Readers Respond: PPP loans help keep workers on payroll

Of the 92% of respondents to a Construction Dive survey who received Paycheck Protection Program funding, many hope the loans will be forgiven.

By Jennifer Goodman • July 16, 2020

Report: AEC proposal activity at lowest level in a decade

While proposal activity shrank due to COVID-19, a few construction sectors experienced growth in Q2, according to PSMJ Resources.

By Jennifer Goodman • July 15, 2020

Explore the Trendline➔

Labor

A roundup of articles about issues affecting the workforce.

By Construction Dive staff

Materials prices rise for second straight month since COVID-19 crisis began

New analysis shows soaring lumber and petroleum costs were the biggest contributors to rising materials prices for contractors, with lumber prices up 50% since mid April.

By Jennifer Goodman • July 12, 2020

Take our survey: What's your experience with PPP loans?

Construction Dive wants to know: How many of your employees is the Paycheck Protection Program helping to support?

By Jennifer Goodman • July 10, 2020

McHugh Construction rethinks budgets, schedules to focus on new normal

The president of the 123-year-old Chicago-based construction firm talks about tracking virus-related project costs and his fear of complacency.

By Jennifer Goodman • July 9, 2020

Friday Feedback: Should construction be halted in areas showing a rise in COVID-19 cases?

When the coronavirus outbreak first hit the U.S., states and jurisdictions limited nonessential work, including construction. Is it time to consider new shutdowns in order to keep workers safe? Let us know.

By Jennifer Goodman • June 19, 2020

McCarthy regional office is on the front line of key projects

McCarthy Southern California Region President Mike Myers talks about the company's work on essential projects in healthcare, research and infrastructure and its extensive protocols for dealing with COVID-19.

By Jennifer Goodman • June 18, 2020

Lenders' top tips for weathering the COVID-19 crisis

The coronavirus pandemic has made contractors’ relationships with their banks more important than ever. Here’s how to ensure a smooth partnership even during difficult times.

By Jennifer Goodman • June 16, 2020

Beyond PPP: Federal loans, tax credits for contractors

Here's the lowdown on some options other than the Paycheck Protection Program for financial assistance including Main Street loans and CARES Act tax credits.

By Kim Slowey • June 15, 2020

PPP loans now only require 60% of funds for payroll use

Several sought-after changes to make the loan program more useful to contractors and others were signed into law by President Donald Trump. 

By Robert Freedman • June 8, 2020

Construction employment sees record rebound in May

New government employment data points to a sooner-than-expected economic recovery, according to ABC economist Anirban Basu.

By Jennifer Goodman • June 8, 2020

Messer Construction avoids layoffs, prepares for future challenges

Although the Cincinnati-based firm has seen very few projects canceled, company leaders are preparing for a decline in backlog, increased competition and a potential second wave of COVID-19.

By Jennifer Goodman • June 4, 2020

Gilbane exec: COVID-19 will lead to lower material prices

The coronavirus' impact on the supply chain has been "less than expected," Joe Piro, vice president of supply chain for Gilbane Building Co., told Construction Dive.

By Zachary Phillips • June 2, 2020

What new PPP loan guidance means for contractors

The clarifications are intended to make the Paycheck Protection Program more flexible for construction and other businesses while Congress works to expand some of the program's parameters.  

By Kim Slowey • June 2, 2020

Construction industry is like 'a rocket about to take off'

The CEO of one of the country's top electrical subcontracting firms sees U.S. construction slowing, but only temporarily.

By Jennifer Goodman • May 28, 2020

Coronavirus has affected construction the most in these 10 states

More than any others, these states are dealing with historic levels of construction unemployment, a decline in jobsite activity and government shutdowns.

By Jennifer Goodman • May 27, 2020

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

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