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HEADLINES ADDED: September 24, 2008
Eight busted in raids on Scottish construction sites
Police have continued their crackdown on rogue security firms in Scotland, raiding seven construction sites in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire.... Read More
Edmund Nuttall wins Olympic park building contract
Edmund Nuttall has won the contract to build one of the largest new parks in Europe in 150 years at London’s Olympic Park.... Read More
Solar Power in Building Design: The Engineer's Complete Design Resource
By Peter Gevorkian. McGraw Hill Book Company. Price: $99.95. Publish Date: 07/2007... Read More
Green From the Ground Up: Sustainable, Healthy and Energy Efficient Home Construction
By David Johnston. Taunton Press. Price: $24.95. Publish Date: 04/2008... Read More
Engineering Guide to LEED: New Construction: Sustainable Construction for Engineers
By Liv Haselbach. McGraw Hill Book Company. Price: $99.95. Publish Date: 05/2008... Read More
Will ‘green’ buildings and building products survive economic downturn
Will the vogue for ‘green’ buildings and building products be able to survive the current economic downturn? The logic for saying ‘no’ goes like this. Finances are more pinched; people become more interested in simple cost equations; and the motivation to look at more environmentally friendly options dissipates. Whatever the cost implication (good, bad or [...]... Read More
Construction Outlook 3Q 2008
According to FMI’s Construction Outlook: The outlook for 2008 has been revised downward for residential and upward for nonresidential construction. Nonresidential starts from 2007 will prop up put in place construction in 2008. The pain from decreasing starts in 2008 will not be felt until 2009. The outlook for 2009 has been revised downward for both residential and nonresidential construction. Heather Jones, construction economist for FMIs Research Services returns as a guest on the Construction Business Podcast to dig into the findings of the recent report and explain some... Read More
De-leveraging threatens construction demand
Financial markets are rapidly de-leveraging, drastically reducing the amount of financial capital available for capital investment. After a shake out and adjustment period, the cost of funds for construction and other capital investments will be much higher after seven years of cheap capital. And the lingering lack of trust in the solvency of private financial institutions will keep their borrowing cost – and, hence their lending rates – higher than normal relative to risk free government bonds for many months.. Both the economy and construction will be stuck in... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: September 22, 2008
Contractors Learn about the Benefits of Polyurea Coating
Twenty-five people from all over the United States recently attended a “polyurea/polyuspartic” coating seminar in Springfield, MA. Core Construction Products of Wilbraham, MA, along with Advanced Resin Coatings of Palmer, MA, held a full-day event and educated many about the advantages of the revolutionary coatings.... Read More
Building The Wake Forest Bypass
Barnhill Contracting Company is at work on the third and final section of the Wake Forest Bypass. The $11.5-million, 1.55-mile project runs from U.S. 1 west to N.C. 98/Durham Road. Additional work on the 11 tie-in roads, including realigning Falls of the Neuse Road and Old N.C. 98, adds about another mile to the project, which started in March 2008.... Read More
McHugh Building Arch Bridge Over Fox River
James McHugh Construction Co. enjoys unique and challenging projects. That's why the Chicago-based general contracting, construction management and consulting firm is thrilled to be building a spectacular, 10-span arch bridge over the Fox River on the Reagan Memorial Tollway (I-88) in North Aurora, IL.... Read More
Going for the Gold
Bradbury Stamm, an 85-year-old Albuquerque-based construction company, and the architecture firm Dekker/Perich/Sabatini have been awarded the $36-million contract and have begun work on the first LEED school in the Albuquerque Public School system. The contract for the as-yet-unnamed middle school is a milestone for APS in at least two criteria.... Read More
NHGRA Hosts 61st Annual Equipment Show
The New Hampshire Good Roads Association held their 61st annual equipment Show, clambake and golf tournament at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, NH, on July 24 and 25. The state's largest heavy equipment show provided a good opportunity for attendees to see the latest in highway construction and maintenance equipment and take part in equipment demonstrations and contests.... Read More
Stormwater Management – A Green Construction Issue
Stormwater management is a significant green/sustainable construction issue and one can obtain LEED points for implementing it. That was not the case only 15 years ago, however, when stormwater management was not at the top of the list for consideration when it came to new construction projects. “No one really talked about 'green' then,” said Gregory Yazhbin, plant manager at Rink...... Read More
3 million housing target will not meet population growth
The government’s target to build 3 million new homes by 2020 needs boosting if it is to meet the UK’s population growth, a new report claims.... Read More
Housing market 'on its knees', says report
The UK housing market is “on its knees” with “little chance of beginning its recovery”, according to a survey of property prices.... Read More
Interbuild 2008 is drawing ever closer
Interbuild 2008 is drawing ever closer. This year’s event takes place on 26-30 October at Birmingham NEC. New features include the Village, which explores cutting-edge construction methods to meet both private and public sector requirements.... Read More
Court clarifies public works contract claims procedures in relation to government tort claim procedures
On August 25, 2008, a California appellate court held that compliance with the claims procedures set forth in a public works contract relieves a contractor from the requirement to file a government tort claim prior to filing a lawsuit, unless the contract expressly mandates that a government tort claim also be filed. (Arntz Builders v. City of Berkeley (2008) 166 Cal.App.4th 276.)The case involved a construction contract between Arntz Builders (Arntz) and the City of Berkeley (City) for the renovation of the Berkeley Central Library. The contract set forth... Read More
Manley McLachlan: British Columbia’s new drug testing policy emphasizes health and safety
The recent announcement by the Construction Labour Relations Association of B.C. (CLRABC) and the Bargaining Council of British Columbia Building Trades Unions (BCBCBTU) on the ground breaking policy for workplace drug testing in construction is noteworthy, writes Manley McLachlan, president of the British Columbia Construction Association.... Read More
Worker dies after fall from ladder at Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario job site
A construction worker has died from an injury sustained at the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario job site after a fall from a ladder.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: September 20, 2008
Cranes and Derricks Standard to Be Published Oct. 3
It will create four options for qualification or certification of crane operators and apply to an estimated 96,000 cranes in the United States.... Read More
The Top 400 Contractors SourceBook
For large contractors, 2007 was close to the best of times. While the housing market was collapsing, most other markets continued to show strength. But contractors now are seeing signs of a downturn and are bracing for tougher times ahead.... Read More
Feds To Publish Crane Rule Next Month
As crane experts gathered in Toronto Sept. 18 to discuss issues plaguing crane workers, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration sent out advance-review drafts of a forthcoming rule to members of its Cranes and Derricks Negotiated Rulemaking Committee (C-DAC), which in 2004 hammered out an update to OSHA's decades-old crane regulation.... Read More
Emory Freshman Live "Green"
Emory University opened the doors to the school year with two new "green" freshman residence halls. Known as Few and Evans, they are the second and third residence halls to open that the university anticipates will achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification through the U.S. Green Building Council. ... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: September 19, 2008
Taggart Homes puts Northern Ireland building projects on hold
Londonderry-based housebuilder Taggart Homes has put its entire Northern Ireland building programme on hold.... Read More
NFPA 70E 2009 Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace
By 70E - 2009. NFPA. Price: $51.5. Publish Date: 08/2008... Read More
Kier to scrap private housebuilding in favour of social housing
Kier has announced it is planning an exit from private housebuilding to concentrate on social housing.... Read More
Housing body says government 3m target 'almost impossible'
The National Housing Federation (NHF) has warned it will be “almost impossible” for the government to reach its target of building 3m homes by 2020.... Read More
C46: California Solar Contractors' Exam Study Tool CD Only
By QuickPass. Builders Book. Price: $99.95... Read More
C46 Solar Home Seminar Course California Contractor's Exam
By Paul Lucente. Builders Book. Price: $99.95... Read More
Financial crisis set off by overregulation
The financial crisis is quickly spreading from a handful of large financial firms to every financial institution and to everyone with an insurance policy, an investment account, a pension or a job. The original crisis is real and serious but the fallout in the last few days is artificial, probably brief, but even more serious for the economy and construction spending if it is not handled correctly. It is due to overregulation of the financial markets which put investment managers in a catch-22 position. So far the Treasury and... Read More
Beijing’s Bird Nest Architects Reveal Houses Stacked In Manhattan’s Sky
Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron revealed their latest design earlier this week: 57 stories of apartments that emulate a Jenga game…in mid-play. The cantilevered design will contain 145 two to five bedroom apartments, all with private open space accessible through 12 foot high glass doors. British artist Anish Kapoor designed the metallic sculpture at the bottom (the thing that looks like a giant drop of mercury). Amenities include a 75 foot infinity edge pool, a library, a daycare, and 14 foot high window walls in your unique apartment that may or may... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: September 16, 2008
3 Contractors Connected with Fatal NY Crane Collapse Fined $313,500
"This case illustrates in stark terms that failure to follow required procedures can have wide-ranging and catastrophic consequences," said OSHA chief Edwin G. Foulke Jr.... Read More
Four Workers Die in Nebraska Highway Construction Accident
... Read More
10 golden rules for keeping your company safe from the downturn
Worried about the downturn? Barry Knight of law firm Smith & Williamson highlights the 10 golden rules for keeping a construction company on track.... Read More
Fraud costs construction companies £8m globally
Construction companies blighted by theft, mismanagement and corruption have lost almost £8m over the past three years to fraud.... Read More
Morgan Ashurst wins £8.8m student homes deal
Morgan Ashurst has bagged an £8.8m contract to build a nine storey student residence in Shadwell, east London, for Unite Group.... Read More
JLC's Construction Tips and Techniques
By Journal of Light Construction. Hanley Wood, LLC. Price: $32.5. Publish Date: 10/2006... Read More
Lehman Brothers’ bankruptcy will weaken commercial construction
Contractors and developers should expect a few days to a few weeks of financial chaos with volatile credit rates and delayed access to credit from the bankruptcy over the weekend of the Lehman Brothers investment bank. Then the consequences for construction will be somewhat lower short term credit rates as the FRB adds liquidity to minimize additional bank failure but somewhat higher long term credit rates in response to the eventual inflationary impact of the added liquidity. Economic growth is likely to slow even further later this year in... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: September 15, 2008
Stephen Williams to leave as HSE chief inspector of construction
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) chief inspector of construction Stephen Williams is to leave his post to oversee health and safety at the 2012 Olympics.... Read More
Oregon OSHA Increases Tower Crane Inspections
The agency said it will evaluate the program's effectiveness and findings in July 2009.... Read More
Highway Crossovers Built In 48 Hours
s rising flood waters threatened to cut the main interstate highway connecting two of Wisconsin's principal cities, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) and a group of contractors led by Hoffman Construction Co. built two highway crossovers in about 48 hours to keep traffic flowing.... Read More
Reconstructing Grand River Avenue
An over 2-mile, $8.1-million concrete reconstruction and overlay of Grand River Avenue in Livingston County, MI, includes widening the road between US-23 and Pleasant Valley Road from two lanes to three, four and five lanes. An existing five-lane pavement between the Brighton city limits and northbound US-23 will be milled and overlaid.... Read More
Dewatering Challenge In Pensacola
In Pensacola, FL, Roads Inc. was recently called on to tackle a number of site work, road building and infrastructure construction challenges at a project located along Highway 98. The job was to install a new turning lane on U.S. 98 at the site of a recently constructed bank. Work included not only constructing the new turn lane but also installing new guard rail and an 80-foot-long double run...... Read More
Compact Dump Trucks — Big Opportunities
50-Acre Site Prep Project In New Jersey Sunrise Unlimited, a full-service landscape and construction company in Mays Landing, NJ, recently purchased the unique Hydrema 912C articulated dump to handle their specific landscaping and construction needs at residential developments. Sunrise is currently working on a 50-plus-acre residential project, which will consist of 88 homes when completed.... Read More
Liverpool firm fined £15,000 after fall from height
A Liverpool construction firm has been fined £15,000 after failing to implement safe systems for working at height.... Read More
GB Building Solutions: £15.2m schools contract in Northumberland
GB Building Solutions has won £15.2m worth of primary schools work as part of Northumberland County Council's framework deal.... Read More
Court clarifies subcontractor substitution requirements
A California appellate court recently clarified the requirements for substitution of a subcontractor on a public works project under Public Contract Code sections 4100-4114. (Titan Electric Corp. v. Los Angeles Unified School District (2008), 160 Cal.App.4th 188.) Public Contract Code section 4107 prohibits a contractor on a public works project from substituting a subcontractor unless the public agency consents to the substitution, and one of nine specific statutory circumstances has occurred. Section 4107 also requires the public agency to provide notice to the subcontractor being removed and to conduct... Read More
How to Succeed With Your Construction Business
... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: September 12, 2008
Maryland Moves to Toughen Crane-Safety Regulations
... Read More
Electrical Worker Death Could Have Been Prevented, Experts Say
A man was killed after being electrocuted while doing overnight construction work on a Wal-Mart in Walpole, Mass. According to the Boston Globe, Romulo Santos, a 47-year-old Brazilian immigrant, was re-attaching electrical wires that had been knocked down by a construction crew.... Read More
Report: Trucking Hazards, Injuries High in Washington State
"Injury rates in trucking are far above the state average for all industries combined," said Barbara Silverstein of L&I's Safety and Health Assessment and Research for Prevention (SHARP).... Read More
Tragic Collapse Site Now Houses a Monumental Milestone
Working under a relentless public spotlight and through a cold winter, a design-build team is wrapping up construction of the new Interstate 35W bridge in Minnesota.... Read More
Worker Crushed at Michigan DOT Construction Site
A worker was killed Sept. 10 at 5 p.m. on the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) I-75 Ambassador Bridge Gateway Project. The accident occurred at one of the new bridges under construction at the Gateway site connecting I-75 to the Ambassador Bridge Plaza.... Read More
Electrical Wiring Residential: Based on the 2008 National Electrical Code NEC, 16th Edition
By Ray C. Mullin. Delmar Publishers. Price: $89.95. Publish Date: 12/2007... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: September 11, 2008
Firm fined £75,000 after crush accident
A Cornish quarry company has been fined £75,000 after a worker was killed after getting caught in a machine designed to crush rocks.... Read More
Walkie Talkies An Obstacle For Burj Dubai
No one ever said that building the largest freestanding structure on earth would be easy, but when Samsung Engineering and Construction began building the Burj Dubai, they never suspected that it would be their walkie-talkies that would be a problem. According to Samsung’s project manager, Chang Geun Lee, the problems began at about 30 floors. “We started to experience delays or no connection between the thirty-first and the ground floors, particularly in the core of the building,” said Lee. Simply put, the walkie-talkies did not have the range necessary... Read More
Construction managers and engineers head skills shortage list
Britain needs more construction managers and engineers, according to a provisional list of shortage occupations drawn up by immigration authorities.... Read More
The Hidden Risks of Green Buildings
Avoiding post-construction moisture and mold problems is a big concern among green building experts. We must not, however, abandon sustainability as a concept. Rather, let’s combine best practices with new ideas.... Read More
Wage and Hour Issues
Construction employers who fail to be in compliance with wage payment practices open themselves up to expensive litigation and fines. As this type of litigation appears to on the rise in the construction industry, it is important business owners are aware of wage and hour regulations. Martin Gringer, Partner with Franklin, Gringer & Cohen, P.C., discusses common wage and hour violations and how ways to help ensure compliance in this construction business podcast.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: September 10, 2008
Developers Have a Fiduciary Duty to Property Owners Associations
In Concerned Dunes West Residents, Inc. v. Georgia-Pacific Corporation, 349 S.C. 251, 562 S.E.2d 633 (2002),the South Carolina Supreme Court held that a developer has a duty to ensure that the roads and other common areas are in good repair at the time ownership of the common areas are transferred to a property owner’s association or to provide the association with sufficient funds to bring those common areas up to standard as of the date of the transfer. The court also held that the developer was responsible for making... Read More
Irish building supplies group Grafton to cut a further 1,000 jobs
Irish building supplies group Grafton is to axe up to 1,000 jobs this year due to the housebuilding downturn in the UK and Ireland.... Read More
Highway Trust Fund Troubles Endanger Road and Bridge Projects
... Read More
Legal 500: the top construction law firms
Unsure where to turn to for legal aid? Contract Journal is the media partner for Legalease’s Legal 500, an authoritative listing of the country’s top law firms. Read on to find out who you would want representing you should you find yourself in court.... Read More
Construction managers and engineers head skills shortage list
Britain needs more construction managers and engineers, according to a provisional list of shortage occupations drawn up by immigration authorities.... Read More
Building Schools for the Future hits 180
More than 180 schools are being built this year or have just been completed under the Building Schools for the Future programme.... Read More
Green Building A to Z: Understanding the Language of Green Building Paperback
By Jerry Yudelson. New Society Press. Price: $18.95. Publish Date: 10/2007... Read More
PCL wins contract for $118-million design-build student housing project
Edmonton-based PCL announced on September 3, 2008 that its construction services arm in Los Angeles has been awarded the contract for a $118-million design-build student housing project at California State University, Fullerton.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: September 09, 2008
Housebuilders 'in denial' over falling prices
Housebuilders are 'in denial' over falling house prices, despite house price falls across the country.... Read More
NY Mayor Signs New Construction Safety Laws, Issues 9/11 Health Report
One piece of legislation signed last week requires site safety managers to include in their plans a statement that workers have successfully completed a 10-hour OSHA course on construction safety and health within five years of working on the site.... Read More
Large Powerplant Contracts Give Construction Stats a Boost
The value of new construction starts increased 6% in July to a seasonally adjusted rate of $578 billion, according to McGraw-Hill Construction.... Read More
Being a Leader in a Construction Firm
The era of leadership is past its peak. The surge has worked and we now have a very settled definition of leadership. There is little mystery of the right approach to leading a combat brigade, a religious organization or a construction firm. We have filtered through many significant works from some very accomplished men and women. Each of who have proven leadership skills and have written their approach to it. They have contributed to our management thinking in a great way. It was the missing link to improving productivity,... Read More
Natural Conflict in Construction
There is some old news in construction: Conflict is natural. I t has been going on for some time and we don't see it fading anytime soon. It is the result of time, cost, quality and safety all being demanded by no less than four distincly different parties involved in a project. Think of the four parties typically involved in a construction job. 1) Owner / Developer 2) General Contractor / Construction Manager 3) Specialty Contractor / Subcontractor 4) Supplier / Service Provider... Read More
Construction Estimating Software Study
Go to any national convention and you can't miss seeing dozens of software vendors. It is a big business and there is high value to construction firms. The product has made estimating a less clerical and more automated. Also, it has made estimating more efficient. Due to its power, counting and measuring is less of a task; taking hours instead of days. For those of us who don't looking forward to the job of estimating, computers and software has made it bearable. We feel that most estimating software is... Read More
Dawn Construction: profit margin of 14.6%, up from 8.3%
Dawn Construction has lifted its profit margin to 14.6% thanks to a climb in pre-tax profit to £12m.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: September 08, 2008
Higher Fuel Costs Drive Construction Industry Demand for Greater Efficiency
... Read More
Construction output drops 0.5% in Q2
Construction output fell 0.5% in the second quarter, according to the latest official figures - but the news could get worse.... Read More
RIAGC Honors Seven Contractors
The Rhode Island Chapter of the Associated General Contractors (RIAGC) of America recently honored seven construction companies for 10 outstanding construction projects. This was the seventh year that “Build Rhode Island” hosted the awards program. The 85-year old RIAGC represents leading general contractors, construction managers, specialty contractors, suppliers, and service provi...... Read More
Preserving And Modernizing Our Bridges
A recent report on the condition of America's 600,000 bridges shows that one out of every four U.S. bridges needs to be modernized or repaired. The American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials (AASHTO) says it could cost $140 billion (in 2006 dollars) to make all need repairs or upgrades immediately.... Read More
Nobles Construction grows turnover to £20m, up 150% in three years
Liverpool-based Nobles Construction has grown its turnover to £20m - representing an increase of 150% in three years.... Read More
Irish building supplies group Grafton to cut a further 1,000 jobs
Irish building supplies group Grafton is to axe up to 1,000 jobs this year due to the housebuilding downturn in the UK and Ireland.... Read More
Nobles Construction grows turnover to £20m, up 150% in three years
Liverpool-based Nobles Construction has grown its turnover to £20m - representing an increase of 150% in three years.... Read More
British Columbia goes green with building code
Every new building in the province must meet strict standards for energy and water efficiency as of Sept. 5.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: September 06, 2008
Forecast Finds Hawaii Construction Still Strong
... Read More
Construction output drops 0.5% in Q2
Construction output fell 0.5% in the second quarter, according to the latest official figures - but the news could get worse.... Read More
Worker killed in fall from New York crane
A construction worker has fallen over 120m to his death while lowering a tower crane in New York.... Read More
London Olympic stadium could be demolished after 2012
LDA considering demolishing the stadium once the Games are complete, and building a football stadium in its place.... Read More
Finding Success in the Construction Industry
Veteran commercial construction manager Joe McCarthy joins the construction business podcast to discuss common problems of commercial and industrial construction projects. McCarthy, who’s new book is “Choosing Project Success: A Guide for Building Professionals” also addresses the biggest challenges facing today’s contractors.... Read More
Fastest Growing Construction Companies
The 2008 Inc. 5000 list was recently published online. A subsection of this list is the Top 100 Construction Companies. There is a great snapshot of each company with short descriptions of why the company is growing and what is noteworthy. There are different reasons for why the company has experienced such large growth from exploring new markets to its overall vision and structure: Its initial growth was spawned in 2004 when it did away with its subcontracting services and focused entirely on general contracting and service management. They... Read More
August jobs report: Grim for economy but positive for construction
Today’s grim August jobs report provided more evidenced that the overall economy continues to weaken but that the long decline in construction may be ending soon. 84,000 jobs were lost in August but only 8,000 were in construction. The July job count was cut was cut 58,000, including a 1,000 job upward revision for construction.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: September 05, 2008
Housebuilders' share gains not down to government housing package
There was a jump in housebuilders’ share prices yesterday – but most of the gains were bagged before 9am, so ahead of the government’s announcement that the stamp duty threshold was to rise to £175,000.... Read More
CodeMaster: Seismic Design Based on the 2006 IBC, 2003 NEHRP, ASCE 7 - 05 and FEMA 450 - 1
By 9027S06. ICC. Price: $12. Publish Date: 06/2006... Read More
New Final Rule from OSHA Requires Employer to Pay for All Safety Equipment Costs
On November 15, 2007, OSHA issued a new final rule requiring employers to pay for all safety equipment costs. The new rule goes into effect February 13, 2008 and full compliance is required by May 18, 2008. Click here to read the final rule. This site and any information contained herein is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Seek a competent attorney for advice on any legal matter.... Read More
Concrete Parking Lot Design Seminars Offer Economical, Environmental Solutions
The National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) will offer the seminar Design of Concrete Parking Lots in four cities in 2008. This new seminar is scheduled for:... Read More
New York Crane Accidents Ignite Lawsuits
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Construction Spending Fell 0.6 Percent in July
... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: September 04, 2008
JLC Field Guide to Residential Construction: A Manual of Best Practice, Volume 2 Interiors (Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, Energy)
By Journal of Light Construction. Hanley Wood, LLC. Price: $69.95. Publish Date: 06/2006... Read More
JLC Field Guide to Residential Construction: A Manual of Best Practice, Volume 1 Exteriors (Foundations, Framing, Roofing)
By Journal of Light Construction. Hanley Wood, LLC. Price: $69.95. Publish Date: 06/2006... Read More
New Construction Contract Documents, ConsensusDOCS, to be Released on September 28, 2007
20 construction associations collaborated to create a new series of form construction contract documents. The Associated General Contractors (AGC) and Construction Owners Association of America (COAA) are folding their form contract documents into the new ConsensusDOCS form contract documents. All participating associations, representing various segments of the construction industry, were allowed to participate in the drafting and all parties had a "full vote in deciding final contract terms." It will be interesting to see if these documents will be accepted in the construction industry. I surmise that it will take some time... Read More
Green Building in Maryland
Upon meeting certain standards for energy efficiency and environmental designs, a developer or contractor can decrease its actual cost on a project, despite the additional costs associated with building a more energy and environmental efficient building. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high performance green buildings. Maryland, as well as several municipalities throughout the State, provides tax credits for the construction of LEED certified buildings. For example, Baltimore City passed a... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: September 03, 2008
New Liverpool stadium delay
Plans for Liverpool FC's new £400m stadium at Stanley Park, to be built by Laing O'Rourke, have been delayed yet again.... Read More
Great Green: Project Proves Net-Zero is Attainable
This Georgia model is a prides itself on using alternative, green power sources.... Read More
Construction activity falls for sixth consecutive month
Construction activity fell for the sixth month in a row in August, according to the CIPS/Construction Purchasing Managers' index.... Read More
Construction Diploma attracts 25% fewer students than planned
The credit crunch could be hitting student numbers on the Construction and the Built Environment Diploma.... Read More
End of domestic recession will boost construction
The domestic recession in the US is almost over. It began late last year and probably persisted through the summer, perhaps a few months longer, bringing an end to the expansion of nonresidential construction and delaying the recovery in the housing market. By yearend the economic environment will likely be a boost rather than a restraint to construction. Nominal construction spending is expected to be rising by yearend and real construction spending, after inflation, is expected to be rising by the end of winter.... Read More
British Columbia construction unions sign collective agreement, ensuring steady labour supply
A number of B.C. construction unions have signed a deal to modernize an aluminum smelter in Kitimat, B.C.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: September 02, 2008
O'Keefe sues Cantillon for £1.5m over historic Strand scheme
A bitter legal dispute is brewing over the construction of an 11-storey hotel on the Strand.... Read More
Surgo Construction lifts profit margin to 1.1%
Surgo Construction has unveiled a profit margin of 1.1% which represents an increase on the previous figure of 0.9%.... Read More
Credit Crunch Sours Vegas Construction
Megaprojects are stalling as investors feel the pressure from lenders and declining revenue.... Read More
UNCC's New Student Union
Balfour Beatty is a little over one year into construction of the new student union at the University of North Carolina — Charlotte. The $55-million, 192,000-square-foot building will be a focal point of the campus and feature a Starbucks, Barnes & Noble, Einstein's Bagels, Wendy's, a movie theater, dining room, and grand ballroom.... Read More
Lean & 5S's in Construction - Aug 08 #37
This e-newsletter is written by Dennis Sowards to share ideas on the 5S’s and Lean practices especially as they are applied in construction. If you have ideas or lessons learned to share please contact me. read more... Read More
Great Green: ICFs Seal this Home for Energy Efficiency
This Wisconsin home's construction methods make it a solid example of green.... Read More
Focus on Crane Safety
Moving materials on the job site in an efficient and safe manner is often the prime driver of the project schedule. The selection and placement of hoisting equipment is critical to our success. Whether we are renting and operating the crane directly, or turnkeying the entire structure package, we – as the controlling contractor – must conduct a detailed study of the proposed equipment.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: September 01, 2008
Consolidation in construction IT market likely, predicts Tekton
There is still a further shake-out to come among the numerous IT software providers who currently trade with construction firms, says John Marchant, head of product management at Tekton.... Read More
BIM for Facilities Management
Today I listened in on a webinar presented by Autodesk on the subject of BIM in Facilities Management. Although I am a construction lawyer, not an architect or a facilities manager, I could readily see the value of BIM to facilities managers. To be able to have at one's fingertips complete information on all your facilities, including the physical structure, the mechanical and electrical systems, furnishings, furniture and equipment is quite remarkable. And although FM Desktop can amass much of this information, it is lacking the information that a... Read More
3.3% GDP growth does not improve the construction economic environment
The US economy is still in a domestic recession which means a recession environment for construction in spite of the 3.3% growth in 2nd quarter GDP (initially reported to be 1.9%). The large upward revision was expected. 3.1% of the 3.3% GDP growth was improvement in the trade balance. Gross domestic purchases increased only 0.2% but remains nearly 1% below summer 2007. More trade improvements will keep GDP growing at about a 1.0% pace in the second half of the year but domestic spending is likely to weaken further... Read More
Green design and construction lead the way to customer delight
Home builders that have embraced green construction will be in the best position to reap the most sales in the new market.... Read More
Great Green Building Projects: So Fresh, So Green
These homes, chosen by Professional Builder editors, showcase simple ways you can build green.... Read More
Gilbane to Build Houston Discovery Tower
Gilbane Building Company has been chosen to construct the 871,000-square-foot Discovery Tower in downtown Houston at an estimated cost of $156 million. Trammell Crow is the developer, and CBRE is the real estate broker, with Gilbane's Southwest regional office overseeing the work. Designed by Gensler architects, the 30-story tower will have 10 wind turbines at the top of the structure to harves...... Read More
Lifting Equipment Aids Masonry Construction
Masonry construction — placing block or brick during construction of a structure — is tremendously labor intensive. The block or brick, often hundreds of thousands of them on a typical project, must be placed one at a time. That makes the human element a key factor for any masonry contractor.... Read More
Focus on Crane Safety
Moving materials on the job site in an efficient and safe manner is often the prime driver of the project schedule. The selection and placement of hoisting equipment is critical to our success. Whether we are renting and operating the crane directly or turnkeying the entire structure package, we, as the controlling contractor, must conduct a detailed study of the proposed equipment.... Read More
Lean & 5S's in Construction - Aug 08 #37
This e-newsletter is written by Dennis Sowards to share ideas on the 5S’s and Lean practices especially as they are applied in construction. If you have ideas or lessons learned to share please contact me. read more... Read More
Worker dies after cherry picker accident on Simons site
The construction worker injured on Friday after an accident involving a cherry picker has died.... Read More
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Favorite Book 2007
The Toyota Way is my favorite book for 2007. It had so many good ideas that I could not keep up and ended up reading it again and even buying the Field Book to go along with it.
Download Elegant Solutions from Change This which provides some highlights of the Toyota Production System. Too many ideas that are applicable to contractors to even count!
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