Construction Costs Surge in April

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The cost of goods used in construction jumped in April at the fastest year-over-year rate since 2011, with ongoing increases for a wide range of building materials, including many that are subject to proposed tariffs that could drive prices still higher and cause scarcities, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department data. Association officials said that the new data indicates many firms are already being squeezed by higher materials prices that they are unable to pass along to their customers. “Contractors have started to boost the prices they charge, but they are falling … Read more

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Construction Group Uses Mobile Tech to Make Highway Work Zones Safer

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Fifty-four percent of highway contractors reported that motor vehicles had crashed into their construction work zones during the past year, according to the results of a new highway work zone study conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America. In response, association officials have launched a new mobile advertising campaign urging drivers who routinely pass through certain work zones to slow down and be alert. “There are simply too many cars crashing into too many work zones, putting too many lives at risk,” said Spokesman Ken Kubacki, chairman of AGC’s Highway and Transportation Division;  Western Region Projects executive, Granite Construction … Read more

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Construction Employment Rises in 38 States & D.C. Year-Over-Year, 29 States Add Construction Jobs in April

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Thirty-eight states and the District of Columbia added construction jobs between April 2017 and April 2018, while 29 states added construction jobs between March and April, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department data. Association officials said the employment growth likely would have been higher if firms could find more qualified workers to hire. “Firms in many parts of the country are working to keep pace with growing demand for construction services,” said chief economist Ken Simonson. “Many of those firms are having a hard time finding and hiring enough qualified workers as … Read more

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Construction Unemployment Rate Increases Slightly, Higher Pay Levels Attract People with Recent Construction Experience

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Construction employment increased by 17,000 jobs in April and by 257,000 jobs over the past year while firms boosted pay to help recruit new workers, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted the increases in pay appear to be attracting more former construction workers back into the job market, but cautioned that labor conditions remain extremely tight. “Many firms are boosting pay and taking other steps to compete for a relatively small pool of available, qualified workers to hire,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s CEO. “While these steps … Read more

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McShane Construction Company’s SW Regional Team Grows with 3 New Hires in Phoenix Office

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McShane Construction Company’s Southwest Region is growing with the addition of three experienced veterans to the team in its Phoenix, Arizona office. Marc Roberts, LEED AP, was hired as the new director of pre-construction. Roberts will lead McShane’s comprehensive pre-construction services for numerous projects within the multi-family, industrial, office and healthcare markets, among others. He is responsible for the preparation of cost estimates, value engineering, lifecycle cost analyses, constructability reviews and project scheduling. Roberts received his Master of Architecture and Business Administration from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. Elaine McLean is the newest senior project manager to join McShane’s … Read more

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