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

Steel, roofing materials shortage hamstrings construction

Rising costs, tight supplies and monthslong lead times have pushed companies to delay projects or find substitutes.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Oct. 12, 2021

The top 10 home building companies of 2021

Residential construction is booming. Here is where it's the hottest and which contractors are cashing in the most.

By Jennifer Goodman • Oct. 11, 2021

Intel breaks ground on 2 Arizona chip plants worth $20B

The company plans to gain ground via U.S-based manufacturing in the face of a massive semiconductor shortage.

By Matthew Thibault • Oct. 6, 2021

Alabama to use COVID-19 relief to help construct $1.3B worth of prisons

Gov. Kay Ivey has received sharp criticism for her use of American Rescue Plan funds, including an appeal to the Treasury Department to halt the move.

By Matthew Thibault • Oct. 6, 2021

FMI predicts design-build will continue to grow, despite tough economic environment

Increased demand and spending is on the horizon for the delivery method, even as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, a new study found.

By Matthew Thibault • Oct. 5, 2021

Construction's top stories by the numbers

From top commercial contractors to tax-saving strategies and the priciest sports venues of all time, here is a roundup of nine of Construction Dive's most-read stories this year.

Oct. 1, 2021

The 7 biggest megaprojects that have broken ground this year

Each of these builds, ranging from office towers to arenas, cost over $1 billion.

By Matthew Thibault • Oct. 1, 2021

Shortages have created a 'traffic jam' in construction: Lennar

A lack of labor and items, including vinyl siding and wood windows, are delaying production and creating "a game of whack-a-mole" for the industry.

By Sarah Zimmerman • Sept. 27, 2021

Contractors lost $1.8 trillion globally in 2020 due to bad data, new report says

Bad data also may have caused 14% of all rework, accounting for $88 billion in losses, per Autodesk and FMI Consulting's survey.

By Matthew Thibault • Sept. 22, 2021

Contractors find new ways to cope with elevated lumber prices

Although material price fluctuations have wreaked havoc on construction, labor has become the dominant source in driving costs, experts say.

By Sebastian Obando • Sept. 16, 2021

Delta variant 'significantly' slowing construction recovery, economist says

Two new reports point to the pandemic-related factors that have caused commercial construction spending to decline 4.2% since last year.

By Jennifer Goodman • Sept. 2, 2021

Why recovery won't come easily for small and medium-sized construction firms

Contractors must invest in digital technologies and clean up their balance sheets in order to benefit from the coming post-pandemic boom, writes a contech executive.

By Zaid Rahman • Sept. 1, 2021

Keeping workers safe on civil jobs

Infrastructure work, especially for projects involving moving traffic, is dangerous. It's crucial to recruit workers who are committed to safety.

By Jennifer Goodman • Aug. 31, 2021

SEC approves Nasdaq board diversity rules

The new regulations require Nasdaq-listed companies with six or more directors to have at least two diverse members on their boards.

By Sebastian Obando • Aug. 30, 2021

7 of the best-designed outdoor dining structures in NYC

These award-winning "streateries" have played an important role in keeping restaurants viable during the pandemic.

By Matthew Thibault • Aug. 27, 2021

Nonresidential construction prices soar 23% year over year

While softwood lumber saw a 29% dip in prices since last month, the cost of other types of products used in construction has continued to grow.

By Jennifer Goodman • Aug. 13, 2021

Infrastructure bill contains $100M for construction technology

The Senate's $1.2 trillion package includes $20 million annually over five years to digitize construction processes.

By Matthew Thibault • Aug. 11, 2021

5 roadblocks that could slow construction's recovery

If the industry can overcome these challenges, it will reap decades of unparalleled growth, writes construction attorney Barry B. LePatner.

By Barry B. LePatner • Aug. 6, 2021

8 construction technology firms that made funding waves

From drones to field printers, tech firms are creating innovations for the construction industry and launching multimillion-dollar fundraising rounds.

By Matthew Thibault • Aug. 4, 2021

PPP forgiveness portal opens to business owners

Starting today, the Small Business Administration will allow companies with Paycheck Protection Program loans of $150,000 or less to apply for forgiveness directly.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Aug. 4, 2021

Despite dodging tax hikes in infrastructure bill, contractors could still see higher rates

While U.S. corporations have avoided tax increases in the Senate's proposed plan, public and private contractors could still see rates go up.

By Joe Bousquin • Aug. 4, 2021

Construction employment rate increases, but trails pre-pandemic high

Supply chain constraints and rising materials prices are putting a dent in firms' plans to hire new workers, according to economists.

By Sebastian Obando • Aug. 3, 2021

Granite posts revenue gain, awaits federal infrastructure funding

The California-based contractor is seeing a brisk bid environment while closely watching legislative negotiations on a national infrastructure package. 

By Joe Bousquin • Aug. 2, 2021

Contractors mitigate high prices, supply chain delays with lean construction tactics

Amid a brutal economic scenario, advancements in technology and lean construction are helping contractors stay efficient and profitable.

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • July 26, 2021