Economy

Report: Materials prices soared 20% in 2021

The high cost of construction materials could damage the industry's recovery in 2022, according to the Associated General Contractors of America.

By Matthew Thibault • Jan. 14, 2022

The 5 contech trends that will power jobsites in 2022

From data usage to 3D printing and more, construction tech is poised to blast off this year.

By Matthew Thibault • Jan. 12, 2022

Explore the Trendline➔

Labor

A roundup of articles about issues affecting the workforce.

By Construction Dive staff

Despite new federal ruling, Alabama proceeds with plans to build prisons with COVID-19 relief funds

The Treasury Department's ruling said that American Rescue Plan funds generally may not be used to build prisons.

By Matthew Thibault • Jan. 12, 2022

2022's biggest construction conferences

Many in-person industry events are back on this year. Here is the full rundown.

By Matthew Thibault • Jan. 12, 2022

7 things we know (so far) about the infrastructure act

While much of the spending package is still coming into focus, there’s a lot that construction leaders can start planning for.

By Julie Strupp • Jan. 11, 2022

Economic outlook: The issues that will boost, challenge construction in 2022

Obstacles including inflation, pricing woes, omicron and more will continue into the new year, as developers face a now-or-never moment to build. 

By Joe Bousquin • Jan. 10, 2022

5 CRE trends will drive the market in 2022

These hurdles and opportunities are changing how — and where — commercial real estate developers are looking to turn dirt, according to a new report.

By Sebastian Obando • Jan. 7, 2022

How COVID-19, supply chain woes hit contractor backlogs

During the pandemic, construction backlog data tracked the swings of COVID-19 closely. Now, it gives a unique view of what lies ahead.

By Joe Bousquin • Dec. 15, 2021

Public contractor backlog weathers ups, downs during the pandemic

Companies that cater to oil and gas have struggled, while those in sectors like warehouses and infrastructure experienced a boost in new work.

By Leslie Shaver • Dec. 13, 2021

How these public contractors' backlogs changed during the pandemic

Though COVID-19 has disrupted the pipelines of Fluor, Tutor Perini and other public construction firms, most have been resilient, analysts say.

By Leslie Shaver • Dec. 9, 2021

New report examines roadblocks to construction's digital transformation

A Dodge Construction Network survey found that while industry workers are open to change, barriers like tech issues and bad data stand in the way of further digitizing their work.

By Matthew Thibault • Dec. 8, 2021

Infrastructure drives new opportunities, risks for construction, report finds

The international construction market is set for a sustained period of growth, with modular building and renewable energy projects taking on a major role, according to global insurance firm Allianz.

By Sebastian Obando • Dec. 6, 2021

The top 12 drivers of construction disputes and how to avoid them

A new HKA study shows design issues have eclipsed scope changes as the top cause of claims in the U.S.

By Julie Strupp • Nov. 30, 2021

Report: $61B lost per year due to waste, inefficiency in 811 utility system

A new study found that while problems with the country's "call before you dig" system are large, they can be mitigated.

By Matthew Thibault • Nov. 24, 2021

All-electric Ford F-150 Lightning sparks interest as electric vehicles make waves

Pickup truck aficionados and first-timers alike are anticipating new electric releases from Ford, Tesla, Rivian and Chevy.

By Matthew Thibault • Nov. 19, 2021

5 graphs that illustrate construction's challenging year

Elevated materials costs, labor woes, inflation and more made for a difficult 12 months for contractors, but there are positive signals too.

By Julie Strupp • Nov. 18, 2021

Biden signs long-awaited $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill

The legislation includes $110 billion for roads and bridges and $66 billion for passenger and freight rail.

By S.L. Fuller • Updated Nov. 15, 2021

Federal, state partnership aims to expedite port, infrastructure projects in California

Projects that could receive support through the agreement include port upgrades, expanded capacity for freight rail and inland storage facilities.

By Max Garland • Nov. 16, 2021

How the pandemic has affected the just-in-time inventory approach

The lean model, in which businesses aim to match their level of inventory to demand, has been challenged in recent months by supply chain upheaval.

By Matt Leonard • Nov. 15, 2021

Homebuilder combats critical supply chain shortages

Drees Homes has found creative workarounds for delayed materials, like assisting homeowners with buying their own appliances and working closely with trades teams.  

By Leslie Shaver • Nov. 10, 2021

'Once-in-a-generation' $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill heads to Biden's desk

The legislation, long-awaited by many in construction, includes $110 billion for roads and bridges and $66 billion for passenger and freight rail.

By Julie Strupp • Nov. 8, 2021

6 things construction companies should know about the Biden tax proposals

As the fourth quarter is in full swing and the end of the year quickly approaches, it is traditionally the time for business owners to meet with their advisors and discuss year-end tax planning.

By Andrew Schoenemann, CPA, Conor Barnes, CPA, Joseph Breen, CPA • Nov. 8, 2021

Construction spending falls in NYC, but outlook is positive

Total construction spending in the Big Apple remains down from pre-pandemic levels, but is expected to rebound in the next few years.

By Sebastian Obando • Nov. 5, 2021

News report: Evergrande's unfinished $1.8B stadium taken over by Chinese government

The government agency hopes to sell the struggling real estate giant's project in Guangzhou, Reuters reported.

By Matthew Thibault • Updated Nov. 29, 2021

Biden announces actions to boost US supply chain resiliency

"​​​​​Now that we have seen how vulnerable these lines of global commerce can be, we cannot go back to business as usual," the president said at the G20 Summit in Rome.

By Colin Campbell • Nov. 3, 2021