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HEADLINES ADDED: January 31, 2009
AIA Announces 2009 Honor Awards for Architecture
... Read More
Pettifer Construction: not a penny for unsecured creditors
The unsecured creditors owed money by Pettifer Construction after it went into administration eight weeks ago will receive nothing at all as there are no funds to pay them.... Read More
Comply with Construction Trust Fund Statutes to Avoid Personal Liability!
Officers of closely-held construction companies usually pay debts for which shareholders may be found personally liable such as employment taxes or personally guaranteed debts first. Many states have trust fund statutes that require contract income to be held in an express statutory trust for the benefit of subcontractors. Companies that pay other debts out of this trust may face the following consequences: (1) personal liability to unpaid subcontractors; 2) nondischargeable debt in bankruptcy; (3) possible charge of criminal theft. Stephen Hess, in his article Nondischargeability of Personal Debts for Violations... Read More
Existing Home Sales Increase by 6.5% in December
According to the National Association of Realtors, sales of existing homes increased by 6.5% in the month of December. Read article.... Read More
Concurrent Delay Damages, Award and Allocation
Michael and Daniel Drewry discussed the downstream allocation of concurrent delay damages in the ABA newsletter Under Construction. Concurrent delays arise when two or more delays occur within the same time, affecting the owner, contractor, and/or other subcontractors. To be concurrent, the delays must be independent of each other; one delay cannot cause the next one. Most concurrency issues arise in the owner/contractor context. Drewry argues that the same upstream framework should apply downstream—from contractor to subcontractors. occur around the same time, courts will usually find they are concurrent. The... Read More
Biggest council house building programme since 1950s ordered
The government has ordered the biggest council house building programme since the 1950s, in the hope that local authorities can help rescue the construction industry.... Read More
Construction strike spreads
Strike action by thousands of construction workers protesting against the use of foreign labour at power plants escalated this morning.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: January 30, 2009
Con Ed Construction Officials Arrested in Contractor Scheme
... Read More
Examining Construction Digest's Regional Construction Market
Economists across the country are forecasting a downturn in 2009 construction activity. The U.S. highway and bridge market is expected to flatten during '09, with the value of construction work put in place on highways and bridges projected at $80.2 billion – a slight increase over 2008's $79 billion, according to the American Road & Transportation Builders Association.... Read More
OSHA Proposes $119,000 in Penalties Against Construction Company
... Read More
Construction Economists See Fewer Building Starts in 2009
... Read More
No Mechanic's Lien on Property for Which Materials Have Been Fabricated but Not Delivered
The South Carolina Code provides: “A person to whom a debt is due for … materials furnished and actually used in the erection, alteration or repair of a building … by virtue of an agreement with … the owner … shall have a lien upon the building ….” S.C. Code Ann. Section 29-5-10(a) (Emphasis Added). In Wardlaw v. Troy Oil Mill, 54 S.E. 658 (S.C. 1906) a brick manufacturer sold brick to Troy Oil Mill Company to build a cotton seed oil mill. Troy Oil Mill used some of the... Read More
Subcontractor survival tips podcast
The American Subcontractors Association is currently offering a free podcast entitled “10 Survival Tips for Contractors in Lean Times.” Hosted by Donald Gregory, Esq. of the Columbus, Ohio-based law firm of Kegler, Brown, Hill and Ritter, the 15-minute podcast addresses topics such as preserving lien rights and cost-cutting. You can listen to the podcast through your computer ordownload the program to your iPod or MP3 player. Access the podcast at the ASA’s website.... Read More
1,000 construction workers strike over foreign labour - VIDEO
Wildcat strikes erupt at 12 energy sites over use of foreign labour; flying pickets descend on Lindsey Refinery site.... Read More
Contractors, pay your taxes or get disbarred from Federal contracting!!!
Contractors should think twice when choosing not to pay or when disregarding federal taxes. Regulation 52.209-5 provides an additional certification that all contractors must make when bidding for federal contracts. Contractors must certify that they (and their principals) have not received within 3 years of the bid any notices of tax delinquencies over $3,000 that still remain unpaid. Federal taxes are delinquent if tax liability is finally determined and the taxpayer does not make payment when due. The taxes are not delinquent if the contractor has challenged the tax... Read More
Construction strike spreads
Strike action by thousands of construction workers protesting against the use of foreign labour at power plants escalated this morning.... Read More
Angry contractors reject government BSF figures
Government data that lists nearly a third of schools under the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) programme as late is wrong, according to angry contractors.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: January 29, 2009
Building Green: A Complete How To Guide To Alternative Building Methods - Earth Plaster, Straw Bale, Cordwood, Cob, Living Roofs
By Clarke Snell. Lark Books. Price: $29.95. Publish Date: 06/2005... Read More
Work Restarted On First Green Building Standard
... Read More
BuildingGreen Launches GreenBuildingAdvisor.com
An online source for pros on how to build green in the real world... Read More
1,000 construction workers strike over foreign labour - VIDEO
Wildcat strikes erupt at 12 energy sites over use of foreign labour; flying pickets descend on Lindsey Refinery site.... Read More
Introduction to the ICC 700 - 2008 National Green Building Standard
By 1633S. ICC. Price: $12. Publish Date: 01/2009... Read More
2006 Accessibility Study Companion
By 4123S06. ICC. Price: $54. Publish Date: 06/2007... Read More
2006 IRC Study Companion Internatioinal Residential Code
By 4117S06. ICC. Price: $59. Publish Date: 12/2006... Read More
Construction Projects Drying Up Across New York City
... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: January 20, 2009
Worker Killed in Okla. Crane Accident
... Read More
Green Building Products, 3rd Edition: The GreenSpec Guide to Residential Building Materials
By Alex Wilson. New Society Press. Price: $37.95. Publish Date: 01/2008... Read More
2009 Cal Osha Construction Safety Orders State of California
By Cal OSHA. Building News, Inc.. Price: $76.95. Publish Date: 01/2009... Read More
Last week I was at the BAU in Munich
Last week I was at the BAU in Munich, Europe’s key trade fair for building materials and systems for industrial, commercial and residential construction. Every two years, it brings together all the industry’s market leaders. It is an enormous event with well over 200k visitors, with over 2,000 exhibitors from over 40 countries filling 17 [...]... Read More
First LEED-related lawsuit in the U.S. sets off warning bells for builders >
In the wake of the first LEED-related lawsuit, green building proponents are being advised to do due diligence and pay careful attention to contracts.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: January 17, 2009
£26m National Construction College East gets final go-ahead
The National Construction College East has finally received full planning permission for a £26m redevelopment.... Read More
Midas wins first phase of £50m Osprey Quay development
Midas Construction has sailed past rival bidders to win the first phase of the £50m Osprey Quay development in Portland.... Read More
Tricon Construction fined £10,000 after men injured in lift fall
Dundee-based Tricon Construction has been fined £10,000 at Dundee Sheriff Court following an accident in which two men were seriously injured.... Read More
Buildingtalk at the BAU in Munich
Last week I was at the BAU in Munich, Europe’s key trade fair for building materials and systems for industrial, commercial and residential construction. Every two years, it brings together all the industry’s market leaders. It is an enormous event with well over 200k visitors, over 2,000 exhibitors from over 40 countries, with 17 trade [...]... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: January 16, 2009
Blueprint launched to save construction jobs
Small business leaders published an action plan today to help keep contractors working and save thousands of jobs.... Read More
Rigger Faces Manslaughter Charges In Deadly NYC Tower Crane Collapse
... Read More
Hitachi Construction to Halt $1 Billion Expansion Plan
... Read More
Time Saver Standards for Architectural Design, 8th Edition
By Donald Watson. McGraw Hill Book Company. Price: $157.5. Publish Date: 12/2004... Read More
Construction Insurance and Bonds Simplified
When planning to build, many consumers are confused as to what protection is available to them, what is needed or recommended and what the bonds and insurances are actually protecting you against.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: January 15, 2009
UK construction firms face 75% profitability drop
UK construction firms face a 75% fall in profitability and a 71% drop in turnover in 2009 compared to the previous year, according to a survey by accountancy firm Grant Thornton.... Read More
Introduction to Lean in Service
Start: Oct 15 2009 - 12:00am End: Oct 15 2009 - 12:59am Oct. 15. 2009 - Introduction to Lean in Service, – Phoenix, AZ – Sponsor: PIPE & 469 JAC, contact Cathy... Read More
So You Want To Build a House
By J. M. Gore. McGraw Hill Book Company. Price: $19.95. Publish Date: 06/2006... Read More
The Largest Product Display at the 2009 International Builders' Show
A list of exciting products and innovations to be at the International Builders' Show... Read More
Constellation HomeBuilder Systems Develops Nine New Home Building Software Solutions
New Software tackles land development, marketing, new home sales and other tasks for home builders... Read More
Construction orders fall to lowest level since 1995
New construction orders fell by more than a quarter in the past year, according to official figures from the Office of National Statistics.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: January 14, 2009
Labor Rates for the Construction Industry 2009
By Means. Means, R. S.. Price: $336.95. Publish Date: 12/2008... Read More
High-Performing Contractor Dec 08
Leadership & Economy One popular industry trade magazine recently carried an article telling contractors that to survive the current economy downturn they should “Cut everything to the bone.” That’s not real leadership. Any butcher can cut and trim. A high-performing contractor seeks more effective means to address the challenging economy. Let’s carry the analogy out – if an individual is overweight and unable to compete in a race - does it make sense to amputate an arm or a leg or cut off muscle to the bone to better... Read More
Artisan Construction Group North's creditors owed £3.5m
Artisan Construction Group North (ACGN) has collapsed and is in joint liquidation with more than 100 creditors reported to be owed around £3.5m.... Read More
Illinois Bridge Features Hybrid-Composite Beams
HC Bridge Maine, LLC – a firm specializing in the development of hybrid-composite structural alternatives that can be used for accelerated bridge construction and offer a long service life – recently completed construction of the High Road Bridge over Long Run Creek in Lockport Township, IL, three months ahead of schedule.... Read More
Blueprint launched to save construction jobs
Small business leaders published an action plan today to help keep contractors working and save thousands of jobs.... Read More
Third runway announcement faces further delays
The government's long-awaited decision on whether or not a third runway is to be built at Heathrow is subject to further delays, the Guardian has claimed.... Read More
UK construction firms face 75% profitability drop
UK construction firms face a 75% fall in profitability and a 71% drop in turnover in 2009 compared to the previous year, according to a survey by accountancy firm Grant Thornton.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: January 13, 2009
Boston Hosts Annual Greenbuild Show
More than 25,000 people visited more than 1,300 vendors during the annual Greenbuild conference and exhibition held at Boston's BCEC from November 19–21, 2008. Greenbuild is presented annually by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), a nonprofit organization composed of more than 16,500 member organizations ranging from private companies to nonprofits, educational institutions and gove...... Read More
Tilt-Up School Construction
Tilt-Up construction is one of the fastest growing industries in the United States. According to Mount Vernon, IA-based Tilt-Up Concrete Association, at least 10,000 buildings enclosing more than 650 million square feet are constructed annually. The growth of Tilt-Up can been attributed in part to economics: Tilt-Up combines reasonable cost with low maintenance, durability, speed of constructio...... Read More
Construction's 2009 Forecast
As I write this year's forecast for 2009, the National Bureau of Economic Research has officially declared that the U.S. economy has been in a recession for a year. Surprise! Many economists feel that this will be the worst recession since 1981–1982 and will continue well into 2009. States throughout the country have been revising their budgets, slashing spending and redirecting money in ...... Read More
Construction profit warnings to rise
Sixty per cent of listed house builders issued profit warnings last year as the number of firms sounding alarm bells about financial performance hit the highest level since 2001.... Read More
Tougher Canadian energy-code standards could change building design, construction
Tough energy standards are coming that could throw wrinkles into how buildings are designed and constructed in Canada.... Read More
Currie Barracks project earns LEED Gold for neighbourhood development
The Currie Barracks development project in Calgary is the recipient of LEED Gold for neighborhood development — reportedly the first of its kind in Canada.... Read More
The Green Low-Rise Condominiums of Camelview Village
In the hot Arizona climate, Camelview Village showcases how Optima combined new technology, prefabrication and thoughtful design to create exemplary green low-rise condominiums... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: January 12, 2009
Midwest Contractor's 2009 Outlook
After several years of steady growth in key segments of the marketplace such as the highway/bridge and commercial building markets, construction activity in Midwest Contractor-area states is expected to slow dramatically in 2009. Times are tough throughout the U.S., with the nation struggling to deal with the largest economic crisis in decades.... Read More
Historic Charm, Modern Construction Technology
The city of Winchester, VA, is constructing a parking structure that will incorporate some unique design and precast technology. The project began at the end of May 2008 and is on target to be completed by mid-April 2009. The $7.68-million project plans to use approximately 25 million pounds of concrete.... Read More
Construction Digest's '09 Outlook
After several years of steady growth in key segments of the marketplace such as the highway/bridge and commercial building markets, construction activity in Digest-area states is expected to slow dramatically in 2009. Times are tough throughout the U.S., with the nation struggling to deal with the largest economic crisis in decades.... Read More
Construction profit warnings to rise
Sixty per cent of listed house builders issued profit warnings last year as the number of firms sounding alarm bells about financial performance hit the highest level since 2001.... Read More
Liquidated Damages Provision
Many construction contracts contain liquidated damages provisions. A liquidated damages provision is where the parties to the contract agree to a fixed sum as damages for the breach by one or both of the parties. It is a common misunderstanding, that the party making a claim for breach of contract must prove that they were damaged in order to recover under a liquidated damages provision. Under Maryland law, however, where a valid liquidated damages clause exists, a party need only prove a breach of the contract. Proof of damages... Read More
Tougher Canadian energy-code standards could change building design, construction
Tough energy standards are coming that could throw wrinkles into how buildings are designed and constructed in Canada.... Read More
CPA massively downgrades output forecast
The Construction Products Association has massively downgraded its expectations for construction output over the next six years.... Read More
Green building has shifted into the mainstream, ACEC president says
Not all that long ago, green building proponents were viewed as tree-hugging liberals in some circles. But that is no longer the case, said Jeff Morrison, president of the Association of Canadian Engineering Companies.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: January 10, 2009
Construction Insurance and Bonds Simplified
When planning to build, many consumers are confused as to what protection is available to them, what is needed or recommended and what the bonds and insurances are actually protecting you against.... Read More
Building Structures Illustrated: Patterns, Systems and Design
By Francis D. K. Chinkg. Wiley and Sons. Price: $45. Publish Date: 01/2009... Read More
Construction Industry Warns of Massive Job Cuts in 2009
... Read More
We begin a new year that promises to be challenging but full of opportunities as the economic shake-down brings change to the construction industry
We begin a new year that promises to be challenging but full of opportunities as the economic shake-down brings change to the construction industry. The smart businesses are looking how they can become more efficient and innovative, how they can exploit new markets, find new customers, create productive alliances and distribution networks.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: January 08, 2009
Chicago Takes the Lead in Green Hotels
... Read More
Overall Construction Spending Drops Just 0.6 Percent in November
... Read More
CSI Introduces Green Format
The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) unveiled GreenFormat, a Web-based database of green product information, at the U.S. Green Building Council's Greenbuild International Conference and Expo in Boston.... Read More
Differentiate Yourself with Earth Friendly Green Products
With sales of existing homes falling 0.3% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.99 million down from the upwardly revised 6.01 million in April, according to the National Association of Realtors, and sales down 10.3% from just a year ago and off approximately 17% from the peak, what can builders and homeowners do to differentiate themselves from the 4.43 million homes currently for sale on the market? Building or remodeling with Green products is the perfect way to do just that.... Read More
101 Things I Learned in Architecture School
By Matthew Frederick. MIT Press. Price: $15.3. Publish Date: 09/2007... Read More
Architect's Studio Companion, 4th Edition: Rules of Thumb for Preliminary Design
By Edward Allen. Wiley and Sons. Price: $85. Publish Date: 11/2006... Read More
Renovation work continues at historic Wing Sang building
Cars zip by the Wing Sang renovation project on East Pender Street in Vancouver. Rennie Marketing Systems is redeveloping the heritage property into an art gallery and office space.... Read More
Construction industry leaders back plans for expanded rapid transit
Fast-tracking rapid transit projects such as the Evergreen Line and UBC and Surrey extensions would give federal and provincial governments the best economic package today, say industry leaders.... Read More
Federal government plans multi-million dollar investment in Alberta infrastructure
The federal government plans to make a multi-million dollar investment over four years to develop infrastructure, such as roads, public transit, and water/wastewater systems in Alberta.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: January 05, 2009
Tools For Tough Times
The current economic climate requires construction contractors to be more vigilant than ever in recognizing and managing financial risks. Cash flow has always been the lifeblood of any contractor. Most contractors (especially general contractors) operate on very thin profit margins, so when the cash stops flowing, the contractor may be unable to satisfy its financial obligations.... Read More
Tulsa's New BOK Center Arena
In August 2008, Tulsa Vision Builders, a joint collaboration between Flintco Inc. and Manhattan Construction Co., completed construction of the $196-million BOK (Bank of Oklahoma) Center multipurpose arena for the city of Tulsa, OK. The three-year construction of the BOK Center was funded with $178 million in public funds and $18 million in private donations, and is part of a long-term developm...... Read More
Construction News 2009 Forecast
The South Central U.S. traditionally feels economic trends as the back side of a wave. Trends that begin on the east and west coasts and in the northeast meet down south many months later, and have defused a bit. Ken Naquin, CEO of Louisiana AGC Inc., believes that for both “public works and private works in Louisiana, the carryover from 2008 into 2009 is going to hold us in pretty good ...... Read More
Construction Bulletin's '09 Outlook
In the ninth Federal Reserve Bank district, which includes Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota, the 2009 economic outlook is continued recession based on the Bank's statistical models and a business survey. The National Bureau of Economic Research said the current recession began in December 2007 based on "sustained deteriorating economic activities, particularly the deterioration in jobs ...... Read More
California 2009 Construction Forecast
Exactly 12 months ago, California Builder & Engineer had predicted the possibility of "the perfect storm" arising in 2008 in California's heavy construction industry — if not the perfect one, then at least bad storms on three economic fronts: The Housing Slump; New CARB Regulations and High Fuel Prices; plus, the big State Budget Deficit.... Read More
The Outlook for Construction
Little did we know one year ago what the world would be like today, particularly the condition of the U.S. and global economies. Despite the difficult times we were in 12 months ago, contractors were still looking ahead with some optimism that the "one state recession" we called the Michigan economy would turn around, and we'd be seeing more projects in the pipeline and more shovels breaking gr...... Read More
Dixie Contractors' Outlook 2009
What's the outlook for construction in the southeast in 2009? Although there is great concern about the condition of construction in the southeastern states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Tennessee, some industry observers say that there are some areas — such as health care, education, water/wastewater, and environmental construction — which may do relatively well.... Read More
Anglo-Holt's construction operation keeps group in profit
Anglo-Holt has unveiled its third successive slim pre-tax profit with turnover of £60m in 2008 generating a return of just £360,000.... Read More
UK construction shrinks at fastest rate on record
December saw the fastest contraction in the UK construction sector since records began more than 10 years ago.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: January 03, 2009
Atlanta Bridge Collapses While Under Construction
... Read More
Construction Starts Fall Further, Decline To Continue Into 2009
... Read More
Lean Construction Applications #41
The Race A Japanese company (Toyota) and an American company (FORD Motor) decided to have a canoe race on the Red River. Both teams practiced long and hard to reach their peak performance before the race. On the big day, the read more... Read More
New nuclear power station planned for Anglesey
Hundreds of construction jobs could be created after German power giant RWE secured a grid connection for a new nuclear power station in Anglesey.... Read More
New Year Honours List: Lend Lease's Val Lowman receives OBE
Val Lowman, managing director of Bovis Lend Lease's not-for-profit arm Be and a key backer of the new Construction & Built Environment Diploma, has been awarded an OBE in the New Year Honours List.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: January 02, 2009
Keeping things fresh: The strategic plan
... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: January 01, 2009
Reader's question: What other things can I do to turn 'leads' into clients?
... Read More
Heavy Construction Cost Data 2009
By RSMeans. Means, R. S.. Price: $154.95. Publish Date: 12/2008... Read More
Report on Housing Giants
Every year, Professional Builder collects information about the 400 largest home builders in the United States. Given the current housing market, w...... Read More
Future Duchess Park Secondary School facility features reduced carbon footprint
The changing profile of the new Duchess Park Secondary School under construction in Prince George reflects only a snapshot glimpse of the project’s overall energy and design features.... Read More
Massive Saanich shopping centre redevelopment goes green
The massive redevelopment of Saanich’s 47-year-old Town and Country Shopping Centre is easily the most significant construction project on southern Vancouver Island, says a spokesperson for the company behind the overhaul.... 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!
Recent Posts
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- AIA Announces 2009 Honor Awards for Architecture
- Pettifer Construction: not a penny for unsecured creditors
- Comply with Construction Trust Fund Statutes to Avoid Personal Liability!
- Existing Home Sales Increase by 6.5% in December
- Concurrent Delay Damages, Award and Allocation
- Biggest council house building programme since 1950s ordered
- Construction strike spreads
- Con Ed Construction Officials Arrested in Contractor Scheme
- Examining Construction Digest's Regional Construction Market
- OSHA Proposes $119,000 in Penalties Against Construction Company
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