Builder of Berkeley apartments with collapsed balcony faced prior lawsuit, OSHA violations

A local television news crew found a dozen violations from the federal agency and a legal complaint about the balconies on another property built by Segue Construction.

By Sharon O'Malley • June 19, 2015

Deck disasters: How can builders help prevent tragedy?

This week's fatal balcony collapse in Berkeley, CA, has brought heightened attention to structural safety issues. Builders can learn from past cases and educate homeowners to avoid accidents.

By Sharon O'Malley • June 18, 2015

LA Gov. Jindal retains construction funding authority as legislative reform attempt fails

Lawmakers have said the governor uses his control over project spending as leverage to win votes for unrelated legislation.

By Sharon O'Malley • June 18, 2015

CA Supreme Court: Developers must offer affordable housing at city's request

The judges unanimously shot down a suit calling the practice unconstitutional.

By Sharon O'Malley • June 17, 2015

DOJ to prosecute roofing company owner for worker's death

The case is a rarity in the industry, as company execs aren't often indicted for workplace fatalities.

By Sharon O'Malley • June 17, 2015

Midwestern conservatives aim to kill 'prevailing wage' laws

Indiana took the lead when it scrapped its statute in April.

By Sharon O'Malley • June 17, 2015

Construction resumes in Sacramento community after 7-year FEMA-imposed ban

Natomas, CA, has received more than 1,000 applications from contractors looking to finish partially completed projects that were interrupted by the federal moratorium.

By Sharon O'Malley • June 17, 2015

MN builders bugged by new termite prevention requirement

HUD has deemed the southern part of the state at a "slight to moderate risk" of infestation.

By Sharon O'Malley • June 12, 2015

NYC public works construction workers earn up to 177% more than private sector: Report

Prevailing wages are a hot-button issue in the city, as government officials debate whether to include a new requirement in a reform package.

By Sharon O'Malley • June 12, 2015

5 construction industry firms score FAA exemptions for drones

A Dayton, OH, commercial contractor is the latest to get the coveted permission.

By Sharon O'Malley • June 12, 2015

House narrowly passes transportation bill with Amtrak funding cuts

The Republican-backed measure allots $40.3 billion to the Highway Trust Fund.

By Sharon O'Malley • June 11, 2015

DC zoning panel finalizes regulations for pop-up rowhouses

The city commission voted to limit the height of the skinny structures to 35 feet and restrict builders from dividing them into more than two condo units.

By Sharon O'Malley • June 11, 2015

MT city considers 1% 'public art' fee on commercial construction

Officials estimate that Helena, MT, could raise $670,000 over two years with the measure.

By Sharon O'Malley • June 10, 2015

NYC mayor proposes 'mansion tax' to pay for affordable housing plan

Bill de Blasio's suggested surcharge on $1.75 million homes would help raise the $1.9 billion still needed, but it faces significant opposition from some legislators.

By Sharon O'Malley • June 9, 2015

TX law permits homeowners to install solar panels during neighborhood construction

The new measure stops developers from requiring owners to wait until a subdivision is 100% complete before altering their houses.

By Sharon O'Malley • June 8, 2015

San Francisco kills proposed moratorium on luxury apartments, condos

Opponents said the measure would exacerbate a citywide housing shortage, but supporters claimed high rents are displacing residents.

By Sharon O'Malley • June 4, 2015

NJ contractor banned from remodeling, fined $6.3M

The remodeler violated 571 consumer protection laws, according to a lawsuit.

By Sharon O'Malley • June 3, 2015

OSHA slaps Formica Construction with $121K penalty following worker's death

The 43-year-old man died on a job site when an unsupported mezzanine caved in.

By Sharon O'Malley • June 2, 2015

Ready, set, wait: 10 factors for construction owners to consider before implementing drones

While waiting for FAA approval, companies should plan, train and insure employees who will use the unmanned aircrafts.

By Sharon O'Malley • June 2, 2015

FL braces for hurricane season with strict building codes

Half a million homes built since the last devastating storm were designed to withstand the weather.

By Sharon O'Malley • June 2, 2015

OSHA investigates worker's death following 20-foot fall

The subcontractor and Ashworth Homes could be held responsible if violations are found.

By Deborah Barrington • May 28, 2015

Where Washington sees progress, builders see hurdles and delays

Industry groups say Obama’s executive order is redundant because contracting officers currently have the power to stop businesses with dubious records from receiving federal contracts.

By Deborah Barrington • May 28, 2015

Obama bypasses Congress to expand builder-opposed EPA water rule

The NAHB, ABC, and others have expressed concern that the measure will hinder projects on private land.

By Emily Peiffer • May 28, 2015

Congress punts permanent transportation funding solution; sends stopgap to Obama

However, both Democrats and Republicans have recognized the necessity of compromising on a more permanent solution.

By Emily Peiffer • May 26, 2015

Congress agrees to temporary spending cap bump for VA hospital

It took some convincing for House Speaker John Boehner, who believes the Department of Veterans Affairs needs to find its own solution, to agree to the funding extension.

By Emily Peiffer • May 21, 2015