Running on empty: Federal road construction fund set to expire

Even with a congressional extension, the Highway Trust Fund could go broke by August.

By Sharon O'Malley • May 13, 2015

Wage theft reaches 'epidemic' levels among MA construction companies

A federal indictment and a UMass report have uncovered widespread payroll violations.

By Sharon O'Malley • May 13, 2015

Delays continue in process to update OSHA's beryllium rule

Exposure to the metal can lead to a fatal lung disease in construction workers.   

By Sharon O'Malley • May 12, 2015

Young Hispanic construction workers most vulnerable to workplace dangers

A new study blames insufficient training, language barriers and a lack of awareness of safety procedures.

By Sharon O'Malley • May 12, 2015

DC tears down brand-new condo building

After issuing permits to OK construction, the city is claiming the structure could damage the water main it sits on.

By Sharon O'Malley • May 6, 2015

OSHA issues final rule on safety in confined spaces

The new standard aims to protect construction workers from life-threatening hazards.

By Sharon O'Malley • May 3, 2015

CO House 'kill committee' defeats construction defects law

Supporters say homeowner lawsuits are keeping developers from building condos.

By Sharon O'Malley • April 28, 2015

DOL orders 3 UT contractors to pay $700,000 for misclassifying employees

The federal government has been cracking down on the widespread industry practice.

By Sharon O'Malley • April 27, 2015

CA lawmakers' proposal to fast-track building of reservoirs stalls

The state’s four-year-old drought has made the delivery of water to farmland urgent.

By Sharon O'Malley • April 27, 2015

CO likely to kill construction defects reform

The law is blamed for drying up condominium building in the state.

By Sharon O'Malley • April 27, 2015

Senators propose legislation to extend 'Buy America' requirements

Contractors would have to use U.S. steel, iron and manufactured goods.

By Sharon O'Malley • April 24, 2015

Inside the repeal of Indiana's common construction wage law

After weeks of debate and protests, Gov. Mike Pence is expected to sign the hotly contested bill this week.

By Sharon O'Malley • April 23, 2015

Debate over manufactured home bill intensifies after House passes measure

Advocates say changes to Dodd-Frank will ease buying, but opponents say it could invite predatory lending.

By Sharon O'Malley • April 20, 2015

NAHB asks Senate to pass Mortgage Choice Act

The proposed bill would ease homebuyer access to lending, Chairman Tom Woods testified.

By Sharon O'Malley • April 17, 2015

Builders claim Little League demoted son because of dad's housing proposal

The lawsuit alleges Darien, CT, wants to keep affordable units and minority tenants out of the wealthy town.

By Sharon O'Malley • April 15, 2015

Judge, jury, and contractor: Builders find themselves embroiled in legal battles

Two homebuilding giants this month learned the fate of years-long lawsuits.

By Sharon O'Malley • April 15, 2015

Builders balk at EPA's proposed expansion of Clean Water Act

The NAHB claims the new rule would lead to bureaucratic delays and higher costs for home construction.

By Sharon O'Malley • April 15, 2015

Illinois sues 'storm chasers' for swindling homeowners of cash

The attorney general is making an example out of the unscrupulous contractors as a warning to homeowners after last week’s tornadoes.

By Sharon O'Malley • April 15, 2015

Lumber Liquidators faces 5 class-action lawsuits

New allegations about ‘unreliable’ home air quality tests have surfaced.

By Sharon O'Malley • April 14, 2015

Marijuana cultivation could have unintended impact on Oregon homebuilding

The state Legislature is set to decide whether growers may develop farmland for housing.

By Sharon O'Malley • April 14, 2015

Mega-problem for micro-homes: Seattle ruling could slow affordable housing boom

City employees and others have said 150-square-foot units with shared kitchens were immensely popular.

By Sharon O'Malley • April 13, 2015

Bechtel wins permission to fly drones over huge construction sites

The building giant will use the devices to collect and analyze data for safety and efficiency.

By Sharon O'Malley • April 9, 2015

Construction sites turn into crime scenes as violence spikes

Strangers were responsible for some shootings, but co-worker scuffles have resulted in deaths and injuries.  

By Sharon O'Malley • April 8, 2015

Latino worker fatality rate climbs, industry at odds over solutions

Language barriers, lack of union membership, and placement in more dangerous jobs could be contributing to the rising number, experts say.

By Emily Peiffer • April 8, 2015

FEMA lifts 7-year building ban in Sacramento community

Problems with Natomas, CA,'s levees have been resolved, the agency said.

By Sharon O'Malley • April 7, 2015