Economy

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

These 3 construction-related majors provide the most bang for the buck

A new analysis of college degrees with high salaries and strong job security shows several of the best bets are in the construction industry.

By Julie Strupp • Nov. 3, 2021

Locking in materials costs and trade partners early helps A&P mitigate shortages

Adolfson and Peterson is securing materials and subs before projects begin, according to division president Will Pender.

By Leslie Shaver • Nov. 2, 2021

US, EU reach agreement to ease steel and aluminum tariffs

Despite the good news, Canadian lumber tariffs are still driving up costs for builders, NAHB Chair Chuck Fowke said.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Nov. 2, 2021

Granite posts flat revenue amid competitive bidding environment

The California-based contractor said issues such as high material costs, uncertainty over public funding and labor shortages are creating a dim outlook.

By Joe Bousquin • Oct. 29, 2021

Is 'Striketober' the moment construction unions have been waiting for?

The convergence of worker shortages, supply chain snarls and vaccine mandates could give labor the upper hand at the bargaining table, experts say.

By Joe Bousquin • Oct. 28, 2021

Construction's career crisis: Recruiters target young workers driving the Great Resignation

An increasing number of job seekers are open to something new. The trouble is, few are likely to set their sights on construction.

By Ryan Golden • Oct. 25, 2021

Backlog inches lower as material, labor worries weigh on contractors

Shortages of components such as copper and PVC pipes are slowing the industry's growth, according to new economic reports.

By Leslie Shaver • Oct. 22, 2021

HITT hands out COVID-19 bonuses of up to $10,000

The company said that the checks were gestures of appreciation for its employees, who worked in-person throughout the pandemic.

By Matthew Thibault • Oct. 21, 2021

The country's top 25 specialty contractors

Pandemic-related impacts, high materials prices and labor shortages led to a loss of $5.4 billion in revenue, per a new analysis of the subcontractor market.

By Sebastian Obando • Oct. 20, 2021

After years of 'Made in China,' suppliers look to alternatives

The risks of single sourcing from China have been brewing for years, but they bubbled up even more during the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Shefali Kapadia • Oct. 19, 2021

Pricing insanity: Material costs escalate, driving contractor desperation

Amid unprecedented supply chain challenges, firms locked into contracts based on last year's prices are feeling the heat.

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • Oct. 18, 2021