What does this update to a 1931 enactment mean for us? Construction wage work principlesoriginally outlined are now rules “and expected to face legal challenges,” according to Fredrikson’s The Construction Counselor. The bottom line: Use caution when considering federal infrastructure projects. Legal advisors recommend creating an internal checklist to determine DBA coverage at the pre-bid […]
DBA & Construction Wage Work: Be Prepared Read More »
In Egypt and Babylon, craftsmanship training was organized to maintain an adequate number of skilled trades. The 18th century BCE Code of Hammurabi of Babylon required craftsmen to teach their skills to the next generation. And U.S. construction industry skilled trades have a long tradition; George Washington was an apprentice land surveyor. As the workforce continues to reinvent
Skilled Trades Support in a Changing Construction Industry Read More »
Ancient builders created many edifices that are standing today. Portions of Italy’s Appian Way (312 BC) road are still in use. Then, as now, concrete was a material widely used for built-to-last structures. Scientists are examining sustainable construction options and hoping to unlock the secrets of earlier civilizations’ construction materials. Forbes says climate change, traffic,
Sustainable Construction: What Did Mayans, Romans Know That We Don’t? Read More »
It felt as though construction costs for materials might be stabilizing in 2023 but perhaps we are becoming more comfortable with uncertainty. Building Design & Construction Network says 2023 year-end reports indicate an “overall” equilibrium but with variations. We’ve seen decreases in aluminum, lumber, and steel pipe costs and double-digit price increases in concrete, glass, gypsum,
Q3 2023 Construction Costs Insights Read More »
Construction company interns are not employees. They aren’t volunteers. Even if their training and treatment may be exactly as your company culture dictates, liability and legalities are not the same, so it’s important to understand internship labor laws. Construction companies especially can use unpaid internships to increase the company talent pool and that’s okay. Even better, most
Construction Company Interns: What To Know Read More »
Single-family home remodeling is on a slight downward trend which you can expect to continue in 2024. The Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity report predicts a 5.9% decrease (from $486 billion to $457 billion) in home renovation spending through 2Q24. Work-from-home hit an all-time high in 2021, and remodels also soared “to an unprecedented height,” says
Construction Industry Home Trends Read More »
Some say the current era is “The Age of IoT.” (This references a time when technology – software, sensors, etc. – is embedded into almost literally everything; the Internet of Things.) But that era-definition seems to have become less frequently referenced lately and the reason could be we haven’t actually defined what is going on here
Construction Industry Business-Building Events 2023-2024 Read More »
Single-family home remodeling is on a slight downward trend which you can expect to continue in 2024. The Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity report predicts a 5.9% decrease (from $486 billion to $457 billion) in home renovation spending through 2Q24. Work-from-home hit an all-time high in 2021, and remodels also soared “to an unprecedented height,”
Construction Industry Home Trends Read More »
Construction spending will go up next year, but modestly at best. After the “scorching” growth rate of 2023, construction spending had logically only one direction for 2024. Down. …After the surge this year, market spending growth is expected to come back to earth in 2024. Forecast panelists are calling for a modest 2% increase in
AIA Report & Construction Spending Forecasts Read More »
It’s hard to believe we’re wrapping up this year and putting action plans in place for the next. The construction industry faced record labor and materials shortages, supply chain challenges, and unstable pricing throughout much of 2023. No wonder there already are concerns about 2024. One way to lessen the need for damage control is
Construction Industry Concerns Read More »
