By Helen Callier, Contributing Writer We have all heard the phrase, “Time is money,” at some point and may have experienced delays that punched holes in a project’s budget. In the construction industry, time is crucial – especially when pulling building permits. Getting a permit can be cumbersome and time-consuming, so it’s crucial for contractors…
A construction contract is the foundation of any construction project. But a foundation is only as strong as the ground it is built on. Documents that are incorporated by reference into your contract may lead to unknown risks that are only unearthed when claims or disputes flare-up, or worse, in litigation. Executing a contract without…
When it comes to general contractors and payment applications, “technology” and “collaboration” may not be the first words that come to mind. As the construction industry continues to innovate, we’ve found that technology solutions are doing more than just make certain processes easier. Below we highlight four ways we’ve seen innovative technology platforms influence team…
For solid and consistent business success in a competitive construction market, it’s vital that you remain aware of statistics and data. These recent findings highlight the state of construction around Texas and our nation, which will prove valuable in your decision-making when it comes to partnerships, certifications, and expansion efforts. Whether you are a general…
Construction contractors are less optimistic about many private-sector segments than they were a year ago, but their expectations for the public sector market have remained relatively bullish, according to survey results released recently by the Associated General Contractors of America and Sage. The findings are detailed in High Hopes for Public Sector Funding Amid Workforce…
Plunging prices for diesel fuel, lumber, and steel cooled inflation for materials and services used in construction in December, but relief may be short-lived, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data released today. Association officials noted that contractors listed material costs as one of their top concerns in…
By Helen Callier, Contributing Writer Regardless if the construction market is hot, cold, or lukewarm, what the PermitUsNow team knows for sure is that a building permit is needed in a timely manner. Getting a permit fast helps project owners to become profitable sooner or to begin enjoying their dream. This complex, ever-changing world of…
Construction companies added 20,000 employees in November and continued to raise wages for hourly workers more steeply than other sectors as the industry’s unemployment rate tumbled, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new government data. Association officials said the data shows that firms would have added significantly more workers…
The price of materials and services used in nonresidential construction continued rising at a double-digit rate in November from a year earlier, propelled by outsized increases in the cost of a variety of building materials, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data released today. Association officials noted that…
By Helen Callier, Contributing Writer We have been in the construction industry and managing building permits for many years. And what we know for sure is there is no doubt that building codes exist to protect everyone from being injured or killed on the job site, and when they are followed, construction accidents are…
A measure of construction contractors’ bid prices moved sharply higher in October as firms coped with ongoing supply-chain challenges and a tight labor market, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data released recently. Association officials said rising construction costs threaten to undermine demand for projects and urged administration…
Construction employment increased in 269 of 358 metro areas between September 2021 and September 2022, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new government employment data. But association officials noted that those job gains could stall as the industry faces a growing list of challenges, including labor shortages, rising materials…
By Helen Callier, Contributing Writer “Play ball” is two words you should remember going into 2023. I enjoy networking with contractors, developers, and others in the construction industry. I recently attended the American Turkic Real Estate and Construction Summit in Houston and here’s the bottom line for the 2023 economy in Texas and in the…
The price of materials and services used in nonresidential construction jumped 12.6 percent in September from a year earlier despite a dip of 0.2 percent last month, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data released recently. Association officials note that the construction industry was suffering the most from…
Jobs come, and jobs go. There isn’t much of a call for harpooners on whaling ships anymore. Of course, ten years ago, most people couldn’t imagine anyone working as a cryptocurrency investigator. It’s not just innovation, though. Economic forces can squeeze people right out of certain fields. With a recession looming or already here, MerchantMaverick.com…
By Helen Callier, Contributing Writer A few months ago, I was a featured workshop speaker providing insights and tips for navigating the construction industry. Most folks that have heard me speak before or have read any of my articles know that I am a storyteller sharing real-life stories from experiences from projects and often makes…
The price of materials and services used in nonresidential construction declined by 1.1 percent from July to August as a steep drop in fuel prices masked increases in the cost of other construction inputs, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data released recently. Association officials cautioned that limited…
The top recruitment strategies for construction recruiting include but are not limited to building a great company brand that candidates are attracted to, sourcing great talent in new ways, interviewing appropriately, and continuing to train your new hires. Construction companies’ recruitment strategies have never been more critical. In fact, Brent Darnell International, a company that…
By Helen Callier, Contributing Writer It is always a great feeling to sign a new contract. Be it for a commercial or public project, the sound of hearing the words, “You have been awarded XYZ job” is sweet music. This was apparent when I was recently picking up a package at the post office. A…
By Helen Callier, Contributing Writer It is always a great feeling to sign a new contract. Be it for a commercial or public project, the sound of hearing the words, “You have been awarded XYZ job” is sweet music. This was apparent when I was recently picking up a package at the post office. A…
