The 2014 First-Quarter Non-Residential Construction Index offers good news for construction projects this year. The research, compiled by global engineering and construction consultancy FMI, finds that 49 percent of survey participants expect construction to grow up to five percent in 2014. That figure is up from just 18 percent a year ago, according…(Read More)
2013 was a strong year for equipment rentals, and the increase is expected to last through 2014. “The equipment rental industry forecast in the U.S. calls for 8.4 percent growth in 2014, led by a projected growth of 9.1 percent in the construction equipment rental sector as noted by the American Rental…(Read More)
Construction industry leaders, employers, and lawmakers are keeping a watchful eye on the dwindling Highway Trust Fund. Leaders in the U.S. Department of Transportation predict the fund could be drained by August. Peter Rogoff, who works with Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx, met this week with the American Trucking Associations Executive Committee. “That means that…(Read More)
Henkels and McCoy, an engineering and construction company, is tooling around with InterviewStream, which has HR using online, pre-recorded video interview questions. According to an article on CIO.com, candidates can launch their interview process the moment they apply for a job. “This is a breakthrough for the company,” explains Dave Sinclair, corporate recruiting…(Read More)
Commercial real estate is a key driver to the success of the world’s premier cities. Jones Lang LaSalle, a global real estate investment firm, finds that Shanghai, London, New York and San Francisco are among the urban areas worldwide that demonstrate the combination of strong short term socio-economic and commercial real estate momentum…(Read More)
Reed Construction Data has encouraging economic news for the construction industry. In a company press release, Bernard Markstein, U.S. Chief Economist, Reed Construction Data, explained, “With an Expansion Index greater than 1 in 41 states plus the District of Columbia, the expected improvement in construction appears widespread across the country.” The December Expansion Index…(Read More)
DPR Construction, David Weekley Homes, and PCL Construction Enterprises have been named to Fortune’s esteemed list of ‘100 Best Places to Work.’ What separates these companies from others? The pay-it-forward mindset that helps local charities, business cards without job titles, and open floor plans have impressed employees. A number of energy companies…(Read More)
Punch lists are a basic tool used in the construction industry, and now Congress has one that’s been provided by the American Institute of Architects. AIA CEO Robert Ivy notes that the list of ‘unfinished business’ should help lawmakers focus on key issues, such as job creation and energy efficiency. “Congress left town in…(Read More)
The National Demolition Association’s new manual covers changes to hazardous waste materials and heavy equipment safety. The manual, recognized worldwide as the premier resource for work safety issues, is also more mobile-friendly. Demolition researchers have worked closely with the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in an effort to keep up…(Read More)
Environmentally friendly construction continues to create quite a buzz, but ‘going green’ has also led to misunderstandings and wasted resources. For example, automated systems that save energy and streamline operations don’t always provide properties with ‘smart’ improvements. One misconception: Smart technology only applies to new products. “Some of the smartest building products are not…(Read More)
