Report Indicates U.S. Construction Costs Gain Largest Increase Since 2008

PHOENIX, Ariz. — Rider Levett Bucknall announced a 1.15 percent increase in U.S. construction costs in the first quarter of 2014 (4.6 percent on an annualized basis), the largest since July 2008, despite a slight 0.10 percent rise in GDP for the same period. The firm published its findings in its newly released Second Quarter 2014 USA Construction Cost Report. According to Rider Levett Bucknall's research, for the past six years, overall construction costs have been relatively flat and are beginning to show evidence of spiking. These increases result from a variety of factors including increased construction activity, easing of […]

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Burbank Water and Power Building Receives LEED Platinum Certification

The U.S. Green Building Council recently awarded Burbank Water and Power's new Electrical Services Building LEED Platinum certification. General contractor Swinerton Builders Los Angeles completed the project on a fast-track schedule in July 2013. The two-story, 17,000-square-foot building houses its electrical equipment testing and relay shops, a high bay shop featuring a 10-ton crane, supervisors and engineering office space, a training room, a lunch room, restrooms, locker rooms and showers. The Type II moment frame slab-on-grade structure has a lathe and plaster exterior with a stucco coating. The Swinerton team followed a strict LEED Platinum standard during construction, with points […]

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Research Finds Continued Growth of Design-Build Throughout U.S.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Design-Build Institute of America has released new research findings indicating that for the first time more than half of projects above $10 million are being completed through design-build project delivery. The newly released study confirms the use of design-build has remained steady since its growth spurt at the end of the last decade, and also that Oregon and the military sector are leading with the most dollars being spent on design-build projects. “The growing use of design-build is not surprising,” says Lisa Washington, CAE, CEO/executive director of DBIA. “Throughout the last five years, and even through […]

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PCL Construction Special Projects Division Completes New Belvedere Aquatic Center

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — PCL Construction has completed construction of the new Belvedere Aquatic Center in East Los Angeles, California. The achievement was marked by a grand opening celebration on July 12 with PCL Construction, LA County Supervisor Gloria Molina and top officials from the Department of Parks and Recreation, Department of Public Works and members of the community. The $14-million project will provide another safe, family-friendly recreation option in East Los Angeles. The new Belvedere Aquatic Center built by PCL’s Special Projects Division was a design-build project to replace the former pool facilities on this site. The new facilities […]

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Hy-Brid Lifts Offer Enhanced Maneuverability for Faster Jobsite Navigation

Custom Equipment's Hy-Brid Lifts meet the daily challenges that contractors face. The product line includes electric and push-around units, and offers working heights of 11-20 feet and versatility to meet nearly any type of low-level-access application. All Hy-Brid Lifts are ergonomically designed with low step-in heights and full access gates to prevent injuries and enhance ease of access. Customers can select units that best meet their needs with features that range from zero-turn radius capabilities to varying platform sizes and capacities. All models offer enhanced efficiency and maneuverability for faster jobsite navigation and safer operation.

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