election and, when Trump took office, became a fixture in the White House, heading the “Department of Government Efficiency.” It set out to kill government programs by withholding congressionally approved funds, a practice that courts have ruled unconstitutional and Congress expressly prohibited with the 1974 Impoundment Control Act.

Musk vowed that his “Department of Government Efficiency” would cut $2 trillion from the U.S. budget, but he quickly backed off on those numbers. In the end, DOGE claimed savings of $175 billion, but that claim is unverifiable and CNN’s Casey Tolan says it’s probably wrong: less than half of it is backed up with any documentation.

Instead, as CNN’s Zachary B. Wolf reported today, since DOGE cut staffing at the enforcement wing of the Internal Revenue Service, for example, and cut employees at national parks, which also generate revenue, its cuts may well end up costing money. Max Stier, who heads the Partnership for Public Service, suggests DOGE cuts could cost U.S. taxpayers $135 billion because agencies will need to train and hire replacements for the workers DOGE fired. Stier called DOGE’s actions “arson of a public asset.”

Grind and Twohey reported that Musk’s drug consumption during the campaign—they could not speak to his habits in the White House, although he appeared high today at a White House press conference—was “more intense than previously known.” He was a chronic user of ketamine, took Ecstasy and psychedelic mushrooms, and traveled with a box that held about 20 pills for daily use. Those in frequent contact with him worried about his frequent drug use, erratic behavior, and mood swings. As a government contractor, Musk should receive random drug tests, but Grind and Twohey say he received advance warning of those tests.

It was never clear that Musk’s role at DOGE was legal, and the White House has tried to maintain that he was only an advisor, despite Trump’s February 19 statement, “I signed an order creating [DOGE] and put a man named Elon Musk in charge.” On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan ruled that 14 states can proceed with their lawsuit against billionaire Elon Musk and the “Department of Government Efficiency,” saying the states had adequately supported their argument that “Musk and DOGE’s conduct is ‘unauthorized by any law.’”

Trump posted today on social media: “This will be his last day, but not really, because he will, always, be with us, helping all the way. Elon is terrific!” In a press conference today, Trump reiterated that Musk “is not really leaving.”

Musk’s time at the helm of DOGE might not have saved taxpayer money, but it has changed the world in other ways. Musk has used his time in the government to end investigations into his companies, score government contracts, and get the government to press countries to accept his Starlink communications network as a condition of tariff negotiations. According to John Hyatt of Forbes, Musk’s association with Trump has made him an estimated $170 billion richer.

The implications of DOGE’s actions for Americans are huge. DOGE operatives are now embedded in the U.S. government, where they are mining Americans’ data to create a master database that can sort and find individuals. Former Ohio Democratic Party chair David Pepper called it “a full-scale redirection of the government’s digital nervous system into the hands of an unelected billionaire.”

Today, Sheera Frenkel and Aaron Krolik of the New York Times reported that Musk put billionaire Peter Thiel’s Palantir data analysis firm into place across the government, where it launched its product Foundry to organize, analyze, and merge data. Thiel provided the money behind Vice President J.D. Vance’s political career. Wired and CNN had previously reported how the administration was using this merged data to target undocumented immigrants, and now employees are detailing their concerns with how the administration could use their newly merged information against Americans more generally.

Internationally, Musk’s destruction of the United States Agency for International Development, slashing about 80% of its grants, is killing about 103 people an hour, most of them children. The total so far is about 300,000 people, according to Boston University infectious disease mathematical modeller Dr. Brooke Nichols. Ryan Cooper of The American Prospect reported today that about 1,500 babies a day are born HIV-positive because Musk’s cuts stopped their mothers’ medication.

In the New York Times today, Michelle Goldberg recalls how Musk appeared uninterested in learning what USAID actually did—prevent starvation and provide basic healthcare—and instead called it a “radical-left political psy-op,” and reposted a smear from right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos calling USAID “the most gigantic global terror organization in history.” Goldberg also recalls Musk’s tendency to call people he disdains “NPCs,” or non-player characters, which are characters in role-playing games whose only role is to advance the storyline for the real players.

Aside from DOGE, the focus of Trump’s administration—other than his own cashing in on the presidency—has been on tariffs and immigration. Like the efforts of DOGE, those show a disdain for the law in favor of concentrating power in the executive branch.

During the campaign, Trump fantasized that constructing a high tariff wall around the U.S. would force other countries to fund the national deficit, enabling a Republican Congress to extend Trump’s 2017 tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations. In fact, domestic industries and consumers bear the costs of tariffs. Trump’s high tariffs, many of which he imposed by declaring an economic emergency and then using the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), created such havoc in the stock and bond markets that he backed off.

Yesterday, Sayantani Ghosh, David Gaffen, and Arpan Varghese of Reuters reported that although most of the highest tariffs have yet to go into effect, Trump’s trade war has cost companies more than $34 billion in lost sales and higher costs.

Trump has changed tariff policies at least 50 times since he took office, and traders have figured out they can buy stocks cheaply when markets plummet after a dramatic tariff announcement, and sell when Trump changes his mind. This has recently given rise to Trump’s nickname “TACO,” for “Trump Always Chickens Out.”

This moniker has apparently irritated Trump so much he has taken to social media to defend his abrupt dropping of tariffs on China, saying he did it to “save them” from “grave economic danger,” although in fact, China turned to other trading partners to cushion the blow of U.S. tariffs. Trump went on to suggest China did not live up to what he considered its part of the bargain, and he would no longer be “Mr. NICE GUY!”

On Wednesday a three-judge panel at the U.S. Court of International Trade ruled that President Donald J. Trump’s sweeping “Liberation Day” tariffs based on the IEEPA are illegal. The Constitution gives to Congress, not to the president, the power to levy tariffs. Trump launched a social media rant in which he attacked the judges, insisted that “it is only because of my successful use of Tariffs that many Trillions of Dollars have already begun pouring into the U.S.A. from other Countries,” and said that he could not wait for Congress to handle tariffs because it would take too long—in fact, most of Congress does not approve of the tariffs—and that following the Constitution “would completely destroy Presidential Power.” “The President of the United States must be allowed to protect America against those that are doing it Economic and Financial harm.”

Yesterday the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit paused that ruling until at least June 9, when both parties will have submitted legal arguments about whether the stay should remain in place as the government appeals the ruling that the tariffs are illegal. White House senior counsel for trade and manufacturing Peter Navarro, the key proponent of Trump’s trade war, said: “Even if we lose, we’ll do it another way.”

Today Trump said he will double the tariff on steel imports from 25% to 50%.

The other major focus of the administration has been expelling undocumented immigrants from the U.S. During the 2024 campaign, Trump whipped up support by insisting that former President Joe Biden had permitted criminals to walk into the U.S. and terrorize American citizens. Trump vowed to launch the “largest domestic deportation operation in American history” and often talked of deporting the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants in the U.S., although his numbers have ranged as high as 21 million without explanation.

The administration has hammered on immigration to promote the idea that it is keeping Americans safe. But its first target of arresting at least 1,200 individuals a day has fallen far short. In Trump’s first 100 days, Immigration and Customs Enforcement says it arrested an average of about 660 people a day.

On Wednesday, White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, who along with Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem is the face of the administration’s immigration policy, told the Fox News Channel that the administration is now aiming for “a minimum of 3,000 arrests…every day.” Administration officials hope to deport a million people in Trump’s first year in office.

CNN reported yesterday that those officials are putting intense pressure on law enforcement agencies to meet that goal. This means that hundreds of FBI agents have been taken off terror threats and espionage cases involving China and Russia to be reassigned to immigration duties. Some FBI offices are offering overtime pay if agents help with “enforcement and removal operations.” Officers from other agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) have also been deployed against immigrants in place of their regular duties.

Steven Monacelli of The Barbed Wire noted today that local law enforcement and state troopers have also been diverted to immigration, using a national network of cameras that read license plates. Joseph Cox and Jason Keobler of 404 Media reported yesterday that a Texas sheriff used the same system over the course of a month to look for a woman whom he said had a self-administered abortion, saying her family was worried about her safety.

Their attempt to appear effective has led to very visible arrests and renditions of undocumented migrants to prisons in third countries, especially the notorious CECOT terrorist prison in El Salvador. The administration has deliberately flouted the right of persons in the United States to due process as guaranteed by the Constitution. The administration has met court orders with delay and obfuscation, as well as by attacking judges and the rule of law.

The administration continues to insist those it has arrested are dangerous criminals who must be deported without delay, but more and more reporting says that many of those expelled from the country had no criminal convictions. Today, ProPublica reported that the Trump administration’s own data shows that officials knew that “the vast majority” of the 238 Venezuelans it sent to CECOT had not been convicted of crimes in the U.S. even as it deported them and called them “rapists,” “savages,” “monsters,” and “the worst of the worst.”

ICE has increasingly met quotas by arresting immigrants outside of immigration check-ins and courtrooms: yesterday Dina Arévalo of My San Antonio reported that ICE arrested five immigrants, including three children, outside of an immigration court after a judge had said they were no longer subject to removal proceedings. The officers used zip ties on all five individuals.

At stake is the turn of the United States away from democracy and toward the international right wing. Yesterday the U.S. State Department notified Congress that it intends to use the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor to promote “Democracy and Western Values.” On Tuesday a senior advisor for that bureau, Samuel Samson, who graduated from college in 2021, explained that the State Department intends to ally with the European far right to protect “Western civilization” from current democratic governments.

It also plans to turn the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, which manages the flow of people into the U.S., into an “Office of Remigration” to “actively facilitate” the “voluntary return of migrants” to other countries and “advance the president’s immigration agenda.”

“Remigration” is a term from the global far right. As Isabela Dias of Mother Jones notes, its proponents call for the “mass expulsion of non–ethnically European immigrants and their descendants, regardless of immigration status or citizenship, and an end to multiculturalism.” Of the congressional report, a person who works closely with the State Department told Marisa Kabas of The Handbasket: “All of it is pretty awful with some pieces that definitely violate existing law and treaties. But institutionalizing neo-Nazi theory as an office in the State Department is the most blatantly horrifying.”

This concept is behind not only the expulsion of undocumented immigrants, but also the purge of foreign scholars and lawful residents. The Supreme Court blessed this purge today when, during the period that litigation is underway, it allowed the administration to end immigration paroles for about 500,000 people from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela admitted under a Biden-era program, instantly making them undocumented and subject to deportation.

The court decided the case on the shadow docket, without briefings or explanation. In a dissent joined by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson wrote: “[S]omehow, the Court has now apparently determined…that it is in the public’s interest to have the lives of half a million migrants unravel all around us before the courts decide their legal claims.”

Jackson added a crucial observation. The court, she wrote, “allows the Government to do what it wants to do regardless [of the consequences], rendering constraints of law irrelevant and unleashing devastation in the process.”

—

[meret118]

Elon Musk Is an Evil Piece of Garbage—and an A-Level Fraud Too

He is stupid. He is incompetent. He is cruel. He is sinister. And people will die because of what he’s done.

He vowed to slash $2 trillion in “wasteful” federal spending (the federal government spends just under $7 trillion a year). He recently acknowledged it’ll be more like $150 billion.

However, his “cuts” will also cost American taxpayers $135 billion, according to one estimate, because it turns out that some of these bloodsucking deep staters save taxpayers money.

But even $150 billion is a grotesque lie. Jessica Reidl of the Manhattan Institute—yes, the staunchly conservative and generally pro-Trump think tank—recently told The New York Times’ David French: “So right now I would say DOGE has saved $2 billion, which, to put it in context, is one-thirty-fifth of 1 percent of the federal budget, otherwise known as budget dust.”

. . .

The cuts are leaving thousands of good people unemployed. And they will literally kill people. Coal miners will die prematurely. Children all over the world will die from malaria and other diseases because of the demise of USAID, which Musk called a “criminal organization.” In fact, this is already happening

. . .

Musk and his Muskrats are doing nothing less than compiling a vast database on every one of us: “assembling a sprawling surveillance system,” she writes, “the likes of which we have never seen in the United States.”

https://newrepublic.com/article/194769/elon-musk-evil-garbage-fraud

Trump Is Destroying the Data that Keeps the Country Running

While air traffic controller shortages have understandably been at the center of the story about Trump 2.0–era airline chaos, FAA cuts are gutting more behind-the-scenes positions too.

Back in March, TheAtlantic’s Isaac Stanley-Becker reported that as many as 12 percent of the FAA’s aeronautical-information specialists—those tasked with updating charts, maps, and flight procedures—had been fired or were exiting the agency as part of the government-wide buyout program spearheaded by DOGE. These kinds of cuts to critical information-gathering services are happening across agencies, eroding the government’s ability to collect and interpret data on everything from maternal mortality to flight paths, hurricanes, and electricity. The results could prove far more devastating than a few hundred canceled and delayed flights.

. . .

Experts have raised alarm bells in recent weeks about White House attempts to make it easier to fire federal officials. If economists at the Bureau of Labor Statistics could be fired at will, without the usual lengthy appeals process, they could be pressured by political appointees into manipulating BLS data on politically sensitive subjects like inflation, unemployment, productivity, and growth.

newrepublic.com/article/194930/trump-destroying-data-keeps-country-running

DOGE Was Bad. Schedule F Will Be Worse.

An executive order will convert 50,000 government employees into de facto political appointees who serve only at the president’s pleasure.

theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2025/04/trump-civil-service-schedule-f/682609/

A DOGE Recruiter Is Staffing a Project to Deploy AI Agents Across the US Government

https://www.wired.com/story/doge-recruiter-ai-agents-palantir-clown-emoji/

Elon Musk's time machine DOGE is taking America back to the 1800s, one agency closure at a time

DOGE has been very good at reducing the number of people who work for the government — as many as 216,000 federal employees and contractors are already out, with more dismissals in the works. Musk has gutted or eliminated agencies that prevent disease, protect us from pandemics, provide aid to our allies, ensure the safety of our food and medicines, and safeguard Americans against toxic chemicals. Every one of those efforts is a proven multiplier of our tax money — every dollar we spend on them redounds to the US economy.

Which means that even if Musk succeeds at slashing government spending, he'll actually be adding to the federal deficit: DOGE cuts to the Internal Revenue Service alone are estimated to cost America some $500 billion in lost tax revenue every year.

. . .

Here are four possible explanations for what DOGE is actually up to. Maybe none of them are right. Or perhaps they're all accurate, to varying degrees. But one thing is certain: Each of them provides a more plausible insight into what DOGE is doing than the official explanation of saving taxpayers money.

https://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-doge-cuts-federal-worker-firings-government-plan-2025-4

[tuliptiger]

Hi uh I started a GoFundMe for myself.

https://gofund.me/001e1417

My paypal is dragongard87 @ gmail . com

Long story short for the last 2 years I've been trying to build a house.

I'm generationally and personally poor. I make roughly $36,000 and that's if I'm allowed to work the full year since I'm a temporary seasonal employee.

The last contractor I had working on it for 1 and 1/2 years lied to me, wasted materials, was inexperienced and didn't let me know when things got bad. I'm pursuing legal action but it's expensive and time consuming.

I've been living in my car since April to try and make this work. Not only were his mistakes wasted time and effort but it was a lot of wasted money I wasn't expecting. I started working with a second contractor and he's been great so far but gave me an estimate of redoing the foundation. It ended up being double the price by the end and he didn't give me a heads up towards the end.

That's the general situation. I hate doing this, I know it's towards the end of the year and Christmas so people are pretty tapped out for money. I'm at the lowest point I could be and please know I wouldn't ask if I wasn't desperate. I already took out a personal loan and have 2 jobs, my family is poor and can't help.

Any help or sharing of this is greatly appreciated. Likes are honestly appreciated too and at least I know I'm not shouting into the great expanse. Thank you for taking the time to read this and I hope everyone has a good end of year/new year.

[dertaglichedan]

From middle class to bottom feeder: What the hell happened to American construction?

Some of us are old enough to remember when being a contractor in America actually meant something special. Sure, it was hard work—but it was honorable, and a skilled tradesman could make a decent living. They were able to support their families and take pride in building something that would last for generations. It was a win-win.

However, it didn’t last…

Thanks to decades of globalist open-border policies, sketchy insider deals, and business-killing government regulations, the entire contractor system has now collapsed. And in yet another globalist turn, another path to the middle class has turned into a miserable dead end and a full-blown race to the bottom.

READ MORE: Netflix, the FBI, and a federal frame job that took down a wellness company…

In a recent piece from New York Magazine, one contractor’s story revealed just how bad the industry has gotten. His name is Ben Whelan, and his depressing story is the same sad tale that countless Americans in this once-thriving industry can relate to.

We’ll break the entire saga down for you, minus the liberal fluff, and show you exactly how America’s tradesmen are getting squeezed out of their own industry—and who’s really to blame.

READ MORE: Rabid, anti-Trump Massachusetts AG’s brother accused of raping at least 9 women…

So, when did the bottom start to fall out? It all started unraveling after the 2008 crash. A once-booming and very competitive field turned into a chaotic scramble for survival, and that’s when some very cutthroat underbidding and exploitation kicked into high gear.

The New York Times Magazine:

“It was alarming to start seeing that kind of activity on these jobs,” Whelan says. Everyone he knew in the business was struggling to find work, and the bidding wars drove the profits to new lows. Sometimes, when he learned the winning bid, he was stunned — he would have lost money at that price. The price of roofing work, in particular, plunged. BTW Construction used to work on a few roofs a year in the down time among their bigger jobs. But they could barely compete in the market after 2009. A job that he priced at $18,000 might be given to a company that charged only $10,000.

But make no mistake, this wasn’t just the market self-correcting—this was the start of contractors being priced out of their own trade by people who were breaking all the rules.

READ MORE: Mike Benz’s new theory about Trump’s would-be assassin changes everything…

So how do these sketchy companies manage to make these extremely low bids and still stay in business? Well, it’s simple: they use illegal labor, skate past payroll taxes, and call full-time workers “independent contractors” to beat the system. The NYT Magazine piece goes on:

In 2021, the Center for American Progress estimated that 23 percent of constructor workers — and 32 percent of roofers — were undocumented. […] Beginning in the 1980s, but accelerating since the Great Recession, builders slashed costs by subcontracting out almost every facet of their projects. Subcontractors, in turn, were favored for delivering the work at a lower price, which they often accomplished by illegally misclassifying full-time employees as independent contractors or simply paying them off the books. These maneuvers allowed employers to dodge mandatory expenses, like payroll taxes and workers’ compensation insurance, and to evade liability for on-the-job injuries.

It’s a really easy recipe, folks. This is what happens when you mix cheap illegal labor with no enforcement and regulators who are on the take.

And don’t think the entire world doesn’t see what’s happening.

The result of this downward spiral is American workers who are pushed out of the industry, quality standards that plummet, and any contractors left who are actually trying to play by the rules are left in the dust.

CONTINUED:

[voiddinosaurscribe]

Breaking Down Driveway Paving Costs: A Detailed Analysis

Introduction

When it comes to enhancing the look and functionality of your property, one of the most significant investments you can make is in your driveway. Whether you’re considering an asphalt driveway installation, resurfacing an existing one, or planning to pave a new parking lot, understanding the costs involved is crucial. This guide will delve into various aspects of driveway paving costs, equipping you with the knowledge to make informed decisions. From types of materials used in asphalt paving to the factors affecting pricing, we’ll break down everything you need to know about driveway paving costs.

Breaking Down Driveway Paving Costs: A Detailed Analysis Understanding Asphalt as a Material for Driveways

Asphalt is not only a popular choice for residential driveways but also widely used in commercial applications due to its durability and cost-effectiveness.

What makes asphalt a preferred choice? Durability: With proper maintenance, an asphalt driveway can last over 20 years. Cost-Effectiveness: Compared to concrete alternatives, asphalt tends to be less expensive both for initial installation and ongoing maintenance. Quick Installation: Unlike concrete, which may take days to cure, asphalt driveways are ready for use within hours after installation. Factors Influencing Asphalt Driveway Cost

Understanding the various elements that contribute to the overall cost of an asphalt driveway can help homeowners budget more effectively.

1. Size of the Area

The larger the area that needs paving, the higher the total cost. Most contractors charge based on square footage.

2. Thickness of Asphalt

Typically, a residential asphalt driveway should have a thickness ranging from 2 to 4 inches. Thicker layers increase material costs but also enhance durability.

3. Type of Asphalt Used

Different grades and mixes of asphalt can vary significantly in price. Hot mix asphalt is often used for heavy-duty applications while cold mix may be suitable for smaller jobs.

Average Asphalt Driveway Cost

While costs can fluctuate based on location and contractor rates, here’s a general breakdown:

| Aspect | Estimated Cost | |------------------------------|------------------| | Installation per square foot | $3 - $6 | | Sealcoating | $0.15 - $0.25 per sq ft | | Repairing cracks | $2 - $5 per linear foot |

The Role of Asphalt Companies in Driveway Paving

Choosing reputable asphalt companies can greatly affect both quality and cost.

Why hire professionals? Expertise: Professional contractors understand local regulations and best practices. sealcoating asphalt surfaces Quality Assurance: They will ensure that materials meet industry standards. Warranty Options: Many companies provide warranties on their work which can save money on future repairs. Key Services Offered by Asphalt Contractors

When hiring asphalt paving contractors, it's essential to understand what services they offer:

New asphalt driveway installation Asphalt resurfacing Crack

[fleetingsalamanderseer]

Pioneer Plumbing, Heating & Drain Services, Vancouvers Preferred Plumbing Professionals

Pioneer Plumbing & Heating Inc, Vancouvers Favored Plumbing Contractor

When your shower goes cold suddenly or an unexpected ceiling stain reveals a hidden leak, you quickly understand the importance of knowing a local plumber you can trust or heating technician stationed nearby. For homeowners, plumbing and heating systems are the https://ameblo.jp/gregoryrowd154/entry-12912790839.html unsung heroes of home comfort, until something goes wrong. That’s why you'll want to have a reputable plumber you can trust when difficulties crop up.

Why Choosing Local Plumbing and Heating Services Matter

Employing a local plumbing service has it's advantages. A local plumbing service is familiar with the specific problems homes in your neighborhood encounter, unlike a large national chain. For instance, in regions with colder weather, local plumbers often propose insulating exposed pipes to avoid a frozen pipe burst, a typical and expensive wintertime disaster. Although a busier plumber could miss that detail, a local expert will likely be geared up for it.

Local contractors rely upon their reputation and referrals, which often means they’re more committed to furnishing first-rate service. For them, you’re a lot more than a job, you’re a part of the community.

Important Services Every Homeowner Needs to Know About

1. Emergency Plumbing Issues: Plumbing issues are never effortless. When a pipe bursts, a toilet flows over, or a water heater stops working, timely action is important. We provide emergency plumbing service with fast response time.

2. Boiler and Furnace Upkeep: To ensure your home heating system runs problem free, it requires routine maintenance. Seasonal furnace inspections help find issues like carbon monoxide leaks or worn out parts before they become serious.

3. b<: Obstructed pipes and sewer backups aren’t just irritating, they can result in major water damage. Our procedures, like hydro jetting, effectively remove tough clogs while guarding your pipes from harm.

4. Installation and Repairs for Water Heaters: Whether you fancy tankless or standard hot water tanks, our specialists can recognize problems, suggest the best choice for your property, and handle safe installation.

5. Planned Maintenance Packages: The best way to help prevent plumbing and heating system emergencies is through annual maintenance. Inquire today about our general maintenance plans. They come with seasonal check-ups, and priority service, which implies difficulties are avoided cost effectively.

Save Money and Routine Check-ups

Routine upkeep not only assures your systems work properly but in addition reduces expenses. A well kept furnace uses less energy, reducing power bills. Regular plumbing checks can catch small water leaks before they become a situation you would prefer to avoid.

Put Your Money into Long-lasting Comfort and Worry Free Living

Your home represents your most precious asset. By working with a reputable local plumbing company, you are not just safe guarding that commitment, you’re also ensuring your family's comfort and safety all year round. Pioneer Plumbing, Heating, and Drain Services is a well thought-of plumbing contractor serving the Vancouver area. Call now for a free estimation, you'll never regret having that association.

Pioneer Plumbing, Heating and Drain Service 626 Kingsway Vancouver, BC V5T 3K4 (604) 872-4946 https://www.pioneerplumbing.com/plumbing-vanc

[madfulcrumstatue]

Indications You've Hired a Top Quality Roof Firm: What to Seek

Introduction

Choosing the appropriate roofing business can seem like browsing a labyrinth. With numerous roofer and business around, exactly how do you know if you've made the best option? This post intends to untangle the mystery behind hiring high quality roof covering services by describing vital indicators that show you have actually partnered with a trustworthy business. Whether you need roof repair or are thinking about metal roof covering, understanding these indications can conserve you time, cash, and unnecessary stress.

Signs You have actually Employed a Top Quality Roof Business: What to Look For

When you get on the hunt for trusted roofer, specific indicators can assist you discern in between sub-par service and high-grade handiwork. Right here's what to seek:

1. Strong Recommendations and Reviews The Importance of Testimonials

A high quality roofing business will certainly have plenty of positive reviews from pleased customers. Request for referrals or inspect online platforms like Yelp and Google Reviews to assess their performance.

What Do Previous Customers Say?

Look for constant praise regarding preparation, professionalism, and top https://canvas.instructure.com/eportfolios/3826338/home/emergency-vs-planned-repairs-how-to-prioritize-your-needs quality of work. If multiple clients mention comparable strengths or weaknesses, take note!

2. Certified and Insured Why Licensing Matters

An accredited contractor suggests that they satisfy neighborhood laws and standards in roof solutions.

Insurance Protection

Always confirm that your chosen business has both liability insurance and workers' payment. This shields you from potential responsibilities in situation of accidents throughout the job.

3. Thorough Composed Estimates Understanding Your Quote

Quality roof companies give detailed created price quotes rather than obscure verbal quotes.

Breaking Down Costs

Your estimate should clearly lay out labor expenses, material costs, and any extra fees. This openness aids stop unanticipated expenses later on.

4. Service warranty Offerings What Kind of Warranties Are Available?

Reputable roofing business generally use service warranties on both products and workmanship.

Duration Matters

A guarantee period of at the very least 5 years is generally considered standard for domestic roofing systems.

5. Experience in Different Roof Types Diverse Proficiency Counts!

Whether you're interested in tile roof coverings or steel roof alternatives, an all-around professional ought to have experience managing different types.

Adaptability to Your Needs

The capacity to offer tailored options based on your certain demands reveals they understand the ins and outs associated with various materials.

6. Specialist Affiliations Industry Links Matter

Memberships in professional organizations like the National Roofer Association (NRCA) highlight a commitment to quality standards.

Continuous Education and learning Programs

Affiliates usually participate in continuous trainin