Contractor confidence plummets to record low amid crisis

In the latest Construction Confidence Index from Associated Builders and Contractors, firms reported historic declines in expectations for sales, profit margins and staffing levels.

By Jennifer Goodman • April 24, 2020

Architectural billings continue historic decline

The record drop in demand for design services and new project inquiries reflects the dramatic deceleration of the U.S. economy since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

By Jennifer Goodman • Updated May 20, 2020

Explore the Trendline➔

Preconstruction

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

By Construction Dive staff

Study shows the benefit of real-time 3D technologies

Also known as digital twins, RT3D representations, which allow for evolving, virtual versions of the built environment to be visualized during planning phases, are poised for AEC industry growth. 

By Jennifer Goodman • April 22, 2020

Contractors, Army Corps of Engineers transforming buildings into makeshift hospitals

Contractors are also speeding up on some traditional hospital projects to quickly make room for a soaring number of COVID-19 patients.

By Zachary Phillips • April 22, 2020

April Mailbag: Construction attorney answers readers' coronavirus legal questions

Among other questions, U.S. contractors want to know when their projects are "essential" and what to do if a worker is exposed to COVID-19. 

By Jennifer Goodman • April 21, 2020

Thinking beyond traditional paradigms to finance modular construction

Components are completed faster and with fewer mistakes when they're built in a factory. Here's how to get financing when most lenders say "no."

By Kim Slowey • April 21, 2020

Coronavirus crisis inspires industry collaboration: 'We're all in this together'

Contractors, subs, suppliers and owners are coming together to post photos, lay out best practices and combine insight for toolbox talks to overcome jobsite challenges posed by the pandemic.

By Jennifer Goodman • April 20, 2020

Senate approves additional PPP funds 5 days after original funding runs out

In the first pool of funds, the construction industry received 177,905 loans totaling just under $45 billion, more than any other industry — though some lament that it was just a bandage for now.

By Zachary Phillips • Updated April 22, 2020

Paying employees during a coronavirus-related project suspension: What do federal laws say?

As the number of contractors faced with a project suspension continues to mount, one increasingly common question arises: "Am I obligated to pay my employees for time off during a COVID-19-related suspension?”

By Roscoe Green and Benjamin Briggs • April 17, 2020

Study finds construction safety practices are essential to protecting workers, community during pandemic

The study, commissioned by Austin Mayor Steve Adler, found that keeping the city’s jobsites open with no special safety precautions could triple the number of coronavirus-related hospitalizations in the general population.

By Jennifer Goodman • April 16, 2020

AI-based tool tracks US construction activity, slowdowns

The OxBlue Activity Index provides a near real-time glimpse into the areas of the country that are the most and least affected by coronavirus shutdowns.

By Jennifer Goodman • April 15, 2020

Construction trade unions take different approaches to keeping workers safe during pandemic

Some unions are directing members to stop work on projects that are allegedly failing to enforce COVID-19 safety measures. Others leave it up to the workers.

By Kim Slowey • April 13, 2020

In coronavirus crisis, US construction firms begin turning to layoffs, furloughs

After years of not having enough labor, more construction employers are going to start having to turn job seekers away on a large scale, says Associated Builders and Contractors' chief economist.

By Jennifer Goodman • Updated April 14, 2020

After a coronavirus-related project suspension, take these steps to protect your rights

A force majeure clause should not discourage contractors from taking the steps necessary to preserve their claims, writes attorney Roscoe Green.

By Roscoe Green • April 9, 2020

Trump administration clarifies that paycheck protection loan program applies to all small construction firms

The Treasury Department released new guidance regarding its small business stimulus loans yesterday after the Associated General Contractors of America raised concerns that many small contractors appeared to be excluded.

By Jennifer Goodman • April 8, 2020

Immersive virtual meeting platform allows AECOM to host public project discussions

Developed in response to the need for social distancing, the tool allows clients to remotely host live public discussions on community construction projects with interactive elements.

By Jennifer Goodman • April 8, 2020

Post-coronavirus contingency planning for contractors, owners

When U.S. construction reboots, contractors will face new short-term and long-term challenges. An expert from Turner & Townsend offers ways to prepare.

By Kim Slowey • April 8, 2020

Turner, Rosendin transform Coachella Valley, California, facilities into coronavirus treatment centers

The fast-tracked retrofit of two 1940s-era auditoriums into state-of-the-art medical facilities required a team approach and all-hands-on-deck mentality, Rosendin officials say.

By Jennifer Goodman • April 7, 2020

OSHA cites engineer, 10 contractors in deadly Hard Rock New Orleans collapse

OSHA imposed a total of more than $315,000 in fines for project safety violations, including a willful citation of $154,000 to Heaslip Engineering.

By Kim Slowey • April 7, 2020

AECOM cuts executive and board pay by 20%, CEO Burke remains for now

The company's reported merger talks with Canada-based WSP have also likely stalled due to the coronavirus crisis.

By Jennifer Goodman • April 6, 2020

Analysts predict a temporary coronavirus-related halt to commercial lending

Large transactions will be challenging to consummate now, but the outbreak's impact on U.S. commercial lending will be more like that of 9/11 than the Great Recession, a RCLCO Real Estate Advisors​ official told Construction Dive.

By Jennifer Goodman • April 3, 2020

The right contract provisions can protect construction firms from coronavirus-related shutdown costs

Attorney Roscoe Green says contractors can be on the hook for damages and delays even if a project is suspended for reasons out of their control. 

By Roscoe Green • April 2, 2020

Consultant predicts a post-coronavirus 'construction tsunami'

Contractors should look to predictive models to help plan for getting back to work after the COVID-19 crisis abates, which could be in just over a month, according to a presenter at a recent DBIA webinar.

By Jennifer Goodman • April 2, 2020

Construction Dive survey: Tell us your tech practices during the coronavirus shutdown

We want to hear from more contractors about how they're continuing work during shutdowns. 

By Construction Dive Editors • April 1, 2020

AI app debuted to track jobsite social distancing practices

Using cameras onsite, contractors can enact a virtual safety net to document when workers are moving within 6 feet of each other, Smartvid.io's CEO said.

By Zachary Phillips • April 1, 2020