Nonresidential construction spending slipped 1% in September but has still managed to expand 4.2% on a year-over-year basis, according to the Nov. 1 release from the U.S. Census Bureau. Spending for the month totaled $596.1 billion on a seasonally adjusted, annualized basis while the government slightly revised the August spending figure from $603.7 billion to $601.9 billion. “September’s drop in nonresidential construction spending is disappointing, given the growing momentum in the broader economy and the generally positive signals being sent by industry-specific leading economic indicators,” said Associated Builders and Contractors Chief Economist Anirban Basu.“Based on a combination of these leading
Denny Pehrson admits that he has the instincts of a teacher as much as a builder. Pehrson, 75, honed his teaching skills working as a foreman, superintendent and senior superintendent during 57 years in the industry—a career in which he mentored hundreds of young constructors. He officially retired five years ago from Adolfson & Peterson Construction, Aurora, Colo., but Pehrson continues to visit A&P jobsites to offer suggestions, safety tips and "an occasional kick in the pants" to younger colleagues. In July he celebrated 49 years with the company. Photo courtesy of Adolfson and Peterson Construction Retired senior superintendent Denny
A team aiming for LEED-Gold certification in the design and construction of an Energy Innovation Laboratory for the U.S. Dept. of Energy in Idaho Falls overachieved and ended up earning Platinum instead.
Some attorneys like the dynamics of a trial, the verbal combat of litigation. While longtime construction attorney Robert F. Babcock certainly doesn't shy away from confrontation, he says he prefers to find out-of-court answers that work for everyone. Photo courtesy of Babcock Scott & Babcock Salt Lake City construction attorney Robert F. Babcock has built a reputation for finding workable solutions to disputes without resorting to expensive litigation. Related Links: Wyoming Lien Laws Utah's Liquidated Damages Clauses Babcock, 61, a partner and co-founder of Salt Lake City law firm Babcock Scott & Babcock, has been working for more than 35
Most construction firms report they are having trouble finding qualified craft workers to fill key spots as the industry recovers from its years-long downturn, according to the results of a new industry-wide survey recently released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials called for new career and technical school programs, as well as other workforce measures to offset labor shortages. “As the survey results make clear, many construction firms across the country are having a hard time filling available positions,” said Ken Simonson, chief economist for the Associated General Contractors. “Considering how much the nation’s educational focus has
With all geographic regions and building project sectors showing positive conditions, there continues to be a heightened level of demand for design services, as signaled in the latest Architecture Billings Index (ABI). As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine- to 12-month lead time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects reported the September ABI score was 55.2, up from a mark of 53.0 in August. This score reflects an increase in design activity (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 64.8,
Employment expansion in Colorado is expected to continue through the fourth quarter of 2014 and into the first quarter of 2015, according to a new report by the University of Colorado Boulder released Oct. 22 by Colorado Secretary of State Scott Gessler. The Quarterly Business and Economic Indicators Report is prepared by the Business Research Division at CU-Boulder’s Leeds School of Business using data from the secretary of state’s central business registry.During the third quarter, a total of 27,640 new businesses filed with the secretary of state’s office, marking the fastest growth in filings since at least 2006. The third-quarter
I’ve seen a surge in interest for business development training in the past year or two since the economic rebound. I believe this surge results primarily from two factors. • The financial reality that while most firms are still watching their overhead dollars like a hawk, there is more discretionary money available to fund training initiatives that were put on hold during the recession.• A reluctance by some firms to hire (or rehire) full-time business developers. Many were let go during the downturn, and some firms have never filled this role. In their place, many firms have doubled down on
In some cultures rather than asking someone they were just introduced to, “How are you?” people ask: “Have you eaten?” They figure that if you answer yes, you are relatively well and happy, but if you haven’t eaten, that needs to taken care of first. Sharing food is a social activity that’s connected to our basic need to survive. It is a common practice across all cultures and nations to share food, and it brings us together as families and friends. It gives us the opportunity to put down our smartphones and actually talk to each other. Unfortunately, this opportunity
Construction materials prices inched down 0.1% in September but rose 1.6% compared to the same time last year, according to the U.S. Dept. of Labor’s Oct. 15 Producer Price Index. Prices for inputs to construction industries have remained unchanged from June to August—the longest such period since the price index for construction inputs began in 1986. Inputs to nonresidential construction fell 0.2% for the month but were 1% higher than in September 2013. Crude energy materials prices declined 1% in September and are 7.9% lower than a year ago. Natural gas prices climbed 4% in September after decreasing in the
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