Construction Increases in January Year-Over-Year, Likely Impact of Coronavirus on Industry Not Reflected

Construction employment increased in 32 states in January compared to both December and January 2019, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department data. However, association officials said the data was collected well before the coronavirus began to impact the economy and that construction employment levels are likely to decline beginning in March as the virus impacts many parts of the economy.   “The construction industry began 2020 with widespread employment gains, although fewer states had increases than in 2019,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Exceptionally mild winter weather in many states … Read more

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General Contractor Shares Best Practices in Unprecedented Coronavirus Crisis

Like countless other companies, Gilbane, Inc. has been working hard to ensure its people are informed and prepared to take care of themselves and their families during this coronavirus pandemic and through this time of need. The company is continuously monitoring updates from the Centers for Disease Control on the COVID-19 virus and following guidance from local authorities and, while every individual should assess their own risks and plan accordingly, the following are best practices Gilbane is taking to actively address the outbreak of COVID-19 across the global family business: Communicate and follow CDC guidelines to prevent the spread of … Read more

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Ground Broken for Fullerton College’s New Instructional Building

Fullerton College, along with BNBuilders and Roesling Nakamura TeradaArchitects, broke ground for the campus’ upcoming new $54-million Instructional Building and Central Utility Plant Upgrade. The Instructional Building and CUP Upgrade is the Fullerton, California community college’s first new construction in 10 years, and its first ever progressive Design-Build project. Located between the 1400 and 1200 buildings, the new Instructional Building will improve students’ educational experience, both in and out of the classroom. The new three-story, 74,927-square-foot Instructional Building at Fullerton College will house the Humanities Division, which consists of the Communication Studies, English, English as a Second Language, Foreign Languages … Read more

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Marcum Commercial Construction Index Reports Strong Q4 Driven by Infrastructure Spending

The Marcum Commercial Construction Index for the fourth quarter of 2019 reports healthy levels of construction spending in large part due to the ongoing strength in infrastructure-related categories.  Nonresidential construction spending stood at an annualized rate of $779.6 billion in December 2019, down 1.2% from the previous month but up 4.4% year-over-year. The index is produced by Marcum’s National Construction Services group. Eleven of the 16 nonresidential construction sectors expanded year-over-year, including massive upticks in publicly funded categories like water supply (+33.6%), conservation and development (+16.9%), highway and street (+14.1%) and public safety (+10.1%). Spending decreased from the same time last year … Read more

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NARI Updates Key Certification to Keep Remodelers ahead of Changing Industry Demands

To align remodeling professionals with newly emerging industry best practices and technologies, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry will introduce a comprehensive update to its Universal Design Certified Professional certification in early 2021. This important certification announcement showcases the commitment of NARI to lead the remodeling industry as demand for universal design projects continues to show steady growth. The updated UDCP certification will be supported by an all-new study guide and examination, and approved by a certification board comprised of select certified remodelers. The UDCP certification update marks the third NARI certification to be adjusted to meet member needs … Read more

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