Monthly Construction Input Prices Decreased in November, Says ABC
WASHINGTON, Dec. 11, 2020 — Construction input prices fell 0.5% in November compared to the previous month, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Producer Price Index data released today. Nonresidential construction input prices fell 0.4% for the month. Construction input prices increased 0.9% between November 2019 and…
ABC’s Construction Backlog Plunges in November; Contractor Optimism Falters
WASHINGTON, Dec. 8, 2020 —Associated Builders and Contractors reported today that its Construction Backlog Indicator declined to 7.2 months in November, a decrease of 0.5 months from October’s reading, according to an ABC member survey conducted from Nov. 20 to Dec. 2. Backlog is 1.7 months lower than in November 2019. ABC’s Construction Confidence Index readings…
Green Concrete? Tips For Working With Sustainable Concrete
Concrete is the most commonly used man-made material on earth, with its versatility and durability being two of its main traits. However, despite its effectiveness, creating concrete has a notable environmental impact. For example, manufacturing cement requires high amounts of energy and water and produces as much as 7% of all carbon dioxide emissions each year. Also, it…
An Economic Outlook for the Construction Industry
Adapting to market conditions is not a new concept to the construction industry. While the industry has experienced varying degrees of impact from COVID-19, economic uncertainty is undoubtedly top of mind. During a recent DHG webinar in October 2020 with FMI Corporation professionals Alex Miller and Jay Bowman and DHG Partner Mike Trammell, the panelists…
NCCER Releasing Updated Construction Curricula in 2021
Revised versions of NCCER’s Core: Introduction to Basic Construction Skills, Concrete Construction Levels 1 – 2, Electronic Systems Technician Levels 3 – 4 and Roofing Levels 1 – 2 will be released in 2021. Written in conjunction with national subject matter expert committees, these curricula offer the standardized training and portable credentials trusted by the…
Construction Starts Rebound in October
Total construction starts rose 12% in October to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $787.9 billon. While sizeable, the increase does not erase September’s substantial pullback in starts. All three major categories moved higher over the month, nonbuilding starts rose 25%, nonresidential buildings increased 19%, while residential activity gained 2%. Four of the five regions…
Making The Industry More Welcoming For Women Ironworkers
Right now, the steel and construction industries are in a labor shortage that hasn’t been seen in quite some time. Making this even more difficult is the fact that there is no shortage of projects to do. However, with steel structures getting more and more complex, there’s a need for more people to do the…
The Latest Trends in Metal Wall Panels
Metal wall panels are a critical part of many structures, from roofs to gutter structures to many other options. In addition, they are highly valued by construction professionals for a variety of different traits, including: Their versatility Metal wall panels are able to be constructed from a variety of different metals. Aesthetic appeal On top of…
Construction Sector Adds 84,000 Workers In October, Project Cancellations Risks Undermining Future Industry Job Gains
Construction employment increased by 84,000 jobs in October, with jobs added in both nonresidential and residential categories, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data released today. Association officials cautioned, however, that the pandemic is causing a growing number of construction projects to be canceled or delayed, according to…
Most Requested Tenant Improvement Services by Electrical Contractors
One of the major differences between renting a space and owning it outright is who is responsible for repairs and improvements. With a commercial or residential property that one owns, they would shoulder full responsibility. However, depending on the terms of the rental contract, a landlord/property manager may need to authorize and pay for any…
