Construction Employment at Highest Level Since 2009, Reports AGC

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Construction employers added 39,000 jobs in January and 308,000 over the past year, reaching the highest employment total since February 2009, as the sector’s unemployment rate fell to 9.8 percent, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said the job gains come as most construction firms report plans to expand headcount this year, but worry about growing shortages of qualified workers. “Contractors have stayed busy this winter and expect to keep hiring through 2015—if they can find the workers they need,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “The list of projects is growing … Read more

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NCCER Releases its 2014 Craft Professional Wage Survey Results

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ALACHUA, Fla. — Wages for craft professionals continue to rise, according to NCCER’s 2014 Craft Professional Wage Survey. This increase is largely related to the growing demand for skilled craft professionals.   Each year, NCCER surveys organizations from the industrial and commercial construction industries across the U.S about the wages of their craft professionals. Wages in the survey represent average annual salaries for individual craft areas, not including overtime, per diem, bonuses or other incentives. Of the more than 30 construction organizations surveyed, all craft professions included in the survey earned more than $50,000 annually in 2014. Project managers and … Read more

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Managing Daily Performance

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By Charlie Stevens It seems that each year, contractors are asked to deliver projects faster and faster. In the recent recession, owners demanded it and contractors accepted it and were thankful to have a project. Now, even though there is more work in the marketplace, owners" demands have not changed. Remarkably fast construction schedules that previously seemed like the exception have become the norm. Superintendents have the responsibility to meet the owner's schedule requirements and deliver the project when promised. In order to meet the overall schedule, one of the most critical activities is to manage the work crew's daily … Read more

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Architecture Billings Index Rebounds to End 2014 on Solid Footing

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — There were 10 out of 12 months of increasing demand for design services in 2014, and the Architecture Billings Index points to a healthy outlook for the nonresidential construction industry. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate 9-12-month lead time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects reported the December ABI score was 52.2, up from a mark of 50.9 in November. This score reflects an increase in design activity (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 58.2, following … Read more

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Demolition Excavator Equipped for Added Efficiency, Smoother Operation

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Hyundai Construction Equipment Americas, Inc.'s R520LC-9A DM (Demolition) excavator is equipped with a tilting cab and high reach arm, guaranteed to tackle large demolition projects, whether it's tearing down buildings or cleaning up the debris thereafter. This model has many enhanced features and benefits, including a certified Interim Tier 4 engine, advanced hydraulics engineered for added efficiency and smooth operation. Enhanced operator comfort with a fully customizable work environment and added durability are provided by high-quality cab construction.

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