MI contractor fined $265K for asbestos violations

MIOSHA said DMC Consultants put workers at risk of injury or disease by failing to monitor for asbestos exposure during demolition or use proper protective and decontamination measures.

By Kim Slowey • Oct. 23, 2015

NAHB, NAR urge House to pass bill with 'common-sense changes' to housing programs

The major industry groups have said the new legislation will help low-income and rural buyers, as well as encourage homeownership.

By Kim Slowey • Oct. 23, 2015

San Francisco Bay Area bans wood-burning devices in all new home construction

The region is the first in the U.S. to pass this type of ban, which will go into effect in the fall of 2016.

By Emily Peiffer • Oct. 23, 2015

Contractors fined $87K in WA bridge deaths

A Bonney Valley, WA, couple and their infant son were killed instantly when a concrete barrier fell from a bridge undergoing a partial demolition.

By Kim Slowey • Oct. 22, 2015

How post-Sandy building seeks to 'strike a balance' between safety, development growth

In the three years since Hurricane Sandy devastated the East Coast, local governments have sought to create new building codes that keep their cities safer while still encouraging development.

By Kim Slowey • Oct. 22, 2015

PA contractor accused of worker misclassification scheme

Prosecutors allege that a metal framing and drywall contractor paid misclassified workers through a shell subcontractor in an effort to avoid paying taxes and workers' compensation insurance premiums.

By Kim Slowey • Oct. 21, 2015

PA contractor convicted of involuntary manslaughter for wall collapse deaths

Prosecutors allege that Griffin Campbell’s bid for the demolition project was so low that it led him to cut corners on safety.

By Kim Slowey • Oct. 20, 2015

House proposes $325B, 6-year transportation bill with 3 years of funding

Congress' inability to pass long-term funding authorization has led to a significant decline in nonresidential construction starts in recent months and a climate of uncertainty for construction companies.

By Kim Slowey • Oct. 20, 2015

The coming crackdown: Why penalties for construction owners are on the rise

Executives "better look out and make sure they have their company and their paperwork in order," a legal expert told Construction Dive.

By Kim Slowey • Oct. 19, 2015

CA homebuilders sue school district over unassigned students

Builders say school district trying to squeeze them for extra money in exchange for assigning schools to their development.

By Kim Slowey • Oct. 19, 2015

Chicago suburb considering bird-friendly building regulations

Between 100 million and a billion birds a year die after flying into glass structures.

By Kim Slowey • Oct. 19, 2015

KBR ordered to pay $108K for taking subcontractor kickbacks

Federal officials said managers of the Houston-based contractor improperly accepted expensive dinners, golf outings and event tickets from two subcontractors that had previously settled claims for kickback violations.

By Kim Slowey • Oct. 19, 2015

Houston scaffold collapse injures 6; search for cause continues

The cause of the collapse that trapped six workers is still under investigation.

By Kim Slowey • Oct. 19, 2015

Former U.S. Navy contractor indicted for $1.2M fraud

Andrew Persaud, who faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted, was charged with defrauding 17 subcontractors after allegedly lying to the Navy that the subs had been paid.

By Kim Slowey • Oct. 16, 2015

Defying de Blasio, NYC officials support union-based housing plan

The proposed AFL-CIO Housing Investment Trust partnership is at odds with the foundation of the mayor's own affordable housing plan.

By Kim Slowey • Oct. 16, 2015

Contractor arrested for allegedly defrauding Hurricane Sandy victim of $100K

Officials estimate 80% of all contractor complaints in two New Jersey counties are Sandy-related.

By Kim Slowey • Oct. 15, 2015

Seattle plans to terminate contract with developer after blackmail allegations

Mayor Ed Murray said he is looking into ways to end the contract, which offers redevelopment rights for a $400 million project across from City Hall, with Triad Capital Partners earlier than the initial expiration date.

By Kim Slowey • Oct. 15, 2015

NYC affordable housing construction soars

Participation in the city's voluntary inclusionary housing program spiked in anticipation of Mayor Bill de Blasio's proposed changes.

By Kim Slowey • Oct. 14, 2015

Researchers score $650K grant to improve construction equipment safety

Teams from two universities and other industry groups hope to find a way to make crane operations safer on construction sites.

By Kim Slowey • Oct. 14, 2015

Evolving construction technology: A boon for business — or a liability?

The second day of the CMAA conference was full of technology talk, as experts addressed the exciting new possibilities, as well as potential negative consequences.

By Emily Peiffer • Oct. 13, 2015

Do affordable housing mandates break the bank for builders?

As controversy over inclusionary requirements pops up across the U.S., developers are pushing back. But is there any possibility for a compromise?

By Kim Slowey • Oct. 13, 2015

Anchorage considers building ordinance updates to aid development

Anchorage residents and businesses favor the ordinance, as long as it spurs development without blocking the winter sun.

By Kim Slowey • Oct. 13, 2015

MTA, NYC reach deal on $29B transit project

Repairs and expansion can finally begin on the MTA system after a standoff between the mayor and the governor ends.

By Kim Slowey • Oct. 13, 2015

9 workers injured in CA highway collapse

Nine workers were injured when a section of the highway fell and struck a beam near their work area.

By Kim Slowey • Oct. 13, 2015

Baltimore firm finds a market in contractor-homeowner disputes

Startup hopes its service protection plan will help contractors earn customers' trust.

By Kim Slowey • Oct. 13, 2015