Each Monday, we'll let you know what's coming in the week ahead, including important residential and commercial report releases, as well as our feature articles.
The state of construction in Minnesota — July 17
It's more than harsh winters facing contractors in The Land of 10,000 Lakes. Today, construction companies there are coming up against strong demand that's testing the limits of their resources. We talked with Tom Emison, vice president of strategy and innovation at Minneapolis–based Kraus-Anderson about how his firm is approaching recruiting as a result and what makes the Minnesota construction industry unique. Read more.
More stadiums have green as their goal — July 18
From signature football stadiums to practical sports complexes, athletics facility owners are opting for sustainability in their new and updated projects. In our feature article on Tuesday, July 18, we'll take a look at the most popular features and what drives owners to go green. Read more.
Housing Market Index — July 18
Builder optimism in current and future business conditions has ebbed since reaching a 12-year high in March. Reasons for the continued drop-off include lot and labor shortages, as well as high home prices that are beginning to turn some buyers off. On Tuesday, July 18, the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index for July will offer more details on how the industry is contending with these challenges. Read more.
Builders are adding wireless internet to home set-up packages — July 19
Wi-Fi use is on the rise in homes and builders are looking to get in on the trend by offering wireless internet as part of a home's standard feature package. In our feature article on Wednesday, July 19, we'll talk with some of the companies offering this feature and how they're making it work. Read more.
Architecture Billings Index — July 19
Architecture billings posted their fourth-straight month of gains in May, with the multifamily and mixed-practice sectors bouncing back and commercial/industrial falling slightly. The American Institute of Architects will release its Architecture Billings Index for June on Wednesday, July 19, offering more insights into demand for design services, which typically lead construction spending by nine to 12 months. Read more.
Housing starts — July 19
Housing starts came up short of analyst expectations for the third-straight month in May, hitting their lowest levels in eight months. Permit authorizations were at their lowest level in more than a year. The ongoing lot and labor shortages are a major contributor to builders' struggle to get more new homes in the ground. On Wednesday, July 19, the Commerce Department will reveal starts figures for June, offering insights into how the slowdown in permits is impacting new construction activity. Read more.
Clean room tech story — July 20
Clean room design and construction is a niche like no other. Clean room workers handle expensive and highly sensitive materials like computer components and biological hazards, so the design and execution of those spaces must be precise. In our feature article on Thursday, July 20, we’ll learn more about the process, in addition to where clean room design and technology are headed. Read more.