Increase in Nonresidential Construction Spending Not Expected Until Late 2011

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Stronger gains for commercial real estate sector expected in 2012WASHINGTON DC — A slow recovery period is projected for the nonresidential construction industry this year, and 2011 spending levels are not anticipated to be enough to show growth over 2010 figures.   While activity for institutional projects should hover near 2010 levels, there is likely to be a modest decline in commercial construction.   Overall nonresidential construction spending is expected to decrease by two percent in 2011, with 2012 seeing an increase of five percent in inflation adjusted terms.   These are highlights from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) … Read more

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Carolinas Construction Leaders Receive Top Honors

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Carolinas AGC Announces 2010 Pinnacle Award Winners CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolinas Associated General Contractors (CAGC) announces the winners of the 2010 Carolinas AGC Pinnacle Awards — the most prestigious recognition in the Carolinas construction industry. Awards are presented for the year’s outstanding performance by a company and for outstanding construction projects. The annual CAGC Pinnacle Awards competition is judged by a panel of 10 member contractors. BEST GENERAL CONTRACTOR AWARD: New Atlantic Contracting, Inc., Winston-Salem, NC New Atlantic Contracting specializes in complex building construction and renovations, focusing on education, medical and other institutional work. An employee-owned firm founded in … Read more

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OSHA Withdraws Proposed Interpretation on Occupational Noise

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Agency examines other approaches to prevent work-related hearing loss WASHINGTON DC — The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced that it is withdrawing its proposed interpretation titled “Interpretation of OSHA’s Provisions for Feasible Administrative or Engineering Controls of Occupational Noise.” The interpretation would have clarified the term “feasible administrative or engineering controls” as used in OSHA’s noise standard. The proposed interpretation was published in the Federal Register on Oct. 19, 2010. “Hearing loss caused by excessive noise levels remains a serious occupational health problem in this country,” said Dr. David Michaels, assistant secretary of labor for … Read more

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Architecture Billings Index Continues Positive Momentum

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Three out of past four months have seen positive business conditions WASHINGTON D.C..— On the heels of its highest mark since 2007, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) jumped more than two points in December.   As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine to twelve month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending.   The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the December ABI score was 54.2, up from a reading of 52.0 the previous month.   This score reflects an increase in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an … Read more

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More Construction Firms Plan to Hire, Instead of Cutting, Workers in 2011 Survey Finds

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More Firms in Iowa Plan to Hire than in Any Other State, While More Firms in Idaho Plan Layoffs, Most Firms Expect Big Declines in Stimulus Work, According to New Industry Outlook More construction firms are planning to hire workers this year than are planning to make layoffs, according to the results of an industry-wide survey released today by the Associated General Contractors of America and Navigant. The survey, conducted as part of the Construction Industry Hiring and Business Outlook, shows the industry may finally be emerging from a severe downturn that has left millions of skilled workers unemployed. “This … Read more

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