NY contractor failed to pay $76,000 in wages over 15 months

In a deal with the attorney general, Stonehenge Restoration will compensate 21 employees and is subject to future monitoring.

By Sharon O'Malley • July 10, 2015

New HUD rules aim to use housing to undo racial segregation of neighborhoods

Communities that receive federal housing funds would have to work toward integration. Where some see progress, others see social engineering.

By Sharon O'Malley • July 9, 2015

Deck collapse injures 24 in NC, nails deteriorated

Inspectors blamed nails, exposed to salt and moisture, for the accident at a $1.15 million home that inspectors said was likely built to code 29 years ago.

By Sharon O'Malley • July 6, 2015

Past claims against builder could help DA make criminal case in balcony deaths

A judge also denied Segue Construction's request for a restraining order. 

By Sharon O'Malley • July 6, 2015

Homebuilders sue EPA over 'waters of the U.S.' rule

NAHB said it had no other options.Revised regulations could subject roadside ditches and small ponds to Clean Water Act permitting.

By Sharon O'Malley • July 6, 2015

DOJ sues to stop Electrolux from acquiring GE Appliances

Homebuilders are divided on whether the consolidation will increase prices.

By Sharon O'Malley • July 5, 2015

Detroit Red Wings arena developer required to hire 51% local construction workers

Compliance officers will be on the job site to verify resident employment.

By Sharon O'Malley • July 2, 2015

Dry spell: CA water restrictions inspire homebuilder innovation

Builders are finding new ways to deal with lawns, pools and plumbing during the state's longest drought.

By Sharon O'Malley • July 2, 2015

NY legislators ban 'poor doors', defeat de Blasio's 'mansion tax'

Multifamily developers may no longer segregate low-income tenants under the state's new law.

By Sharon O'Malley • July 1, 2015

Berkeley balcony contractor seeks restraining order against DA

The construction firm that built the apartments where six students died has asked to be present for all inspections.

By Sharon O'Malley • July 1, 2015

Congress nixes $10M fund to crack down on worker misclassification

The NAHB opposed the expenditure, saying it might encourage states to find problems "where none exist."

By Sharon O'Malley • June 30, 2015

Construction workers at heightened risk of painkiller abuse

Drug use can delay an injured employee’s return to work and escalate workers’ comp costs.

By Sharon O'Malley • June 30, 2015

NC considers law to exempt builders from taxes on vacant new houses

The measure would reclassify unsold homes as "inventory" to encourage more construction in the state.

By Sharon O'Malley • June 29, 2015

Prosecutors launch criminal investigation in Berkeley balcony collapse

Lawyers have said convictions in construction-defects cases are rare.

By Sharon O'Malley • June 26, 2015

U.S. Supreme Court validates claims of 'unintentional bias' in housing

The justices wrote, however, that the Fair Housing Act may not put developers in a ‘double bind of liability.’

By Sharon O'Malley • June 25, 2015

Inspections, codes under review after Berkeley balcony collapse

The solution, city and state officials say, could be in revamping building codes.

By Sharon O'Malley • June 24, 2015

Brazil requests U.S. assistance in investigation of Petrobras, contractor kickback scandal

The heads of the country’s two biggest construction firms were arrested last week for their alleged involvement.

By Sharon O'Malley • June 23, 2015

Senate votes to strip VA oversight of its own major building projects

The legislation — a result of the Aurora, CO, hospital debacle — signals a major reform of the Department of Veterans Affairs' construction management system.

By Sharon O'Malley • June 22, 2015

PA construction owners indicted for defrauding U.S. DOT

The owners allegedly set up a sham corporation to win federal highway contracts earmarked for disadvantaged firms.

By Sharon O'Malley • June 19, 2015

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