AGC survey finds project delays, labor shortages worsening for construction

Associated General Contractors of America officials said neither political party is helping to mitigate construction industry fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic and workers are choosing unemployment benefits over jobs.   

By Joe Bousquin • Sept. 3, 2020

Readers Respond: Contractors see 2020's challenges continuing

2020 has been an unprecedented year for construction. As the summer winds down, Construction Dive readers weigh in on the issues they anticipate this fall and in early 2021.

By Zachary Phillips • Sept. 3, 2020

Explore the Trendline➔

Preconstruction

Careful collaboration before shovels hit dirt is key to a successful project, experts say.

By Construction Dive staff

Tech 101: Blockchain's benefits for construction

The technology has huge potential to automate the back office while bringing together different parties on complex projects to keep everyone honest. 

By Joe Bousquin • Sept. 2, 2020

Nevada contractors utilize innovative approach to slow COVID-19 spread on jobsites

Two construction firms are employing $40,000 Opti-Clean cubes that emit a dry, disinfecting mist over workers prior to entering the site.

By Zachary Phillips • Sept. 2, 2020

OSHA: N95 masks protect against the coronavirus

In recently released guidance, the agency explains why N95 respirator filters are effective at protecting users from the virus that causes COVID-19.

By Jennifer Goodman • Updated Oct. 26, 2020

Banks went all in on construction lending in Q2, despite delinquencies

Some banks aggressively pursued nonresidential lending for new projects, even amid nonpayment on outstanding loans. Wells Fargo and JPMorgan Chase topped the list of commercial lenders, according to S&P.

By Joe Bousquin , Jennifer Goodman • Sept. 2, 2020

Navy issues RFP for $5B multiple award contract

Selected contractors will have the opportunity to bid on domestic and foreign construction projects for eight years.

By Kim Slowey • Sept. 1, 2020

What contractors need to know about the payroll tax deferral program

Many employers will opt out of President Donald Trump's relief program, which begins today, on concerns they could be left holding the bag for back taxes.   

By Robert Freedman • Aug. 31, 2020

PPP loan forgiveness could result in big tax bills

Unless Congress intervenes, the IRS will not allow businesses to write off wages and rent paid for with Paycheck Protection Program funds, something many contractors are unaware of, according to one expert.

By Jennifer Goodman , Joe Bousquin • Aug. 31, 2020

Electrical sub to pay $1.25M to settle discrimination claims at Apple jobsite

The ruling sends a message that subcontractors as well as general contractors must take prompt, effective action to stop harassment and hate speech, said the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

By Lisa Burden • Aug. 31, 2020

Take our survey: What lies ahead for the rest of 2020?

From colder weather to the presidential election, we want to hear your expectations for the coming months in the final survey of our summer series.

By Zachary Phillips • Aug. 28, 2020

Justice Department indicts Minnesota contractor for $841K PPP loan fraud

Kyle Brenizer applied for and received a federal Paycheck Protection Program loan under the name of his defunct construction company and allegedly submitted false employee and tax information.

By Kim Slowey • Aug. 28, 2020

Despite coronavirus challenges, financing is available for the right projects

Capital is available for new construction, especially for multifamily and industrial work, but projects have been slower to get started, according to EBI Consulting's Frank Cook.

By Jennifer Goodman • Aug. 28, 2020

"Racially motivated damage" discovered at Las Vegas Convention Center jobsite

The $1.4 billion project's general contractor, Turner/Martin-Harris, is offering a reward for information leading to those responsible.

By Kim Slowey • Aug. 27, 2020

Readers Respond: Contractors worried about future infrastructure work

Construction Dive readers are concerned about their infrastructure pipeline, with 83% of respondents to a recent survey saying they have seen civil projects delayed or halted due to coronavirus-related funding challenges.

By Jennifer Goodman • Aug. 27, 2020

The 10 large construction markets most devastated by COVID-19

New analysis shows that out of the country's major metro areas, only one — Phoenix — was spared from declines in construction starts brought on by the pandemic in the first half of this year.

By Jennifer Goodman • Aug. 27, 2020

California DOT repaves highway with recycled plastic bottles

Using TechniSoil Industrial's G5 binding agent, which includes liquefied plastic bottles, Caltrans replaced three lanes of roadway with 100% recycled materials, a first for the state.

By Joe Bousquin • Aug. 26, 2020

Contractors file $16M of liens on Royal Caribbean's Miami headquarters project

The cruise firm has halted work on capital projects because of the COVID-19 pandemic, including on its new $300 million corporate campus that broke ground last year.

By Kim Slowey • Aug. 26, 2020

7 bidding mistakes that can throw off a project

In an era of heightened competition for new work, contractors need to make sure their bids are strong, but avoidable errors can lead to cost overruns or a negative project outcome.

By Kim Slowey • Aug. 26, 2020

The Dotted Line: When should contractors use COVID-19 liability waivers?

Contracts "will all be changed by this worldwide pandemic," one legal expert said. Here's what construction companies need to know about protecting themselves in contracts going forward.

By Kim Slowey • Aug. 25, 2020

Turner Construction takes a zero-tolerance stance toward racist acts

CEO Peter Davoren told Construction Dive that the company's policy against racist and anti-Semitic incidents is designed to send a message to employees, subs, suppliers and other contractors.

By Kim Slowey • Aug. 25, 2020

Building a restaurant? Better make it a drive-thru

Drive-thrus have proven to be a bright spot for the beleaguered restaurant construction sector and have quickly become the differentiating factor for whether new projects can overcome financing hurdles. 

By Joe Bousquin • Aug. 25, 2020

The COVID-19 conundrum: Money is available for new construction projects, but few are breaking ground

While financing is available for the right projects, owners and developers aren't so eager to take a risk on ground-up construction during the uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic.

By Joe Bousquin • Aug. 24, 2020

Take our survey: Are you concerned about a decline in infrastructure work?

Construction Dive wants to know if readers are experiencing a slowdown in civil projects due to the effects of COVID-19.

By Jennifer Goodman • Aug. 21, 2020

Lumber prices soar due to shutdowns, higher demand

Although the price of lumber is at an all-time high, commercial construction’s lack of reliance on the material means the impact will fall largely on residential, according to an expert.

By Zachary Phillips • Aug. 21, 2020