Commercial construction roadwork on I-35 in Texas began in 1960. In 2020, when a newspaper printed an article: “Construction nears completion on I-35,” it became the latest of a long history of jokes among Texans about the I-35 commercial construction project. Considering most concrete and asphalt roads begin needing repair after 20 years of use, I-35 construction crews […]
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Overall costs are lower than they’ve been since 2010 for the construction industry. But construction materials costs are rising. In August 2020, we saw the largest increase in lumber prices since 1949. Some of the rising costs can be attributed to: Construction demand is greater than mills’ current production capabilities. DIY (do-it-yourself) renovation projects increased among
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The construction industry (for purposes of definition) includes: Architecture Construction equipment rental Contractor profit Engineering Fixed-site fabrication Infrastructure projects Labor Materials cost Mechanical/electrical installations New homes/buildings Office/overhead Renovations/replacements Site preparation Structures used to support production equipment (pipes, girders, platforms, etc.) Taxes/interest (except for state/federal projects) Those are construction industry services and supplies directly related to
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If 2020 were an appliance, it would be a Cuisinart®. Businesses have been processed and pulverized beyond recognition, and construction services are no exception. “Survival of the fittest” was coined by British philosopher Herbert Spencer. We often believe the strongest survive, but that’s not always the case. Those most adaptable to change not only survive; they
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If 2020 has taught the construction industry anything, it’s to work faster, smarter, and more economically. What’s costing the most time and money is our inability to communicate effectively. “The art of communication is the language of leadership,” said James Humes. This is a serious business and it’s time we pay attention to what the experts
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Construction management follows the same basic processes as any project management endeavor. Even experienced project managers can make bad decisions, but one thing successful construction management teams have in common is the ability to respond quickly to challenges. Construction Management Strategies for the New Normal This year has certainly thrown us a few curveballs. But
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Construction rework is frustrating, eats time and money, and can cut into future profits. Investors aren’t likely to back a project in which the contractors and subcontractors are known for do-overs. 7 Factors Leading to Construction Rework A scholarly study of construction rework evaluated the causes and their impact on construction projects. This powerful paper
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Some construction project managers have reputations for success. They get the jobs done, on-time, within budget, and seem to have unlimited resources. Contractors want to work for them and with them. You should always seek to align yourself with successful construction project managers. Even better, strive to be one. Construction Project Managers: What They Manage Good
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Nobody likes do-overs, but we all make mistakes. What sets the best companies apart from the wannabes is how we respond to our mistakes. If you’re going into overtime and running over-budget too often or your margin for errors is too high, do something about it. Reducing construction rework increases profits. 8 Causes of Construction
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We talk a lot about “sustainability,” but do you know what it means? Today, it’s a combination of the two main definitions of the word. Sustainability means to last; endure. It also means to exist for as long as possible without depleting natural resources and build in a way that maintains an ecological balance. Prioritizing
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