House votes to approve Keystone XL, sending measure to Obama

The bill, passed Wednesday with a 270-152 vote, could represent the first veto battle between the president and the newly elected Republican-led Congress.

By Emily Peiffer • Feb. 11, 2015

Ferguson, MO, legislator pushes to end discrimination in construction hiring

The pro-labor politician has introduced a right-to-work bill that would apply only to building contractors.

By Sharon O'Malley • Feb. 9, 2015

What's next in the Keystone XL Pipeline debate

Despite the Senate's approval of the measure and Obama's pending decision, the issue is far from over.

By Randy Lilleston • Jan. 30, 2015

Senate passes bill to construct Keystone XL pipeline

The controversial bill could reach the White House as soon as next week, but the threat of a veto is still present.

By Emily Peiffer • Jan. 29, 2015

Dispatch from IBS 2015: Solutions to common OSHA violations

Lawyer Brad Hammock addresses how to prepare for inspection during a time of heightened scrutiny.

By Mattie Quinn • Jan. 20, 2015

OSHA's top 10 job site safety violations in 2014

As usual, inadequate fall protection tops the list.

By Sharon O'Malley • Jan. 4, 2015

Obama's immigration overhaul order draws mixed reactions from industry

Some said the measure will welcome millions of potential ‘legal’ laborers, while others claimed it falls short of permanent change.

By Sharon O'Malley • Dec. 9, 2014

Shea Homes is subject of Seattle's largest-ever class-action lawsuit

The big builder’s ongoing battle involves 1,500 Trilogy Redmond Ridge homeowners.

By Sharon O'Malley • Nov. 26, 2014

Visa deal could prompt more Chinese to buy homes in U.S.

Longer stays mean the children of foreign nationals can be educated here.

By Sharon O'Malley • Nov. 18, 2014

OSHA investigates 3 construction firms in 'tape measure' killing

A 58-year-old man who died when the object fell 50 stories and landed on his head was not wearing a hard hat.

By Sharon O'Malley • Nov. 18, 2014

Search underway for construction crew that dumped concrete into sewer

The city of Seattle intends to bill the culprit for the $350,000 repair once it learns who did it.

By Sharon O'Malley • Nov. 13, 2014

Legalized marijuana: The newest frontier for Realtors, property managers?

How long until builders start marketing bonus rooms designed for growing cannabis?

By Sharon O'Malley • Nov. 11, 2014

Census: Vets more likely to own homes than civilians

A VA program that forgives the down payment on expensive homes is set to expire in December.

By Sharon O'Malley • Nov. 10, 2014

OSHA considers new standards for electrical safety on job sites

Public may comment and offer information until late December.

By Sharon O'Malley • Nov. 6, 2014

Federal judge rejects 'unintentional bias' housing claims

The Supreme Court is set to rule on a similar case in June, which likely will settle the contentious matter.

By Sharon O'Malley • Nov. 5, 2014

Construction coalition fights OSHA over crane operator rules

The group contends that multiple certifications are unnecessary.

By Sharon O'Malley • Oct. 30, 2014

Toll Brothers founder calls plan to ease down payment requirement 'dumb'

Execs from Pulte and Ryland said the new rules could spur home buying.

By Sharon O'Malley • Oct. 27, 2014

Mortgage down payments could drop as low as 3%

New federal rules are expected to make it easier for homeowners to qualify for loans.

By Sharon O'Malley • Oct. 23, 2014

NC considers laws to stop construction companies from misclassifying employees

Claiming workers are ‘independent contractors’ shorts state and federal tax coffers, a recent investigation revealed.

By Sharon O'Malley • Oct. 20, 2014

It's getting more expensive to build affordable houses

Neighborhood opposition and city requirements can escalate expenditures.

By Sharon O'Malley • Oct. 17, 2014

Colorado city says 'no' to construction-defects law

A measure in Lakewood, CO, gives builders the right to repair problems before legal action is allowed.

By Sharon O'Malley • Oct. 15, 2014

Builders put Florida beach house on wrong lot

Keystone Homes is negotiating with property owners with the hope the home can stay where it is.

By Sharon O'Malley • Oct. 14, 2014

Elderly homeowners sue Shea Homes for third time over water intrusion

Their complaint alleges the home builder knew about the problems but did not reveal them.

By Sharon O'Malley • Oct. 12, 2014

Boston's mayor proposes 1% property tax increase to help build affordable housing

Developers will pick up part of the tab by paying higher fines and fees.

By Sharon O'Malley • Oct. 10, 2014

Construction lawyers are busy as industry activity increases

Attorneys are handling more cases involving defects, warranties, and change orders.

By Sharon O'Malley • Oct. 9, 2014