Construction downtime leads to lost productivity that impacts your business. Whether the downtime is planned or unplanned, minimizing it should be part of your emergency strategy to avoid missing deadlines and disappointing your clients. Backup equipment is critical to reducing downtime and staying on track. Here’s why it’s so vital and what you should have on hand to circumvent unexpected delays. Implications of Construction Downtime Downtimes — unintended or not — are productivity killers. They extend project deadlines, disrupt workflows and bring everything to a halt. It makes you rethink h ..read more

In today’s construction news, read about how, while a severe lack of previously owned homes for sale continues to support new construction, a comeback in mortgage rates is discouraging would-be purchasers, leading to a precipitous drop in single-family homebuilding in the United States. On the other hand, based on statistics from March 2024 collected by CoStar, the number of hotel rooms under construction in the United States increased year over year for the first time since June 2023. When it comes to property market statistics, data, and online marketplaces, CoStar is unrivaled. US homebuild ..read more

In today’s construction news, read about how, in spite of high loan rates, construction companies created 39,000 new jobs in March, according to Labor Department data released on Friday. Local government, eateries, and the healthcare industry all saw strong hiring. Notwithstanding the fact that over 400,000 people entered or returned to the labor force, the unemployment rate fell to 3.8%. Meanwhile, the new maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility in Oklahoma City, US, is being built by aviation services provider AAR and its partners.   At Will Rogers World Airport, a groundb ..read more

Construction is a necessary yet risky industry. People need to work on scaffolding, maneuver around electrical wiring and build floors that reach well into the sky. Ensuring continual safety is crucial for every team, especially on dangerous sites. Industry leaders can use these tips to make each site safer, no matter their crew’s size or goals. It’s always possible to reduce safety risks if you keep an open mind and try innovative ideas. Which Types of Construction Sites Are the Most Dangerous? Leaders and team members can improve construction safety on any active site by recognizing when a s ..read more

In today’s US construction news, read about how, according to the AGC, overall construction spending increased year over year in all categories, even though it decreased from January to February to an annual rate of around $2.1 trillion. Meanwhile, last week, a construction worker in Georgia fell 20 feet down a ditch, yet his life was saved. On the other hand, for the summer, one southbound lanes on I-475 will remain available, but starting on April 15, all northbound lanes will close, resulting in an additional few minutes of travel time. Lastly, between 28th Street and Burton Street, all nor ..read more

In today’s construction news, read about how, after completing a $62 million project on the freeway between M-36 in Mason south to the Ingham County/Jackson County line last year, the Michigan Department of Transportation is currently working on a years-long reconstruction of US 127 in Ingham County. Workers started constructing crossover lanes for a $205 million reconstruction of the freeway between I-96 north and I-496 last fall in anticipation of this year’s work. On the other hand, the Schultz Creek Drainage Improvements at US Hwy 180 project is scheduled to begin construction in April by ..read more

In today’s construction news, read that several road projects in West Michigan are prepared to begin construction by the Michigan Department of Transportation in 2024, which will most certainly affect your commute at some point. On the other hand, two United States contractors have entered guilty pleas in a federal court for their roles in a “rent-a-vet” scam in which they solicited construction contracts by pretending to be handicapped veterans. Lastly, the US Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office (LPO) has today announced that Lithium Nevada Corp., a subsidiary of Lithium Americas Corp ..read more

Many construction industry professionals are anticipating 2024 climate change and how it will affect the sector. Energy efficiency challenges have persisted throughout the last year. Naturally, those events raise questions about what the future will entail. Summer 2024’s Climate Change Progression Almost every country and industry faced numerous challenges during the summer of last year, dubbed the hottest season on record. Although some believed it couldn’t get worse, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reveals a one-in-three chance that 2024 will be even warmer. Last yea ..read more

As we step into 2024, the world of office design is witnessing a fascinating blend of practicality and style. This year, companies are focusing more than ever on creating workspaces that not only enhance productivity but also reflect a sense of sophistication. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key trends shaping commercial workspace design in 2024. Embracing Nature Indoors: Biophilic Design One noticeable trend gaining momentum is the concept of biophilic design. Offices are increasingly integrating natural elements like indoor gardens, green walls, and ample natural light. Not only do t ..read more

In recent times, we’ve witnessed a significant shift in the traditional office landscape, largely influenced by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. With remote work becoming increasingly common, businesses are embracing the concept of hybrid offices. These innovative workspaces blend the best of traditional office setups with remote work amenities, aiming to foster collaboration, flexibility, and productivity. Let’s explore the trends that are shaping the creation of hybrid offices through commercial renovation. Flexibility: A Key Focus In the drive for adaptability, offices are transitionin ..read more