Madeleine Somerville, Author at Under the Hard Hat

Madeleine Somerville

August 15, 2025

Barkitecture: Home design for your pets

From minimal stairs to built-in pet food stations, modern-day homes are being designed around canines, not kids. It's called Barkitecture.

Wellness

July 26, 2025

Gentle stretches to ease lower back pain for construction workers

Madeleine Somerville

Stretches like cat and cow and spinal rotations can reduce pain, strengthen back muscles, and protect your spine on and off the job site.

Construction worker with impact gun drilling

Gear & Equipment

July 22, 2025

Makita’s 40V max XGT 4.0Ah high power battery: everything construction pros need to know

Madeleine Somerville

Smaller and stronger—Makita’s new 40V max XGT 4.0Ah high power battery unleashes 35% more power to maximize efficiency for your toughest jobs.

Wellness

July 19, 2025

Beat the dangers of artificial blue with these simple habits

Madeleine Somerville

Blue light from digital devices interrupts your sleep cycle and can lead to lower-quality sleep and poor productivity in the workplace.

Professional Development

July 17, 2025

How to become a construction manager

Madeleine Somerville

Construction managers oversee construction projects, including budgets, timelines, and safety, and require a blend of education and experience.

AI & Technology

July 17, 2025

Meet TradeTek 2.0, the new and improved construction estimating software

Madeleine Somerville

TradeTek 2.0 platform updates include enhanced markup abilities and project sharing across computers and between users.

AI & Technology

July 10, 2025

SR Measure’s iPhone app allows contractors to accurately measure stockpiles

Madeleine Somerville

The Stockpile Reports app uses iPhone cameras and accelerometers to measure stockpile contents within 5% of total cubic yards.

Wellness

July 5, 2025

Does construction stress have you clenching your jaw? Here are 4 tips to help you stop

Madeleine Somerville

Jaw clenching is caused by stress, teeth misalignment, and medications. Stress-reduction techniques and wearing a mouthguard can prevent it.

Gear & Equipment

July 1, 2025

The best RIDGID tools under $100 for construction workers and DIYers

Madeleine Somerville

Check out these inexpensive additions to your tool bag, like RIDGID’s 4 Amp Oscillating Multi-Tool and 18V 5 in. Random Orbit Sander

Gear & Equipment

July 1, 2025

The largest excavators in the world, made for construction and mining

Madeleine Somerville

From John Deer to Volvo, Komatsu to Caterpillar, the world’s largest excavators are built to move mountains—literally.

Safety

June 30, 2025

Construction leads in electrical fatalities in latest ESFI data

Madeleine Somerville

ESFI reports 1,940 workplace electrical fatalities from 2011 to 2023, with the construction industry contributing the most.

Healthy Food Truck

June 14, 2025

Avocado: The superfood to fuel your workday

Madeleine Somerville

Construction pros will love the heart-healthy benefits of avocados, packed with healthy fats, B vitamins, fiber, and essential minerals.

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