The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: Top 10 Focus Areas for Carolinas Contractors
On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) was signed into law. The most sweeping tax change since 1986, the Act is intended to encourage economic growth and bring back jobs and profits from overseas by reducing corporate tax rates and providing other incentives. While it may be too soon to…
Costly Mistakes to Avoid in the Subcontractor Bidding Process
With more online bidding platforms and bid building tools available, the subcontractor bidding process has never been easier in 2018. However, there are still avoidable and costly mistakes that can frustrate subcontractors. Here are some common and costly mistakes to avoid in the subcontractor bidding process and ways to reduce risks. 1. Inaccurate Measurements, Takeoffs,…
Power UP: It’s a Mother-Daughter thing! Unique Event Introduces Teen Girls to Careers in Construction
As Women in Construction Week was celebrated across the country earlier this month (March 4-10, 2018), several middle and high school-age girls and their mothers (or female guardians) were introduced to the idea of a career in construction through a unique event in the Southeast themed, Power UP: It’s a Mother-Daughter Thing! Now in its…
HGTV Smart Home 2018 located in Palmetto Bluff in South Carolina
This year, the HGTV® Smart Home is situated in one of the low country’s best kept secrets – Palmetto Bluff in South Carolina. The home exudes elevated Southern style, and fans can visit HGTV.com/Smart to take a virtual tour of every room. Planned by local architecture firm Markalunas Architecture Group and constructed by local builder…
Construction Employment Rises
Thirty-five states and the District of Columbia added construction jobs between January 2017 and January 2018, while 32 states and D.C. added construction jobs between December and January, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department data released today. Association officials cautioned, however, that newly-imposed tariffs on steel and…
An Introduction to Early Supplier Involvement in the Construction Industry
“You are too early.” “We don’t even have design documents together yet.” “We always work through the design teams and if needed, subcontractors, for any help we might need with the scope, schedule, or the budget.” Historically, this is what manufacturers hear when talking to owners, developers, or architects about products during the earlier phases…
NAWIC-Carolinas Prepares to Celebrate 2018 WIC Week
NAWIC chapters across the Carolinas have a wide variety of events planned for National Women in Construction (WIC) Week, which runs from March 4-10, 2018. In North Carolina, NAWIC has chapters in Asheville, Charlotte, Durham, Fayettville, Greensboro, Piedmont and Raleigh. In South Carolina, there are NAWIC chapters in Columbia and Greenville. North and South Carolina chapters are…
Coastal N.C. Construction Firms Join Forces to Bring “Little Free Libraries” to Wilmington
Thanks to the generosity of the Coastal N.C. construction community, families at nine apartment communities administered by the Wilmington Housing Authority (WHA) are getting the opportunity to experience the love of reading. “Children and adults will benefit from the ‘Little Free Libraries’ made possible by the time, money, and materials donated by 18 companies that…
Yandle Releases Latest Economic Report
Dr. Bruce Yandle released his latest quarterly economic report. The report offers an optimistic forecast for 2018, finding a growing economy in better shape than at this time last year. He also offers predictions for the year ahead, examines America’s standing relative to other nations, and weighs in on the impact of the tax cuts….
Carolinas’ Construction Industry Reacts to Trump’s Infrastructure Plan
President Trump officially released a proposal for a $1.5 trillion infrastructure plan. The proposed plan includes $200 billion in funding from the federal government. Unlike recent infrastructure plans, half of the federal seed money is planned to go toward an incentive program to match funding and financing from state and local governments that invest in rebuilding…
