New Tech

Whoa. Can you slow down a little and zero in on exactly what you're looking for? A chronological list of everything new for just one year would be astronomical. I'm assuming from your post that you're in some part of the construction trades. Are there trade journals for your part? Is there a trade association? Do they have a web site?

I know that I was vague sorry about that. There is a site called "toolbase services" that has detailed info on most things if you can narrow it down that far. I was wondering if there were any sites that just put out like a bulletin or news on ongoing developements. Maybe a general type thing, I haven't been able to come across one. I do renovations and a big part of it has to do with historic work. That said on alot of projects the facade has to be of original materials OR original appearance. There are always new products that look like something no longer available coming out, but some have been proven failures with serious results. This is where the new testing comes in , I can't be confident in something that has been out for a year and comes with a 50 yr warrantee. Trade journals in the subject are mostly geared toward selling new products to prospective buyers, homeowners or shopkeepers and are biased by the advertising that pays the bills. I am looking for something that is "just the facts". Maybe I am not clear what I am looking for, but I haven't seen anything yet and would welcome suggestions.

I understand that being blind sided by a customer has it's disadvantages but what is wrong with producing quality and repeatable standards by proven method and materials?

Let the new tech freaks sort the rubbish out first and wait until it has been tested and installed for a few years so you can go and check if it does what it says on the tin first before you hang your professional credibility out to dry.

In the mean time you could register with GlobalSpec's news letters for all the latest on your field.

I don't know where you live or exactly what you do, but there is a lot of interest in restoration. Here's a link for Conn.

http://www.cttrust.org/

You can try sweets.com and seach by product/manufacturer for any construction products. From nails to blast proof doors.

www.aamanet.org

American Architectural Manufactures Association

This organization set standards for the fenestration industry in the US. Usually has info on new window and door materials that the industry is using. Will give you standards on how tests are preformed on the products.

Snide comment to follow (be forewarned):

I think the Bible has a small parable on the difference between a date palm lever (stick) and a coconut palm lever (stick).

End snide comment.

Dude, welcome to the world of electronics. Building materials change with the glacial racing prowess of elite escargo compared to a lot of other industries. But I know your pain. You, sir, have just never been taught the art of STALL. You must truly be a craftsman to have avoided it until now.

I will teach you the art of stall. It's very short, it has no prerequisites, and is guaranteed to overcome your feeling of angst when someone blindsides you.

Ok, lets say you are with the client, going over your explanation of what it is you are going to do.

Client then interjects "But I've heard 'such n such' is a much better option / does better / wont kill my children as fast".

No one likes being blindsided. But in truth, you weren't, even if you have no clue. It's your job, but no one knows everything about even one subject, so don't feel bad. But to prevent the lack of confidence on the part of the owner/contractor, Your defenses are as follows:

• Interesting product / concept. It has a lot of uses but why is it you think it would improve anything here? - This puts the onus back on them and give you time to think, and figure out what the hell they are talking about.
• It's not standard practice to utilize that thing / procedure in the codes, let's talk about it and see if it suits your needs better. - This gives you a chance to discuss it more with them and then break it off for more research and also gives you a price point break where you can now justify more money and make it seem like it's because the customer wants to add to the contract.
• This one shows honesty and truth. "I've heard about it but have yet to implement it. Give me a couple hours (days, weeks, months) to dig into it and find out if the benefits outweigh the costs." This sets the groundwork for honesty and also gives you time to do the research.

Regardless of the tack you take, always reiterate that you will do what is best for your client at the cost he is willing to absorb. Then google your ass off. If you can't do it, there is someone you can subcontract to do it, just remember to add in your price for consultancy.

Follow the words of the Blessed P.T. Barnum.."There's one born every minute"