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

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from Construction Dive

Construction Dive editors curate some of the industry’s top stories from this year.

By Construction Dive staff

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

Economist: Construction industry resilient despite high prices, pandemic

“I find it remarkable that so much normalcy has returned to the construction industry,” said Associated Builders and Contractors' Anirban Basu.

By Matthew Thibault • July 19, 2021

Multifamily developer expands to commercial projects

Alliance Residential aims to tap into the growing demand for warehouses and distribution centers with its new launch.

By Jeffrey Steele • July 19, 2021

5 strategies construction firms use to lower their taxes

From depreciation and carrying forward losses to research and development credits, public contractors rely on an array of tactics to help minimize tax bills.

By Joe Bousquin • July 8, 2021

AGC to Biden administration: Stop 'paying people not to work'

Contractors are looking to the federal government for help with labor shortages and material price escalations and delays.

By Jennifer Goodman • July 7, 2021

AEC firms to snare $126B under bipartisan infrastructure deal

A new analysis of the direct impact of the most recent infrastructure proposal projects $416 billion in annual output by 2026, a rise of 18%.

By Joe Bousquin • June 30, 2021

Construction input prices jump 24%

A new analysis tracks the materials that have skyrocketed the most since last year, including softwood lumber, which is up 154%.

By Jennifer Goodman • June 16, 2021