Each Monday, we'll let you know what's coming in the week ahead, including important economic report releases, as well as our feature articles. Check back here for links to the stories as we post them throughout the week.
The Dotted Line: Understanding FEMA contracts — Tuesday, Oct. 17
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is looking for contractors to help clean up the damage wrought by the wave of natural disasters to hit the U.S. throughout the past few months. What should contractors know about signing up with FEMA? How does their contract compare with other common industry contracts? In our feature article on Tuesday, Oct. 17, we'll take a look at the awards process for FEMA contracts and some of the pros and cons to consider before signing one. Read more.
Housing Market Index — Tuesday, Oct. 17
Home builder confidence in the market for new single-family construction dropped off in September amid uncertainty as to how the destruction wrought by the recent hurricanes across the Southeast and Texas will impact critical factors like labor availability and material prices. On Tuesday, Oct. 17, the National Association of Home Builders and Wells Fargo will release their Housing Market Index for October, offering more details about how storm recovery efforts and other factors are impacting builders' outlooks. Read more.
Architecture Billings Index — Wednesday, Oct. 18
Demand for design services has held above breakeven for seven consecutive months, which continues to be a positive sign for future construction spending. On Wednesday, Oct. 18, the American Institute of Architects will release its Architectural Billings Index for September, which should begin to reflect some of the impact of the damage related to the recent spate of hurricanes to hit the U.S. mainland. Read more.
Housing starts — Wednesday, Oct. 18
Housing starts were down slightly in August, but permits were on the rise, which is a positive sign for future home building activity, according to the Commerce Department's latest residential and multifamily construction data. The department will issue its September report on Wednesday, Oct. 18. Although that won't yet reflect the rebuilding required after the recent hurricanes devastated residential areas in and around Houston, it will reflect the impact of supply-side headwinds like labor and lot availability and material prices.
Stadium construction update — Thursday, Oct. 19
Several major sports stadiums, arenas and ballparks have been recently completed or are currently under construction throughout the U.S. In our feature article on Thursday, Oct. 19, we'll share an update about which ones will be ready for game day and which ones might have to wait until next season to start welcoming fans. Read more.