Mechanics liens up 40% as COVID-19 pandemic disrupts industry

The increase in liens filed from January through March indicates that contractors and suppliers took action to protect their payments as projects began to shut down in response to the novel coronavirus.

By Kim Slowey • May 21, 2020

Contractors challenged by lack of labor, jobsite tension and delays

Even as projects reopen, enhanced unemployment benefits and health fears are keeping construction workers on the sidelines, said experts during a recent AGC webinar.

By Jennifer Goodman • May 19, 2020

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Labor

A roundup of articles about issues affecting the workforce.

By Construction Dive staff

How a Philadelphia contractor is adapting to slower pace of work amid pandemic

Managers at LOTT Restaurant Construction have refined timelines, employed virtual walkthroughs and researched practices from hospital construction to help the firm and clients evolve in a changing business environment.

By Jennifer Goodman • May 19, 2020

How construction firms can prepare for a potential second wave of COVID-19

Although work is restarting in most jurisdictions, contractors can't let their guard down regarding coronavirus precautions for the future.

By Kim Slowey • May 18, 2020

California transit, road work to continue despite $54B state budget deficit

Gov. Gavin Newom's revised budget instructs the state's DOT to accelerate projects and improve roads as a way to restart California’s economy. 

By Jennifer Goodman • May 15, 2020

What contractors need to know about the Paycheck Protection Program

Attorneys say the big takeaway for construction firms that use PPP loans is to document everything — from the decisions that led to their applications to how they used the proceeds.

By Kim Slowey • May 13, 2020

Backlog, the industry's 'protective shield' continues to decline in every category, region

Some owners are delaying, canceling or rebidding projects in what is perceived to be an emerging buyer's market, said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu.

By Jennifer Goodman • May 12, 2020

Construction loses record-breaking 975K jobs in April amid pandemic

The March-to-April 2020 drop, representing 13% of the industry's workforce, is its largest ever, according to Associated General Contractors.

By Kim Slowey • May 11, 2020

Report: Q1 hotel construction pipeline strong despite pandemic

Hotel projects under construction in the first quarter were at an all-time high, but hotel owners are extending their opening and construction start dates by four to six months.

By Kim Slowey • May 5, 2020

Modular Monitor: Offsite offers unique answers to healthcare systems in a crisis, Part 2

A month after the niche leapt to the occasion to address immediate, mid- and long-term needs, we have a snapshot of its successes and shortcomings, and a revised look at the future.

By Joe Beeton • May 4, 2020

The new normal: 8 ways the coronavirus crisis is changing construction

U.S. jobsites are reopening but construction will not look the same as before the COVID-19 outbreak. Are you ready for the paradigm shift?

By Jennifer Goodman • April 30, 2020

Construction materials manufacturer Continental takes heat over $5.5M PPP loan

The 445-employee Continental reported more than $111 million in revenue last year, and some have pointed to the owners' alleged relationship with President Trump as a reason the company was able to secure so much in short order.

By Kim Slowey • April 28, 2020

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

Cash and the coronavirus: 4 ways contractors can collect and borrow

The ability to maximize cash during and after the pandemic is key to a contractor's survival, financial experts told Construction Dive.

By Kim Slowey • April 22, 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

Shutdown-impacted businesses taking PPP loans may risk losing CARES Act tax benefits

Until rules are out, it's not clear paying expenses with stimulus loan funds will help your business come tax time.

By Robert Freedman • 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

Katerra lays off 7% of workforce in latest round of cuts

The layoffs, which amount to about 400 employees, will help to accelerate the offsite construction firm's "path to profitability," CEO Paal Kibsgaard said.

By Joe Beeton , Zachary Phillips • Updated July 1, 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

Vital actions every construction project needs to take to tackle COVID-19 now

 Every project is struggling with hurdles prompted by COVID-19. Here are ways you can tackle the problems now. 

April 3, 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

Skanska, Balfour Beatty, Jacobs Engineering freeze or cut executive pay

In response to coronavirus-related economic turmoil, public construction firms are also delaying dividends and Fluor is preparing to ward off any hostile takeover bids.

By Jennifer Goodman • April 1, 2020

Contract work in the age of coronavirus: How individuals are overcoming

For contractors, COVID-19 can mean no working. Here’s how you can stay productive during this time.

March 30, 2020

Trump signs emergency coronavirus bill granting paid leave opposed by construction group

The bill contains two key provisions covering workers employed by private entities and individuals that employ fewer than 500 employees.

By Ryan Golden , Jean Dimeo • March 19, 2020