Report: US government should embrace private sector for infrastructure needs

The Bipartisan Policy Center said P3s can take advantage of the private sector’s capabilities in the areas of construction and maintenance.

By Kim Slowey • May 18, 2016

OSHA fines IL contractor $59K for trench safety violations

The agency said Kellenberger Plumbing & Underground has been cited three times since 2012 for similar excavation and trenching hazards.

By Kim Slowey • May 17, 2016

Third-party building inspectors: A boon for efficiency or 'recipe for potential corruption?'

During construction booms — and as a way to relieve some of the everyday burden of building permitting — the use of third-party inspectors is on the rise.

By Kim Slowey • May 17, 2016

DC zoning changes could open the door for a new wave of tiny houses

Advocates say the relaxing of existing accessory dwelling regulations will help diversify single-family neighborhoods, as well as broaden the area's rental options.

By Kim Slowey • May 17, 2016

Building trades unions riled up over AFL-CIO partnership with billionaire environmentalist

Eight trade union presidents said Tom Steyer's goals go against construction interests, as he could threaten major infrastructure projects.

By Emily Peiffer • May 17, 2016

NAR: Existing home sales poised for 10-year high; 'sluggish' housing starts impede recovery

During an event Thursday, NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun and Sen. Elizabeth Warren addressed government reforms that could trigger stronger growth in the housing market.

By Emily Peiffer • May 13, 2016

Caterpillar eager to dig into Cuban market once Congress lifts embargo

The equipment manufacturer hopes the opportunity to expand into Cuba will help boost its earnings, which have been falling amid declining demand. 

By Kim Slowey • May 13, 2016

OSHA finalizes recordkeeping rule, will make injury data public

Construction industry associations said new recordkeeping and reporting will expose "sensitive" company information and present an unbalanced picture of safety programs.

By Kim Slowey • May 12, 2016

Obama launches climate change-resilient building code initiative

Although the changes will likely raise construction costs, the White House said that for every $1 invested in extreme weather mitigation, $4 of benefits are realized.

By Kim Slowey • May 11, 2016

Canadian developer sentenced to 1-year prison term for real estate fraud

Michael J. Knight reportedly sought investors for his failed condo project even though he was banned from trading in securities or providing real estate services.

By Kim Slowey • May 10, 2016

The Dotted Line: Do lump sum contracts create a simple agreement or potential minefield?

The days of the lump sum contract representing the most straightforward type of construction contract are gone, according to a legal expert.

By Kim Slowey • May 10, 2016

Report: FL officials at odds with Tutor Perini after 'very difficult' dispute process

The Broward County Board of County Commissioners must decide whether the contractor will be a part of the construction team on its new convention center hotel.

By Kim Slowey • May 9, 2016

UPDATE: $1.8B MN infrastructure bill fails in Senate by 1 vote

State Democrats said the proposed bill would have funded more than 300 infrastructure and public works projects.

By Kim Slowey • May 9, 2016

NAHB: Regulatory costs account for 24.3% of new home price

The association has urged Congress to ease the "regulatory burden," which it said has contributed to tightening inventory of rental and for-sale residential units.

By Kim Slowey • May 6, 2016

Quiz: What's your construction safety IQ?

Safety Week 2016 might be over, but you can still find out if you're a construction safety expert.

By Emily Peiffer • May 6, 2016

High-speed rail planners shifting focus to private money after government funding woes

Developers are partnering with international firms who are eager to invest money and technological expertise in U.S. bullet train systems, according to Reuters.

By Kim Slowey • May 6, 2016

The Force isn't strong with Chicago: Lucas considering alternative cities for museum

George Lucas' wife, Mellody Hobson, said the Friends of the Park are denying the city a large "philanthropic gift" by preventing the plans from going forward.

By Kim Slowey • May 5, 2016

Gilbane pushes OSHA to adopt 6-foot mandatory harness rule for all workers

The company said its stringent use of safety harnesses has protected at least 20 employees from potentially fatal falls.

By Kim Slowey • May 5, 2016

Building for earthquake threats: How seismic design can ensure clients 'sleep better'

New buildings in the earthquake-prone areas of the U.S. are the benificiaries of the latest technologies, but the real challenge lies in upgrading existing structures.

By Kim Slowey • May 5, 2016

Report: WA convention center paid Skanska-Hunt $8M in dispute settlement

The agreement allows convention center officials to choose a new contractor for the $1.4 billion renovation.

By Kim Slowey • May 4, 2016

NJ builder fails 21st OSHA inspection, faces $900K in total fines

The agency said the "serial violator" demonstrates the need for OSHA's National Safety Stand-Down, which begins today.

By Kim Slowey • May 2, 2016

Nonunion labor gaining slight foothold in Boston

Trade unions remain strong in the city, but the need for skilled labor and efforts to keep housing affordable have created more opportunities for nonunion workers.

By Kim Slowey • May 2, 2016

CA board approves revised $64B bullet train plan

The changes are considered a way to make up for a funding shortfall and to achieve at least one operating segment.

By Kim Slowey • May 2, 2016

Skanska-Hunt settles $1.4B WA convention center termination dispute

Although terms of the deal were not revealed, Washington State Convention Center officials said they can now move forward in hiring a new contractor.

By Kim Slowey • April 28, 2016

Report: Construction industry sees highest number of Latino, immigrant worker deaths

The AFL-CIO reported that after many years of declines, fatalities in construction began to tick upward from a 9.7 fatality rate in 2013 to 9.8 in 2014. 

By Kim Slowey • April 28, 2016