Construction Materials Prices Increase in February

Prices for construction materials jumped in February, driven by extreme increases in items used in new housing and nonresidential building renovations, according to an analysis of new federal figures released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said the increased materials prices are hitting contractors struggling to recover from a years-long downturn in construction demand. “For the second month in a row, contractors endured outsized price hikes for gypsum wallboard, lumber, and insulation materials,” said Ken Simonson, chief economist for the construction trade association. “In addition, soaring diesel prices mean contractors are paying more for fuel they … Read more

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2013 National Design-Build Awards Program Call for Submissions

The Design-Build Institute of America invites project team members to submit successful design-build project(s) for the 2013 National Design-Build Project Awards competition. Completed entries and entry fee payments must arrive at the DBIA National office in Washington, D.C., no later than May 21. As the only organization that defines, teaches and promotes best practices in design-build project delivery, DBIA is committed to highlighting the best projects achieved through this integrated delivery method. The acceptance of single-entity risk is the defining feature of design-build project delivery and winning submissions must be carried out under a DBIA or other single responsibility contract. … Read more

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Brasfield & Gorrie Earns National Excellence in Construction Award

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Associated Builders and Contractors announced that Brasfield & Gorrie’s work on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers North Troop Medical Clinic project in Fort Stewart, Ga., has earned the company an Eagle award in the Federal Government/Military – Less than $10-Million category of ABC’s National Excellence in Construction Awards. Brasfield & Gorrie representatives received the award Feb. 20 during the 23rd annual celebration at the Harbor Beach Marriott Resort in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. “ABC is proud to recognize Brasfield & Gorrie for its outstanding work on the North Troop Medical Clinic project,” said Michael D. Bellaman, ABC … Read more

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Construction Employment at Three-Year High

The construction industry added 48,000 jobs in February, the ninth consecutive month of job growth for the sector, as more people are working in construction than at any point in the last three and a half years, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials cautioned, however, that employment gains remain tenuous and could be undermined if Washington officials fail to reach a deal on federal investment levels later this month. “With construction employment increasing by the largest amount for a single month in nearly six years, the steady improvement in … Read more

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Green Construction Focuses on Need to Control Building Energy Costs

FARMINGTON, Conn. — Green construction is moving from a niche to the mainstream. Interest in joining the green construction market is growing. Regulatory instruments, governmental initiatives and financial support mechanisms, together with growing consumer awareness and expectations, all put pressure on construction market participants to adopt more green practices. Through 2017, a rebound in construction activity, combined with continuing consumer interest in environmentally friendly products, will propel U.S. growth in green building materials demand 11 percent annually to $86.6 billion. U.S. construction activity declined sharply during much of the 2007-2012 period, but demand for green building materials held its own, … Read more

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