After years in the doldrums, many specialty contractors have seen improved market conditions this year and are spotting signs of an even better market in 2015. The increased activity that design firms and general contractors have been reporting is filtering into the field, allowing subcontractors to be more selective and strategic when bidding.
Nick Thrappas, president of the American Subcontractors Association of Baltimore and president of ARC Construction, says he sees much more optimism among members of his ASA chapter. "The market has improved quite a bit, and the work opportunities are increasing," he says, noting that he has seen particular improvement in corporate office work.