Thursday, November 19, 2009
Integrated Electrical Services Safety Performance is Recognized With Prestigious 2009 Construction Industry Safety Excellence Award
HOUSTON, TX - Integrated Electrical Services, a leading national provider of electrical and communications services (Nasdaq: IESC - News), (www.ies-co.com) announced that it has received a prestigious Construction Industry Safety Excellence Award (CISE) award from Construction Users Roundtable (CURT, www.curt.org). The award was accepted by IES Vice President of Safety, Harvey Hammock, at an awards ceremony held Nov. 17 at the 2009 CURT National Conference. Full Story.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
U.S. Economy: Housing Fell as End of Credit Loomed
Residential construction in the U.S. unexpectedly dropped in October amid concern a homebuyer tax credit would expire, illustrating the market’s dependence on government help to sustain a recovery as job losses mount. Builders broke ground on 529,000 houses at an annual pace, down 11 percent from the prior month and the fewest since April’s record low, Commerce Department figures showed today in Washington. Data from the Labor Department signaled inflation will be of little concern for the Federal Reserve. Full Story.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Barwa, Diar adopt Qatari green building norms
DOHAR, QATAR - Barwa and Qatari Diar Real Estate companies yesterday avowed their implementation of green building codes by adopting the Qatar Sustainability Assessment System (QSAS) in all future projects. The two leading real estate companies of the country also urged all offices and consultancies in Qatar to adopt the QSAS system immediately. Full Story.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
A big job for fire code committee
PARIS, TX - Seemingly overwhelmed by the amount of materials before them, the City of Paris Code Committee took a new direction Tuesday in assessing fire and building code recommendations. “I am having difficulty getting my arms around this,” committee chairman and local attorney Charles Waldrum said at the beginning of the 5 p.m. meeting at City Hall. “I suggest looking at the proposed ordinance by the city. I think that gives us somewhere to start.” Full Story.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Area homebuilding permits for October match '08 level
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Homebuilders in the Indianapolis area finally saw a turnaround in new home construction in October. Builders filed 338 single-family building permits in the nine-county metro area last month, the same number as in October of last year, according to the Builders Association of Greater Indianapolis, which reports the numbers on its Web site. Full Story.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Unfinished subdivision leaves residents high, dry
Security bond for project's completion held by bankrupt bank
VALPARAISO, FL - The residents of Tower Meadows subdivision west of the city in unincorporated Center Township are wondering about their future. It's not just unfinished streets that are a problem now that developer Signature Homes is defunct and that Porter County has put a moratorium on home building in the unfinished subdivision. Full Story.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Homebuilder sentiment index unchanged in November
LOS ANGELES, CA — A key gauge of homebuilders' confidence held steady in November, reflecting a cautious outlook from residential developers as they waited to learn whether Congress would extend a homebuyer tax credit. The National Association of Home Builders said Tuesday this month's housing market index stood at 17 for the second month in a row. Full Story.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
ICC-ES: Metal Stud Door and Window Framing Report
LOS ANGELES, CA - It is now easier and safer to use light-gage steel stud framing. For the first time, the ICC Evaluation Services (ICC-ES) has issued an evaluation report confirming an engineered header system meets the requirements of the 2006 International Building Code (IBC) and 2007 California Building Code (CBC). The recently issued ICC-ES Evaluation Report ESR-1765 applies to the ProX Header by Brady Construction Innovations. Full Story.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
New home starts in Brevard hit '09 high
October's 104 encourages, but year overall is at record low
MELBOURNE, FL - New home starts in Brevard County rose to their highest level of the year in October, a hopeful sign for the troubled construction industry. Despite the increase, though, the county is on pace to build the fewest homes in a year since record keeping began in 1975. In October, 104 new residential building permits were issued in the county, according the Home Builders and Contractors Association of Brevard. Full Story.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Vail's new building code in effect Jan. 1
New Vail code includes increase in energy efficiency
VAIL, CO — Contractors doing work in Vail are reminded that, beginning Jan. 1, the town will regulate all building construction according to the 2009 edition of the International Building Codes. The codes, as approved by the Town Council in October, are available on the town's Web site at vailgov.com, then click on the “Community Development Department,” then “Building Safety and Inspection Services.” Full Story.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Rhea plans for building codes
CHATTANOOGA, TN - Rhea County officials plan to implement building codes by July 2010. Earlier this year, the Tennessee General Assembly passed the Clean Energy Future Act, which requires all counties and cities to enforce building codes. While the Rhea County municipalities -- Spring City, Dayton and Graysville -- have adopted the International Building Code, the county itself has no such code. Full Story.
Monday, November 16, 2009
McDonnel Group earns two awards in La. ‘Best of 2009’
METAIRIE, LA - The McDonnel Group, a Metairie-based general contractor, has earned two state construction industry awards for two area projects that are now also advanced into the national construction industry competition. The “Best of 2009” awards from industry publication “South Central Construction” magazine annually recognizes construction and design excellence from across Louisiana. The McDonnel Group earned a “Best in Category” award for “Best Health Care Project” for its work on the major expansion of Louisiana Medical Center & Heart Hospital in Lacombe. It also earned an “Award of Excellence” in the education project category, the highest award given in that category this year, for its construction of Lakeshore High School. Full Story.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
New ways to enforce building codes?
CHEBOYGAN, MI - County officials have discussed adopting an ordinance to would allow building safety/construction code violations to be enforced as civil infractions. Full Story.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Standard provides foundation for Green building codes.
ATLANTA, GA - A proposed high-performance building standard and a stronger version of Standard 90.1, both being released next year, together will provide a total green resource for local and state governments looking to set building code requirements to reduce energy use. Full Story.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Building Codes Council needs retooling
JACKSON, MI — What exactly is known about the Mississippi Building Codes Council? You won’t find it listed in the telephone book or when conducting a quick search of the Internet. There is no office, telephone number or web site. What is known is that in 2006, the Legislature passed House Bill 1406 that created an organization to enforce wind and flood mitigation requirements in Mississippi’s five coastal counties and to require that all municipalities in those counties adopt certain nationally recognized building and residential codes as prescribed in the 2003 international residential and building codes. Full Story.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Realtors: Tax credit extension will boost market
LAS VEGAS, NV - Homebuilders and Realtors are counting an extension and expansion of a homebuyer tax credit to boost to the housing market through mid-2010. Last week, Congress extended the $8,000 credit for first-time buyers and expanded the program to include move-up buyers in the amount of $6,500. The credit for first-time buyer was set to expire Nov. 30. Full Story.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Northeast Ohio: Home building bounces back
CLEVELAND, OH - Home builders here are reporting levels of business they haven't seen since before the recession. Bo Knez of Knez Builders in Lake County reports new home sales and traffic at open houses have been on a steady upturn since spring. Michael and Daivd Payne of Payne and Payne Builders in Geauga County say their company's fourth quarter new home starts are at a level not seen in over a year. Full Story.
Friday, November 13, 2009
KU Engineering Student Publishes Book on Construction Industry in China
LAWRENCE, KS - infoZine - Ka Wah “Calvin” Chui (pronounced CHOO), a doctoral student in construction engineering and management, based the book on results of research for his KU master’s thesis project in international construction management. His adviser, Yong Bai, associate professor of civil, environmental and architectural engineering, is the co-author for “Comparison of Contract General Conditions between the U.S. and China: Becoming More Competitive in the Chinese Construction Market,” published in August by VDM. Full Story.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
CU regents approve green rules for campuses
AURORA, CO - The University of Colorado regents on Thursday passed a measure that directs campus leaders to follow a series of green rules, such as meeting environmentally friendly building codes. The resolution says university leaders should strive to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards and recognize that the initial cost of those stringent eco-friendly codes can save on water and energy bills in the future. Full Story.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Abu Dhabi to Have Unified Building Codes in Early 2010
ABU DHABI, UAE - Outside banking and economics, regulators rarely hit the headlines but the rapid expansion of the built environment in burgeoning Abu Dhabi has put the men and women who ensure the safety of those who live and work in the emirate under unusually intense scrutiny. The Abu Dhabi Government has recently signed up to new and rigorous codes in urban and industrial building ,enforced by tough and inquisitive regulators, with hundreds of delegates from both private and public sector being despatched to training courses on every aspect of construction from seismic protection to fire control. Full Story.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
FMI's 2010 U.S. Markets Construction Overview
RALEIGH, NC - FMI, the nation’s leader in consulting and investment banking services for the construction industry, announces the release of its 2010 U.S. Markets Construction Overview, offering insight into some of the construction industry’s most complex business challenges. This year’s Overview consists of three major pieces: a compilation of strategic issues in the current environment, important trends observed in 13 client groups served by FMI and the third quarter 2009 forecast. Full Story.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
8 months on, final notification on building code yet to be cleared
INDIA - Nearly eight months after a team of experts drafted a set of rules in the form of a building code to make important structures and newly-constructed public buildings in the city resistant to bomb blasts, the final notification making it mandatory for builders to follow the code awaits a clearance from the chief minister. The government, meanwhile, has been under pressure from builders who believe the rules are unrealistic and too expensive to implement. Full Story.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Buffalo County considers ordinance to enforce state building code
WINONA, MN - Buffalo County zoning planners are considering an ordinance to locally enforce state-required uniform dwelling codes. The ordinance would regulate building inspection codes in municipalities that do not have their own zoning ordinances. Town board representatives in the Buffalo County Towns Association favor a county UDC ordinance to provide uniformity in regulating inspections. Full Story.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Will housing market go back into hibernation this winter?
BOSTON, MA - Residential builder stocks have heated up recently on encouraging quarterly results and new legislation that expands tax breaks for companies and home buyers. However, the industry is hunkering down for a tough winter that could see an even bigger drop-off in activity than normal due to rising unemployment in the economic recession. Full Story.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
ABC forecasts ’sluggish’ year
WASHINGTON — Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) has released its 2010 economic forecast for the commercial and industrial construction industry. “While the industry battled the effects of the recession in 2009, expect 2010 to be a transitional but sluggish year on the road to recovery,” said ABC chief economist Anirban Basu. Full Story.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
B.C. and Ottawa reach wood milestones with China
Shanghai, China's most populous city, has approved a new wood-frame building code, which was called a "major step forward" by provincial and Canadian politicians in growing demand for Canadian wood products in China. “The Shanghai Local Code is the first comprehensive set of guidelines for wood-frame construction ever published in China,” said Natural Resources Minister Lisa Raitt. Full Story.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
NIOSH funds the DUSTI project
In the construction industry, respiratory disease, often leading to disability or an increased risk of cancer, is a major public health concern. Studies led by Deborah Young-Corbett, a faculty member in Virginia Tech's School of Construction, have shown that specific types of sanding tools are highly effective in reducing the dust that causes these health hazards, yet the industry's usage of the available technology remains very low. Full Story.
Monday, November 9, 2009
ABC Forecasts 2010 Construction Activity Will See Winners and Losers
WASHINGTON - Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) today released its 2010 economic forecast for the commercial and industrial construction industry. "While the industry battled the effects of the recession in 2009, expect 2010 to be a transitional but sluggish year on the road to recovery," said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. "Through late 2008, the industry held up well, but 2009 was a year of retrenchment for many construction sectors, including those associated with private development and municipal projects," said Basu. "Overall, the nonresidential construction industry has been impacted by a combination of financing constraints, massive job loss and a lack of confidence in local economies across the nation due to falling tax revenues. Full Story.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Dust control research leads to a NIOSH grant to facilitate adoption of hazard controls
BLACKSBURG, VA – In the construction industry, respiratory disease, often leading to disability or an increased risk of cancer, is a major public health concern. Studies led by Deborah Young-Corbett, a faculty member in Virginia Tech's School of Construction, have shown that specific types of sanding tools are highly effective in reducing the dust that causes these health hazards, yet the industry's usage of the available technology remains very low. To find out why, Young-Corbett conducted follow-up studies with construction firm owners and workers, and identified a number of barriers to the adoption of technology that lead to healthier environments. She said they related to productivity, work quality, and perceptions of benefits and risks. Full Story.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Holland city and township using photography to find building violators
HOLLAND, MI - Inspectors no longer need to trample through your back yard to check for building code violations. Instead, some are comparing aerial photography to determine whether homeowners have added garages, pools and decks without permits. Full Story.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Report Urges Tighter Building Code for South Carolina Beachfront
South Carolina needs to take a tougher stand to keep new beachfront development from moving closer to the ocean, according to a report requested by the state's environmental agency. The report calls for lawmakers to tighten a 1988 law that was intended to slow construction near the beach by saying new houses and hotels should be built farther back, according to a copy obtained by The State of Columbia. Full Story.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Builders start snapping up cheap land
LOS ANGELES, CA — The housing bust left homebuilders with plenty of red ink on their books as they walked away from swaths of land they no longer needed. But now homebuilders are on the hunt again, vying for choice parcels even in foreclosure-riddled markets like Las Vegas, Southern California and Orlando, Fla., where prices are cheap and there are signs of a recovery. Full Story.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Homebuilders hunting for land in Vegas?
LAS VEGAS, NV - The housing bust left homebuilders with plenty of red ink on their books as they walked away from swaths of land they no longer needed. But now homebuilders are on the hunt again, vying for choice parcels even in foreclosure-riddled markets like Las Vegas, Southern California and Orlando, Fla., where prices are cheap and there are early signs of a recovery. Full Story.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Marketplace: Numbers construct a sad story
VANCOUVER, WA - By most measures, $75 million is a lot of money, but in the home-building industry in Clark County, it's a number that sums up just how tough things are. Through October, local builders have been issued 323 permits to build new homes with an estimated total value of $75.1 million. Full Story.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Brainerd: When is a recovery a recovery?
BRAUBERD, MN — In Brainerd, Minn. the unemployment rate catapulted to 21 percent earlier this year -- the highest spike among Minnesota's large cities. If you're familiar with the Brainerd area, you probably know it as a destination for tourists. The scores of nearby lakes are teeming with resorts, each vying for guests. And Twin Citians have flocked here to buy second homes from eager builders and real estate agents. Full Story.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Home building on the rebound
OTTAWA, CANADA - Canadian building permits rose 1.6% in September, the fourth gain in five months, as residential work returned to the level it reached before a recession began last year. The total value of permits issued by municipalities rose to $5.11-billion, Statistics Canada said Thursday in Ottawa. The percentage gain matched the median prediction of 14 economists surveyed by Bloomberg News. Full Story.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Tax credit extension thrills E.V. homebuilders
PHOENIX, AZ - Area homebuilders received welcome news Wednesday that the federal first-time homebuyer tax credit is being not only extended but expanded to include buyers who already own homes. President Barack Obama is expected to sign into law a bill that extends the $8,000, first-time homebuyer tax credit set to expire Nov. 30. It also creates a tax credit up to $6,500 for buyers who have owned their current homes at least five years. Full Story.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Firm: Texas A&M facility wasn't built to code
DALLAS, TX - Texas A&M University's tentlike athletic complex wasn't built to withstand the maximum winds prescribed by the building code, according to an engineering firm hired by the university to evaluate the $35.6 million structure. The analysis by Haynes Whaley Associates of Houston suggests that the McFerrin Athletic Center was built using a flawed design similar to that linked to the Dallas Cowboys' practice facility, which collapsed in May, injuring a dozen people. Full Story.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Sioux Falls sets remodeling record
SIOUX FALLS, SD - Remodeling continues to be a bright spot for the construction industry even as building permit values in Sioux Falls dwindle. Through October, $31.2 million in residential remodels and additions were permitted in Sioux Falls, the highest amount on record for that period. The previous high was in 2006 with $30.7 million through October, according to Jeff Schmidt, assistant director of planning and building services. Full Story.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Building permits up again in Oct.
Housing prices, interest rates, tax credit all help
ST PAUL, MN - Homebuilders in the Twin Cities filed 53 percent more building permits for residential construction in October than during the same month last year — the second consecutive month of year-over-year increases in the metro, according to numbers released Wednesday. And a greater share of the October permits was for single-family construction. Full Story.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Construction Industry Experiences 5 Stages of Grief
LAS VEGAS, NV - Construction was once thought of as a recession-proof industry. The old adage, if you build it, they will come, is no longer happening in a crippling economy. This has taken a emotional toll on workers and the industry. We've all heard the five stages of grief when it comes to the loss of a loved one -- denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance.T hose same emotions are what laid off workers on construction sites are now dealing with. Full Story.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Two Broward schools launch green building program
Building industry professionals can now learn more about LEED and other green building practices in an 18-hour course that prepares them for a green exam.
MIAMI, FL - Designers, engineers and others in the South Florida construction industry are signing up for the Green Ready Certificate Program, an 18-hour course offered at two Broward County technical schools for those who want to learn more about green building practices. The new program prepares students to sit for the Green Associate exam offered by the U.S. Green Building Council and the Green Building Certification Institute. The Green Associate credential denotes basic knowledge in green design, construction and operations for those interested in LEED, an independent and widely recognized rating system for structures with environmentally preferable features. Full Story.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Cranes poised to rise in Boston
Universities, government, health care companies gearing up
BOSTON, MA - Experts think they can hear a faint pulse within the battered commercial real estate and construction industry here and elsewhere. The sector is still clearly in dire trouble as construction sites sit empty, office-building values and rents fall, and foreclosure proceedings loom for some buildings, similar to what happened to Boston’s Hancock Tower and Waltham’s Bay Colony Center, two landmark structures that were recently dumped at bargain-basement prices due to heavy debt loads. Full Story.
Saturday, November 7, 2009>
Solar power comes to northeast Georgia
GAINESVILLE, GA - The rising cost of electricity in the Southeast is changing the landscape of home building and remodeling in northeast Georgia. Justin Green is the co-founder of Southern View Energy in Hall County, a new company that designs and installs solar energy equipment in businesses and homes. Just this week, the company's first residential project became a reality. Green said while the ideal situation for Southern View is to work on new homes, it is certainly possible for the company to retro-fit established homes with solar panels. Full Story.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Good news, bad news for homebuilders
Residential permit numbers show weakness in multifamily construction, strength in single-family
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - Local homebuilding activity dipped in October with fewer planned housing units in the pipeline, but some pockets of the metro are showing signs of a strong rebound in single-family construction. The Keystone Report, which tracks permit activity in the 13-county metro area, shows that Twin Cities municipalities issued 368 residential building permits for 445 housing units in October. October 2008 saw 267 permits for 711 housing units. Full Story.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Local construction forecast bleak as Northern Nevada doesn't match small building gain nationwide
RENO, NV - Strong residential activity helped the construction industry eke out a small gain nationwide in September, but local activity continues to paint a grim picture. Overall construction activity rose by 0.8 percent from August, thanks to a 3.9 percent increase in residential construction, according to a report Monday by the U.S. Department of Commerce. Full Story.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Lower construction costs, interest rates may not hold out
FORT WORTH, TX - While the custom homebuilding business continues to sludge through the current residential downturn, local custom builders like Fort Worth’s V Fine Homes President Patrick Towle say their remodeling divisions are seeing a noticeable uptick thanks to lower construction costs and interest rates. But that may not last for much longer according to an analysis just released of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ most recent numbers. Full Story.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Local home building improves in October
The pace of home building improved in the Colorado Springs area last month, while foreclosure filings might be leveling off, two new reports suggest. Good news for the housing market? Not so fast, industry officials say: Full Story.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Deltona hopes to train residents to work in solar industry
DELTONA, FL - With an economy largely based upon a once-booming home-construction industry, the recession has hit Deltona particularly hard. Nearly a quarter of Deltona's men work in the construction industry, so the city has seen its unemployment rate surpass the Florida and national averages. Hoping to soften the blow, the city is chasing between $2 million and $4 million in federal stimulus grants to train people to work in the solar industry. Full Story.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Forum outlines long struggle for builders
TACOMA, WA - The Master Builders Association of Pierce County was wise to host today's housing forum at a street-level meeting place, since the report was largely depressing in its outline for the state of home-building industry and forecast ahead. Otherwise, jumping out an upper-story window might have seemed appealing to builders in the South Sound faced with the construction slump and the tough years likely to come. Full Story.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Upping their green game
Changes to the building code means energy-efficient builders will have to work harder
OTTOWA, ONTARIO, CANADA - Homebuilder Bruce Nicol constructs new houses to a recognizable independent energy efficiency standard known as Energy Star. The company's Findlay Creek Village houses, built in south Ottawa, are 30 to 40 per cent more efficient than those constructed to minimum building code standards. But lower energy costs aren't part of Mr. Nicol's main marketing pitch, even to environmentally conscious consumers. Full Story.
Friday, October 30, 2009
American Homes are One Step Closer to Being Safer from the Devastation of Fire
BALTIMORE, MD - International Building Code hearings result in a vote reaffirming mandatory residential fire sprinklers in new construction. American homes are one step closer to being more fire-safe, following an October 28 vote at the International Code Council (ICC) hearings in Baltimore, Md., that reaffirmed national building codes making it mandatory for all new one- and two- family dwellings to have residential fire sprinklers starting in 2011. Full Story.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Council investigating Qld deck collapse
QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA - QUEENSLAND'S building code will be amended to make balconies and decks safer if investigations into two balcony collapses recommended changes, Premier Anna Bligh said. A balcony collapse injured eight people after they fell three metres onto concrete during a wake at Morayfield, north of Brisbane, on Wednesday. The incident came as a coroner is investigating the death of a woman in a balcony collapse at Ascot in Brisbane last November. Full Story.
Friday, October 30, 2009
New flood maps take effect in 2011
Nearly 100 waterfront residents attend FEMA's public hearing
NEWBURYPORT, MA — Waterfront residents have an extra year to comply with changes to expanded flood maps, which federal officials warn will put hundreds more homes in zones that require flood insurance and may have strict building codes. The new federal flood maps will now take effect June 1, 2011, a year later than what was originally announced. Officials have stressed to affected homeowners that they can lock in their flood insurance rate now, before the zones take effect and rates skyrocket. Full Story.
Friday, October 30, 2009
City meeting discusses code issues
ROWLETT, TX - The city of Rowlett has revised building codes concerning accessory structures over the last two years. The revisions are aimed at regulating size and neighborhood compatibility concerns. Unfortunately, some of the revisions have made the process less user-friendly. One of the main problems with the code is the designation of carports. If a carport is attached to a house it is considered an extension of the home, and must meet the primary structure’s building setbacks. Full Story.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Australia's regional governments play important role in climate change
QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA - State and territory governments in Australia have an important role to play in solving climate change, Queensland's Premier Anna Bligh said on Thursday. Responsibility for land use, energy and building codes meant state governments work in environmental initiatives was crucial, she noted. "Regional governments, both here in Australia and around the world, have a distinct and important role to play in assisting and adapting the effects of climate change," Bligh told state parliament. Full Story.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Planners urge Cocke County not adopt building code
NEWPORT, TN - Newport-Cocke County's planning commission approved a motion on Tuesday that asks the County Legislative Body (CLB) to "opt out" of implementing new building construction and fire safety codes for construction of all buildings in the county. In order to opt out of having the codes, the CLB must pass a resolution to that effect with a two-thirds majority. If two-thirds don't agree, Cocke County will automatically have the building and fire codes. Full Story.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
U.S. Economy: Consumers, Government Propel Growth
The U.S. economy returned to growth in the third quarter after a yearlong contraction as government incentives spurred consumers to spend more on homes and cars. The world’s largest economy expanded at a 3.5 percent pace from July through September, figures from the Commerce Department showed today in Washington. Household purchases climbed 3.4 percent, the most in two years. Full Story.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
New Collier ordinance spells out what work does not require permits
Water heater replacement, other work to be exempt
NAPLES, FL - Collier County do-it-yourselfers will no longer have to worry about securing a permit to replace or repair electric water heaters and a dozen other items, if commissioners approve a new building code ordinance, Nov. 10. In September, the board voted 4-1 against a staff recommendation to charge a $75 permit and inspection fee for water heater replacement, directing staff to bring the matter back to the county’s board of building adjustments and appeals, with a directive to seek an exemption, not only for water heaters, but repair or replacement of other items. Full Story.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Duluth Unveils New Building Code
DULUTH, MN - Wednesday night Duluth City Planners unveiled to the public the second module of their revised city building code. People heard about form based zoning as opposed to use based zoning which is the code the city currently employs. Full Story.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Ecobuild America educates industry leaders on stimulus opportunities
WASHINGTON, DC — As Congressional policy makers and AEC industry leadership convene to allocate stimulus funds and consider high performance building legislation, thousands of design and construction industry professionals will gather at the Washington Convention Center for Ecobuild America, Dec. 7-10, to learn what they'll need to know. Full Story.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
PrecisionCraft Log Homes Honored by National Awards Program
MERIDIAN, ID - PrecisionCraft Log Homes & Timber Frame, a Design Build company renowned for its mountain style homes built throughout the United States and world-wide, received national home building awards and accolades in the 2010 BSC Excellence in Home Design Awards program. PrecisionCraft and its renowned design firm, Mountain Architects, walked away with an “Excellence in Home Design” award for a custom, handcrafted log home as well as an Honorable Mention for a home inspired by PrecisionCraft's Laurette Chateau floor plan. Full Story.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
LENNAR JACKSONVILLE WINS A PRESTIGIOUS AURORA AWARD FOR WILLOWCOVE MODEL
Florida Homebuilder Recognized In Natural Gas Category
JACKSONVILLE, FL – The Jacksonville division of Lennar recently received an Aurora Award at the 2009 Southeast Building Conference for its Victoria model at its Willowcove community in Ponte Vedra, Florida. Full Story.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
St. Louis-area building permits rise again in Sept.
ST LOUIS, MO - New home construction increased for the third month in a row in September, according to figures from a local home builders association, the latest sign that the St. Louis-area real estate market has hit bottom and is slowly rebounding. Permits to build new single-family homes grew 12 percent from the same month last year, the third consecutive month of year-over-year increases reported by the Home Builders Association of Eastern Mo., which tracks building in seven Missouri counties in the St. Louis region. Full Story.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Autodesk Constructware 2010 Offers New Features to Improve Construction Project Management
Enhancements Span Data Accessibility, Reporting, Usability, Flexibility and Administration
SAN RAFAEL, CA - Autodesk, Inc., a world leader in 2D and 3D design, engineering and entertainment software, today announced the release of Autodesk Constructware 2010 project management software. As a premier solution for the construction industry, Autodesk Constructware 2010, is a software-as-a-service (SaaS) application, providing an on-demand environment for construction project management and collaboration. Full Story.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Home building may be on rebound in Orem
OREM, UT - After a two-year housing slump, recent data may indicate that new home construction in Orem is beginning to recover. While building permits for new homes plummeted to an average of three-per-month in 2008, after a nine per month average in 2007 and a 13-per-month average in 2006, the city's numbers from August may signal a change in the trend, according to statistics provided by Orem building safety technician Julia Davis. Full Story.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Sky Cottage continues to draw kudos for design
MEMPHIS, TN - Sky Cottage, the ultramodern Harbor Town home for which archimania won a 2009 statewide design award, is still commanding attention. Last month the three-story house became the first custom-built home in Memphis to be certified as a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) structure. The designation honors green homebuilding. Full Story.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Estemerwalt Log Homes Honored by National Awards Program
HONESDALE, PA - Honesdale, PA-based log home manufacturer, Estemerwalt Log Homes, received a national home building accolade, capturing the Excellence in Home Design for the Manufacturer's Model/Sales Center and Merchandising in the 2010 Building Systems' Council's Excellence in Home Design and Marketing Awards program. The honor was awarded by the Building Systems Councils (BSC) of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)--a trade association that represents the concrete, log, modular, and panelized building system industries--at their annual awards program October 25th. Full Story.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Builders push for tax credit's return
SAN JOSE, CA - New home building in California continues to take a hit in what builders say is a response to the expiration of a state tax credit for new home purchases. In hopes of reversing that trend, the building industry is pushing for passage of a bill that would bring back the credit. During the first nine months of 2009, the number of construction permits pulled by builders for single-family houses, condos and apartments in the East Bay stood at 1,731, a 40 percent drop from the same time a year ago, according to a report released Monday by the California Building Industry Association. Full Story.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
New building codes to slash energy bills by 50%
ABU DHABI - Abu Dhabi Electricity bills for residents in new buildings in the emirate will be reduced by almost 50 per cent as Abu Dhabi will soon implement the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), officials told Gulf News. The Department of Municipal Affairs (DMA) is planning to implement the International (Building) Code (I-code) including the IECC by early next year. The codes restricting excessive energy consumption practices such as the excessive use of glass on the walls of buildings (which triggers more air conditioning) will be applicable to new buildings and in the renovation of existing ones. A large number of residents will be able to enjoy the benefits of the codes because buildings in Abu Dhabi are fully renovated every 15 years on average. Full Story.
Friday, October 23, 2009>
Louisiana Alone in Construction Jobs Gains
Louisiana was the only state in the country where more people were working in the construction industry last month than in September 2008. That's according to a state-by state analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America. Full Story.
Friday, October 23, 2009>
Construction industry working safer
JACKSON, MS - The likelihood of a construction worker being injured on the job is significantly lower than 10 years ago. According to an analysis of federal safety data released in August, the national construction fatality rate declined 47 percent and recordable safety incidents dropped 38 percent since the federal government switched to a safety oversight approach in 1998. Full Story.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Renaissance Pointe eyes feds’ funds to grow
FORT WAYNE, IN - Homebuilders for the Renaissance Pointe project hope to use a federal program touted as a way to stabilize existing neighborhoods to attract buyers to the largely empty subdivision. Kevin Biggs, owner/president of Ideal Builders, said he plans to participate in the city’s Neighborhood Stabilization Program as a way to reduce the purchase price of new homes in Renaissance Pointe. Full Story.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Groves Park Commons is TN’s First Certified Green Subdivision
Development deemed ‘game changer’ for homebuilding industry.
OAK RIDGE, TN - Groves Park Commons subdivision in Oak Ridge was certified as Tennessee’s first certified Green Subdivision by the National Association of Homebuilders, Research Center during the Parade of Homes last weekend. Only seven other certified Green Subdivisions exist in the United States. “The standard and the certification process provide the home buyer with assurance that this community has been inspected and verified to be authentically green,” said NAHB Green Building Subcommittee Chair Eric Borsting, a builder from Stockton, Calif. “I congratulate the builders and developers of Groves Parks Commons for their leadership in sustainable design and construction.” Full Story.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Group shares its ‘lofty’ transit ideas for Lee County with Bonita council members
NAPLES, FL - Imagine streets lined with storefronts instead of parking lots, and trains that connect Florida Gulf Coast University and the airports. Imagine the next wave of homebuilding centered on electric train stations instead of behind gates. If the group called Reconnecting Lee County has its way, Lee County’s development future lies in urbanization instead of sprawl, including a light rail and rapid bus system to connect some of the county’s most vital services. Full Story.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
25th Annual Build Boston Energizes the Design and Construction Industry
Keynote speakers, creative networking opportunities, a showcase of products and services and professional development
BOSTON - More than 10,000 architects, engineers, contractors, owners/clients, interior designers, landscape architects, and other industry professionals from more than 40 states and a dozen countries will participate in Build Boston (www.BuildBoston.com), the Boston Society of Architects’ annual gathering of the design and construction industry. Now in its 25th year, Build Boston is a regional convention and tradeshow with national recognition, participation, and influence. It takes place November 18-20 at the Seaport World Trade Center in Boston, with the theme “New Economy. New Climate. New Thinking.” Full Story.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Homebuilders Work Toward Much Greener Mentality
MEMPHIS, TN - A Memphis company last week forged an important milestone for the sustainable building movement when the National Association of Home Builders certified the 500th home in the U.S. through the organization’s National Green Building Program. Chamberlain & McCreery Inc. earned that distinction through one of its green homes, bringing NAHB executives to town for the occasion and lending credence to the notion that Memphis builders have green aspirations. Full Story.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Fewer home-building permits signal weakness ahead
Applications for housing permits fall in September, raises worries about weakness ahead
WASHINGTON - Applications for home building permits, a key gauge of future construction, fell in September by the largest amount in five months -- a discouraging sign for the housing industry. A rebound in housing is needed to support a broader economic recovery. Representatives for the industry told a congressional panel Tuesday that the $8,000 tax credit for first-time buyers needs to be extended and expanded to ensure the housing sector will emerge from the recession. Full Story.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Industry’s Most Powerful Associations Send Letter to Administration Advocating for Extension of Homebuyer Tax Credit
The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) along with the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) sent a letter to senior Obama Administration officials yesterday requesting their support for a 12-month extension of the first-time homebuyer tax credit. Full Story.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Housing starts, permits seen rising in September
WASHINGTON - New construction of U.S. homes and permits for future building likely rose in September, supported by an improvement in sales and declining stocks of unsold properties, according to a Reuters survey. The poll of 69 economists forecast housing starts rising to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 610,000 units in September from 598,000 units in August. Full Story.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Schneider: Deck insurance snafu builds wariness
DEWITT, MI — When Sheryl Strouse added a small deck to the front of her DeWitt home five years ago, she made sure it complied with all Michigan Building codes. That’s because she wanted to do it right. It also was because, as a member of the DeWitt City Council, she can’t afford to break the rules. Imagine Strouse’s dismay when, earlier this month, her new insurance company, AAA, sent her a “termination notice” because the deck didn’t have a railing. Full Story.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Report Shows Homebuilding Corporations Rebuilding Foundation that Caused Housing Market Crash
Coalition of Homeowners, Workers, Consumer and Economic Advocates Call for Reform of Homebuilding Industry to Avoid another Crisis
Homeowners will join with labor, consumer and economic advocates to call for reform in the homebuilding industry in light of a new report showing corporate homebuilders are continuing the same practices that caused the housing market crash. The report, Nothing Learned? Laying the Foundation for the Next Housing Market Crash, to be released by LIUNA and the Alliance for Homebuyer Justice, reveals new evidence that corporate homebuilders –including the nation’s largest builder, Pulte Homes Inc. – have not changed the deceptive lending, appraisal fraud, predatory culture, overbuilding, encouraging speculators and worker abuses that made them a key player in the housing collapse and resulting economic crisis. Full Story.
Saturday, October 17, 2009>
Local homebuilding down 20% from a year ago
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - New home construction in the Indianapolis area is suffering from the looming Nov. 30 expiration of a federal tax credit for first-time homebuyers. The number of building permits issued for new homes fell to 287 last month, well below the five previous months' numbers. Full Story.
Friday, October 16, 2009>
U.S. construction to see 11 percent rise in 2010: report
The U.S. construction industry should see modest gains in 2010, with the building of single-family houses, apartment buildings, highways and bridges on the rise, offsetting drops in commercial and manufacturing property, the Wall Street Journal said, citing an industry report. Full Story.
Friday, October 16, 2009>
Call for change: Homebuilders press officials to streamline regulations
NORTH HAVEN, CT — At a time when the housing market already is struggling amid an economy trying to emerge from the recession, area homebuilders say they also must contend with a cumbersome and confusing regulatory system that makes saying afloat in Connecticut an even greater challenge. That was a key message builders voiced to several state lawmakers who attended the Home Builders Association of New Haven County’s legislative breakfast Thursday at the Holiday Inn. Full Story.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Stricter building codes, advancements improve safety
MORGAN HILL, CA - In the 20 years since the Loma Prieta earthquake, which crumbled buildings near the coast and collapsed a section of the Bay Bridge in San Francisco, state and local officials and scientists have focused their efforts on improving the understanding of such shakers and the damage they can cause. And while billions of dollars have been spent upgrading bridges and retrofitting sensitive structures, experts say we may never be fully be prepared for the next major quake, which will likely be more destructive than the 1989 event. Full Story.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Fitch Teleconference: U.S. Homebuilders Begin Slow Ascent
NEW YORK - With the bottom in U.S. housing now reached, U.S. homebuilders are beginning the slow climb back to stability, according to Fitch Ratings, which will be hosting a conference call tomorrow morning at 11 a.m. ET. Though the recovery may appear jaw-toothed in nature for the next several months, Fitch has nevertheless raised its forecasts for housing metrics for 2009 and 2010. Full Story.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Fitch: 'Jaw Toothed' Recovery Likely For U.S. Homebuilders
NEW YORK - Recent statistical and anecdotal information points to a bottom for U.S. housing, though early-stage recovery will be more muted than average, according to Fitch Ratings in the latest edition of the 'Chalk Line'. Single family housing starts and new home sales have regularly, if not consistently, been showing improvement in recent months, as have new home inventories, home pricing and consumer and builder sentiment. That being said, 'During the first 12-15 months off the bottom, the housing recovery may appear jaw-toothed as substantial foreclosures now in the pipeline surface as distressed sales, while meaningful new foreclosures arise from Alt-A and option adjustable-rate mortgage resets,' said Managing Director and lead U.S. homebuilding analyst Bob Curran. Full Story.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
California Senate Approves $10,000 Tax Credit for New-Home Buyers
SACRAMENTO, CA - A shattered California home building industry received a boost Wednesday when the state Senate voted to extend a popular $10,000 tax credit that fueled thousands of new-home sales last spring and summer. The Senate voted 35-1 to reauthorize the use of $30 million in credits not awarded during the first program. That should allow the state to give tax credits to about 4,300 more buyers of new unoccupied homes, many of which are in inland areas of California including the Central Valley. Eligible buyers would get a maximum of $3,333 in credits for each of the next three years. Full Story.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Barefoot and Company Inc. Receives Top Honor for Best Practices
CHARLOTTE, NC - Barefoot and Company, Inc., a leading supplier of specialty products in the building industry, was recently awarded the National Housing Quality Award (NHQ) by the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) Research Center. The NHQ award is given to trade contractors, builders and supply companies in the housing industry with a proven track record of customer satisfaction and continual process improvement in accordance with quality assurance requirements set by the NAHB Research Center. Full Story.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Home Building in D-FW Jumps 32 Percent in Third Quarter
DALLAS, TX - The pace of home building in Dallas-Fort Worth picked up in the third quarter from the previous quarter, but construction is still below last year's level, according to the Dallas-based real estate research firm Residential Strategies. Home builders started construction on 4,194 homes from July to September, a 32 percent increase from the number started from April to June, said the survey, released Wednesday. But that was 790, or nearly 16 percent, fewer homes than in the same quarter a year ago. Full Story.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Austin has best housing market in U.S.
Ranked the healthiest by online industry magazine
AUSTIN, TX - A homebuilding industry online magazine has ranked Austin the nation's healthiest housing market. Builder Online cites low unemployment and high demand as reasons why the Austin market is making a comeback. Home prices in Austin were still going up last year, unlike most of the country, but they have finally started to fall. The latest numbers show home prices down 4.6% in 2009. Full Story.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
More Building Permits Bode Well for Housing Market
MEMPHIS, TN - For the second straight quarter, homebuilders pulled more permits than the previous period, perhaps signaling the beginning of the end for the housing crisis. Builders started 144 homes during Q3 (July through September), according to the latest data from Chandler Reports, www.chandlerreports.com. That marked a 47.3 percent drop from 273 starts in Q3 2008, but it also marked a slight improvement over 141 permits made during the second quarter of 2009. Full Story.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
A good sign: Valley homebuilders grab vacant lots
FRESNO, CA - In another sign that the local housing market is improving, homebuilders are scrambling to snap up vacant lots. Just 18 months ago, developers were trying to dump lots in a feverish attempt to cope with the worst housing crisis in decades. The last thing they wanted was to get caught with unsold property. Full Story.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Loma Prieta indirectly spurs stricter building codes
Hospitals and schools are now built to withstand earthquakes
Twenty years ago, earthquake experts were already anticipating The Big One and pushing for stricter building requirements to help structures — and people — survive it. When the 6.9-magnitude Loma Prieta earthquake shook Northern California in October 1989, those efforts found themselves on a faster track, said Wisam Nader, a structural engineer with Gerald A. Graebe & Associates Inc. in Salinas. The efforts to improve building codes were spurred further by the Northridge temblor in 1994. Full Story.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Capital to adopt American building code
ABU DHABI - The Abu Dhabi International Building Code, which will be implemented in early 2010 on new buildings, will see a shift to the American system from the current British codes, said a senior official from Ramboll Middle East, an engineering firm. "We are working with US-based SK Ghosh Associates, who have been appointed by the Department of Municipal Affairs (DMA) in Abu Dhabi to finalise the details of the new codes. It will initially focus on new buildings," said Peyman Mohajer, Managing Director at Ramboll. Full Story.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
County taking over code enforcement duties in new home construction
WACO, TX - The McLennan County Commissioners Court approved a resolution Tuesday that makes it the county’s responsibility to ensure that new homes meet local building code standards, a duty formerly managed by a state agency. The commissioners approved the resolution adopting H.B. 2833, a bill passed by the Texas Legislature allowing counties to police whether new homes constructed in unincorporated county areas are built to code and properly inspected. Full Story.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
New statewide building code aims to save energy
NASHVILLE, TN — Tennesseans consume the second-most energy per home in the country. But a statewide residential building code aims to change that. The code that goes into effect on July 1 of next year would set home-building standards in the state’s counties and cities that currently have none. The Tennessean reports the U.S. Department of Energy estimates homes built in areas without building codes consume 30 percent to 50 percent more energy than those built in areas with codes. Full Story.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Building codes meeting draws large crowd
GALESBURG, IL — The Knox County Board voted at a special meeting Monday to put proposed building, plumbing and electrical codes on display at the county courthouse for a period of 30 days. The board will vote in November on whether the codes should be introduced. County Board Chairman Greg Bacon said a vote to enforce the codes at the board’s September meeting had caused some misunderstanding. Full Story.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Home-building activity increases in Chandler
CHANDLER, AZ - Residential construction is on the rise again in Chandler, but the focus is on detached homes, not apartments or condominiums. The city logged more completed houses in September than in any other month over the past year. That brings the total to 94,674 housing units within municipal boundaries. A single-family home is counted as one housing unit; an apartment or condominium in a larger complex also is counted as one unit. Full Story.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Rainwater Collection OK Without Permit, State Says
OLYMPIA, WA - Washington Ecology Director Jay Manning has signed a policy statement that says residents can collect and store rainwater for use on their property without a water-rights permit. The new policy, signed Friday, clarifies how rainwater collection should be handled under state law. The decision is important to homebuilders and others who want to include rooftop or other water collection systems in their construction. Full Story.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Frank McLawhorn Construction wins STAR Award
CHARLOTTE, NC - Frank McLawhorn Construction was among 54 recipients of the annual North Carolina Home Builders Associations (NCHBA) STAR Award, an awards program that honors the achievements of home building industry professionals. Full Story.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Building on its way up?
ROCHESTER, MN - Rochester enjoyed a mild uptick in single-family home building permits in September, continuing a trend that raises hope that the market has hit bottom and is coming back. There were 33 building permits issued in September, up from 28 in 2008. Full Story.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Voros: Our future builders sitting on sidelines
OAKLAND, CA - The slowdown or even the shutdown in the home construction industry is building something to a head, and it doesn't require nails. As we begin to mark this residential construction ice age in years rather than months, an unfortunate dynamic is developing. Our future builders are not only missing valuable experience, but the idea of construction as a career to our young people is quickly fading from the landscape of options they consider. Full Story.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Firm streamlines costs for builders
cINCINNATI, OH - It sounds like an oxymoron in this recession: a successful company catering to the battered construction industry. But for fast-growing iSqFt in Blue Ash, the description is apt. "What you typically see in the construction industry historically is that when times are tough, contractors did not invest in technology," says Dave Conway, the company's founder, president and chief executive officer. "What we're seeing in this recent downturn is that contractors are looking to invest in technology to improve their effectiveness at a lower cost." Full Story.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Modular homes: Businessman wants to reframe buyers' thinking on construction
Developer tries to reframe consumers' perception of modular construction
CHICAGO, IL - It's hard to not be spellbound by the sight of half of a new house slowly swinging across the street and gently coming to rest on a precast concrete foundation. Raise the roof line, join the two sections, add a decorative facade, tidy up the entrance and it's almost ready for occupancy, right down to the sparkling bathroom mirrors and kitchen appliances. Full Story.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Hammers at the ready
National and local home builders see encouraging signs that money is available and customers are looking to buy
BALTIMORE, MD - Homebuilders who just a year ago were mired in financial woes, putting projects on hold or drowning in inventory are inching back into Maryland's new-home market. Though sales of new single-family homes in the U.S. have shown solid gains over the summer and supply has decreased, builders say today's market is a far cry from the boom years. Credit for builders to buy land and put up homes remains in short supply. And rising unemployment and mortgage troubles are holding back consumers. Still, builders are positioning themselves for growth, expecting an upswing in demand by next year and fearing being left behind. Full Story.
Saturday, October 3, 2009>
Everblue Awarded Portfolio Provider Status by U.S. Green Building Council
HUNTERSVILLE, NC - Everblue Training Institute, the leading provider of LEED certification (http://www.everblueenergy.com/leed-certification.html) training, has been designated by the USGBC as a portfolio provider. One of the first in the nation to earn such status, Everblue has been approved by the USGBC to offer continuing education and professional development courses to green building professionals. Full Story.
Saturday, October 3, 2009>
Wanted: Environmentally friendly homes for New Kent show
RICHMOND, VA - The Home Building Association of Richmond and East West Partners are looking for 10 builders interested in constructing environmentally friendly houses in Patriots Landing in New Kent County. The houses will be built as part of a Single-Site Home Show to display the latest trends in construction in one place and at one time. Full Story.
Friday, October 2, 2009>
McGraw-Hill Construction to Release 2010 Outlook Report, October 15-16 in Washington, DC
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton and Federal Highway Administration's Shailen Bhatt Among Keynotes
NEW YORK - What's next for the construction industry? At McGraw-Hill Construction's Outlook 2010 Executive Conference, media representatives, economists and industry leaders will get a first look at the highly anticipated 2010 Construction Outlook Report. Authored by Robert Murray, vice president of economic affairs for McGraw-Hill Construction, the report details the construction forecast for the year ahead. Full Story.
Friday, October 2, 2009>
Central Arkansas construction sees upswing
LITTLE ROCK, AR - After a sharp decline in the last six months of 2008, construction values in Central Arkansas may be rebounding, according to data compiled by Metroplan. North Little Rock’s residential permits haven’t rebounded, although commercial permits rose from slightly more than $18 million in 2008’s second quarter to $23.9 million in this year’s first quarter. Full Story.
Friday, October 2, 2009>
Twin Cities homebuilders encouraged by Sept. numbers
MINNEAPOLIS-ST PAUL, MN - September homebuilding activity in the Twin Cities was steady compared with year-ago figures, according to the latest permit numbers from the Keystone Report. Full Story.
Friday, October 2, 2009>
County to enforce building standards
EL PASO, TX - New residential construction in unincorporated areas of El Paso County will soon be subject to building code standards that will be monitored and enforced by county government. State Rep. Marisa Márquez and state Sen. Eliot Shapleigh, both Democrats from El Paso, worked together to pass a bill that helps regulate construction of homes in colonias throughout Texas. The legislation took effect a month ago, but builders do not have to follow the new regulations until county commissioners adopt an order that will make the provisions a local requirement. Full Story.
Friday, October 2, 2009>
Hays enforcing building codes
SAN MARCOS, TX - Building codes in unincorporated areas of Hays County just got a lot tougher. Effective Oct. 1, all new residential construction and certain home additions must be built to conform to either the May 1, 2008, version of the International Residential Code or the version of the International Residential Code used by the city of San Marcos at the time construction begins. Full Story.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
South Florida construction jobs continue to disappear
MIAMI, FL - As the real estate market limps though another year, South Florida's construction industry continues to hemorrhage jobs. As of August, the sector had shed another 15,100 jobs compared to a year ago, according to a report released Wednesday by the Associated General Contractors of America. In the Miami metropolitan area, construction-related jobs were down 14 percent versus last year. The greater Fort Lauderdale area saw a steeper dip of 17 percent. Full Story.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Contractors plan to boost construction
SPARKS, NV - The unlikely combination of construction materials and tumbleweeds served as the backdrop for a national contractors' group Wednesday in Sparks as it called for a wide range of measures to give the struggling construction industry a much-needed boost. Full Story.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
August pending home sales rise to 2 1/2 year high
WASHINGTON - Aspiring homebuyers rushed to take advantage of a tax credit for first-time owners that expires in November, driving up the number of signed sales contracts for the seventh straight month in August. Construction spending also rose unexpectedly in August on the biggest jump in housing activity in nearly 16 years, another sign the real estate market is recovering from its four-year slump, data Thursday showed. Full Story.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
MetLife Home Loans’ Raleigh Branch Joins Stanton Homes® for Heroes to Offer New Discount for Military and Veteran homebuyers
RALEIGH, NC - Stanton Homes announces that leading home lender MetLife Home Loans has agreed to participate in the “Stanton Homes® for Heroes” program, working to provide even more home building value for people who have served in the U.S. military. “As a member of the MetLife family, MetLife Home Loans is a name you know and trust,” said Stan Williams, CEO of Stanton Homes. Full Story.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Pace of home building unchanged in September from a year ago
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO - The pace of home building remained steady, although not spectacular, last month in the Pikes Peak region, while foreclosure filings continued on a record pace, a pair of reports showed Thursday. Single-family home building permits in Colorado Springs and surrounding El Paso County totaled 97 in September, unchanged from the same month a year ago, according to a Pikes Peak Regional Building Department report. Full Story.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
New green building regulations approved
SANTA CRUZ, CA - The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved a set of rules that will require home building and remodeling projects in unincorporated parts of the county to abide by a set of green building regulations. The rules, which take effect Jan. 4, will apply to most new homes. They will also apply to smaller-scale remodels and additions, which make up about 85 percent of the building permits the county processes. Full Story.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Construction spending in the U.S. unexpectedly jumped in August
Spending on U.S. construction projects unexpectedly jumped in August, led by the biggest gain in homebuilding in almost 16 years. The 0.8 percent increase was the largest since September 2008, and followed a 1.1 percent drop the prior month that was worse than previously reported, the Commerce Department said Thursday in Washington. Low borrowing costs, foreclosure-driven price declines, and the government’s $8,000 tax credit for first-time buyers are stabilizing home sales, while stimulus-related spending will spur building of infrastructure such as roads and bridges. Full Story.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Debate builds over new county codes
Board member adamantly opposed, says they impinge on freedom
GALESBURG, IL — The introduction of building codes will force Knox County homeowners to get a permit to change a light-bulb fitting, according to County Board member Lowell Mannhardt, R-District 4. The Knox County Board approved the implementation of building codes Wednesday, but Mannhardt said the codes will mean more red tape and unnecessary spending. Full Story.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Housing market talk set
LA JOLLA, CA - John Martin, who has four decades of experience in the California home-building industry, will talk about lessons learned from housing cycles, community development and residential design at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 8 at the La Jolla Marriott. Full Story.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
County poised to add 'green' mandates to building code
SANTA CRUZ, CA - County planners have set a date to make the now-voluntary guidelines for "green" building mandatory. The switch, slated for Jan. 4, would commit home builders as well as residents seeking an addition or remodel in the unincorporated communities to certain design standards aimed at increasing energy efficiency. The move would bring the county's rural areas in line with its four cities, which have similar rules. Full Story.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Engineered Comfort Discovers Green Homebuilding Niche
MEMPHIS, TN - Walter Nelms spent 15 years as a mechanical engineer specializing in the design of energy conservation systems for commercial buildings. In his spare time, he would work on residential projects, and what began as a hobby ultimately became a fulltime gig when Nelms launched Engineered Comfort Inc. in 2001. Full Story.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Palm Beach County may halt rights-transfer program that allows extra home-building
WEST PALM BEACH, FL — A long-time practice that allows Palm Beach County developers to pay for the right to build extra homes on their land may be coming to a temporary halt. County commissioners this morning called for a moratorium on the practice, which allows developers to transfer development rights off of county-owned land that has been classified as environmentally sensitive. They are expected to take a formal vote on the issue in the coming weeks. Full Story.
Monday, September 28, 2009
HiringHelper Launches Employee Matching Site for the Construction Industry
AUSTIN, TX - The construction industry, hammered by financial markets, shortage of construction work and massive layoffs, now has a site dedicated specifically to help the industries employees get back to work. Using cutting edge methodology and wizards the site allows employees, from tradesmen to executives, to build a professional resume using industry terminology and metrics. Companies use the same tools to create job descriptions creating a matching scenario akin to the match making / dating sites. Full Story.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Credit market hampers home construction
Most homebuilders nationally say a “severe” lack of credit for housing production is threatening the new housing recovery before it has time to take hold, according to a new survey conducted by the National Association of Home Builders. In the latest survey of acquisition, development and construction financing conditions, 63 percent of builders stated the availability of credit for single-family construction loans worsened in the second quarter. Full Story.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Construction Experts Take the Guesswork Out of Green Building Risk
WASHINGTON - Green building practices are relatively new to the construction industry and create new risks for project owners and contractors alike. A new webinar presentation by WPL Publishing will address these green construction risks and how to avoid them. The discussion will include information on risk issues specific to LEED certified projects. Full Story.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Structural Steel Detailing is Accomplished in Multi-user Environment at Bender's Technical Detailing
TONAWANDA, NY - September 28, 2009 - Bender's Technical Detailing, a leading provider of steel detailing services for the construction industry, is pleased to announce that they are now incorporating updated technology that allows multiple users to work on projects simultaneously, enabling projects to be accomplished in a much shorter time period. Full Story.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Homebuilders are flocking to Chesterfield and Mansfield
CINNAMINSON, NJ - It was once one of the hotbeds of homebuilding and office construction in Burlington County. But Mount Laurel, with about 41,000 residents, has just about hit what experts call "build-out," a situation in which most of the developable land has been used. Because of that, the new area in the county that is attracting builders is the northeastern section, especially rural Chesterfield and Mansfield. Full Story.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Lawyers Think Chinese Drywall Companies Will Ignore Lawsuits
NEW ORLEANS, LA - Lawyers representing homeowners and homebuilders who used drywall suspected of causing corrosion and possible health risks say they expect Chinese companies that made the wallboard to ignore hundreds of lawsuits filed against them in U.S. courts. So, who's going to be on the hook for any damages courts might award? That's the pivotal question for lawyers as they pursue about 300 lawsuits in U.S. District Court in New Orleans that allege a flood of defective Chinese drywall was sent into the United States after a string of hurricanes in 2004 and 2005. The material is known to decay, creating corrosive chemicals and fumes. Full Story.
Saturday, September 26, 2009>
World's Largest Bridge to Stretch Over 13 Miles Long
QATAR - Construction on what would become the world's longest marine causeway, connecting Qatar and Bahrain, is due to begin next year, and what a project it is: We're talking about a bridge more than 13 miles long, costing around $3 billion. Full Story.
Saturday, September 26, 2009>
Fresno Co. homebuilders pull fewer permits in August
FRESNO, CA - Permits for new houses in Fresno County fell 12.6% in August, but some builders are seeing encouraging signs of stronger activity. Developers were issued 159 permits last month, down from 182 in July, but up substantially from only 94 in August 2008. Full Story.
Friday, September 25, 2009>
UPDATE: KB Home Says 140 Homes Affected By Chinese Drywall
NEW YORK - Builder KB Home (KBH) has identified about 140 homes, primarily in Florida, affected by Chinese drywall, executives said in an earnings conference call Friday. Full Story.
Friday, September 25, 2009>
Homebuilders appear more bullish on LV
LAS VEGAS, NV - As bad as the home construction industry has been in Las Vegas, local builders rate what is happening here as better than other places across the country and are more optimistic about the next six months than their brethren nationwide. That doesn’t mean builders think Las Vegas has recovered, but it at least provides some positive news in a market that has seen new-home sales pick up slightly and prices starting to rise, according to Las Vegas-based Home Builders Research. Full Story.
Friday, September 25, 2009>
County's economic indicators rise again
Index moves upward for 5th straight month
SAN DIEGO, CA - Despite continuing high unemployment and a sharp decline in home building, the outlook for San Diego County's economy continued to show signs of improvement last month, according to an index of leading economic indicators released yesterday. It was the fifth consecutive month that the index — maintained by the Burnham Moores Center for Real Estate at the University of San Diego — moved upward, after a three-year decline. Full Story.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Saint-Gobain Gyproc launches "Ecophon"- a breakthrough Acoustic Solution
INDIA - Saint-Gobain Gyproc India Ltd., a market leader in the construction space in India, today launched “Ecophon” – a new range of acoustic solutions for ceilings and wall panels. “Ecophon” is a breakthrough acoustic solution which provides very high levels of acoustical performance with Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) rating ranging from 0.80 to 1.00 (i.e. 80% to 100% sound absorption) thereby creating the right environment for sound comfort. Full Story.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Arnett Hall gets green kudos
Since renovation, CU dorm cuts down on energy, water usage
BOULDER, CO - The recently renovated Arnett Hall has received props for its "green"-ness. The dormitory has become the first at the University of Colorado to earn a LEED gold certification from the United States Green Building Council, which voluntarily rates buildings based on their sustainability. Full Story.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Homebuilders say new law could help them survive
CONWAY, SC - Wednesday, some homebuilders in Horry County learned about a new South Carolina law that could help them stay afloat. Horry County's auditor and assessor held a public meeting for homebuilders and realtors. They discussed House Bill 3018 which became law this summer. The law allows homebuilders to not pay taxes on unoccupied homes. Full Story.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
El Dorado officials roll back new-home projections
SACRAMENTO, CA - El Dorado County officials scaled back their 10-year projection for new-home construction, and some suggested even the revised forecast might be too optimistic. The Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved a 10-year residential permit forecast that reflects a continuing decline in new construction in the county. Full Story.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Nonresidential construction industry might have hit bottom report finds
CHARLESTON, SC - Associated Builders and Contractors is reporting that the nation’s Construction Backlog Indicator for July rose 8.9% to 6.1 months from 5.6 months in June. The CBI is a gauge of the amount of construction work to be completed, measured in time, currently under contract. “While the magnitude of the monthly increase was significant and impressive, June was the lowest point for the CBI since ABC began collecting national data in November 2008,” said Anirban Basu, ABC chief economist. “At that time, the CBI stood at 7.1 months, or 14% above its current level of 6.1 months. Full Story.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Nashville Leads the Way with Nationally Recognized "Green Concept" in Home Construction
NASHVILLE, TN - The future of environmental home-building is in Middle Tennessee I Want a Better House, Inc. honored as one of the Country's BEST business plans. Full Story.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Building with a more durable, greener concrete
Metakaolin-enriched cement promises industry-wide benefits, says Whitemud, a Western firm trying to convince skeptics
CALGARY, ALBERTA, CANADA - A Canadian company is building a case for a greener, stronger concrete but is fighting resistance in the construction industry. "The cement and the concrete industry is enormous worldwide. ... And they do things a certain way and they have done those things that way for years and years and years," says Barry Lester, chairman of Whitemud Resources Inc., which mines kaolin, a white-coloured clay, in southern Saskatchewan and turns it into metakaolin, which is used as a supplement to cement. Full Story.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Half of Construction Industry Now Using BIM, Says New McGraw-Hill Construction Report
NEW YORK - McGraw-Hill Construction's latest SmartMarket Report, "The Business Value of BIM: Getting Building Information Modeling (BIM) to the Bottom Line," produced with Autodesk and 26 other industry organizations, profiles adoption of BIM in North America and examines the real business values that users are experiencing. Nearly half of respondents (49%) report that they are using BIM tools -- a 75% increase over the 28% BIM adoption rate measured in 2007. Full Story.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Foreclosures biggest risk for US homebuilders: S&P
NEW YORK - The US housing market is likely nearing a bottom, but homebuilders may remain under pressure into 2010 as foreclosures put more supply on the market, Standard & Poor's said on Monday. The foreclosure problem "is the biggest downside risk in the near term" for US homebuilders, S&P analyst James Fielding said on a conference call. "Their biggest competitor is Foreclosure Inc; that's really what's weighing on prices," Fielding said. Full Story.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Supes table code enforcement law - again
COLUMBIA COUNTY, NY — The Board of Supervisors legal committee tabled a local law for the second time Sept. 16. The law, which would authorize the county to administrate and enforce the New York State Fire Prevention and Building Code, has been the subject of deep discussion and disagreement for a month. Full Story.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Better Materials Could Build a Green Construction Industry
Construction material entrepreneurs discussed efforts to create more environmentally friendly cement and other building products at a conference in California.
The construction industry consumes truckloads of basic materials, the manufacture of which consumes massive quantities of energy, producing prodigious emissions of greenhouse gases. If materials scientists and entrepreneurs can devise materials that can be fabricated with less energy, climate change could be slowed and many new manufacturing jobs could be created, fulfilling a much-anticipated promise of clean-tech innovation. Full Story.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Middletown considers code changes for FEMA rules
MIDDLETOWN, NJ — The township is considering amending its building codes to comply with Federal Emergency Management Agency regulations. The amended regulations for building improvements and new construction would be part of Middletown's participation in a federal program that could lead to lower flood insurance rates for property owners, according to a prepared statement from the township. Full Story.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Solar power re-energizes electrical contractors
HAMILTON, NJ - As the national recession has put the squeeze on the construction industry, electrical contractors like Steve Hendrickson have sought out new revenue streams to counter the economic pinch. For Hendrickson, owner of Hamilton-based Hendrickson Electric, one such new source of revenue comes from helping customers harness the power of the sun. Full Story.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Major and projects keep Central Montana construction companies busy
LEWISTOWN, MT — If the motto in real estate is location, location, location, then the construction industry's catchphrase must be timing, timing, timing. This summer, three Lewistown construction companies landed three major projects — but more important than the size of the contracts was when they were landed. Full Story.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Group wants building codes pegged to 500-year risk
GALVESTON, TX - A group funded by the property insurance industry and wielding a new report said too many coastal properties aren’t built high enough to withstand storm surge and is urging policymakers to toughen the rules. The Institute for Business & Home Safety this week released findings from “Hurricane Ike: Nature’s Force vs. Structural Strength,” which asserts that hurricane storm surge threatens more coastal properties than policymakers previously had thought and that National Flood Insurance Program elevation requirements are woefully inadequate. Full Story.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
PCB's urban makeover continues
A form-based building code would focus on impact rather than use
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FL — The Panama City Beach City Council has scheduled workshops Tuesday and Wednesday to continue efforts to transform its building codes from use-based regulations to form-based codes better suited to an urban, tourist-friendly environment. Form-based building codes focus more on the impact a building’s design has on the surrounding environment, pedestrian traffic and nearby single-family neighborhoods, rather than the particular use the building has. Full Story.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Businessweek ranks Fayetteville 7th in nation for homebuilding
FAYETTEVILLE, NC - BusinessWeek magazine has ranked Fayetteville's homebuilding market as No. 7 in the U.S., based on growth at Fort Bragg. The ranking was based on residential building permits issued over the first six months of 2009, compared with a year earlier. In Fayetteville, permits increased 12.2 percent, the magazine writes. The permit data were collected from the U.S. Census Bureau. Full Story.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Installing fire sprinklers in homes could become a requirement
YAKIMA, WA - Washington State's building codes are changing. One proposal is to install fire sprinklers in new homes. With several fires in Yakima this month and more than 40 fatal fires every year, safety is on everyone's mind. Sometimes having a smoke detector isn't enough. Full Story.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Construction industry continues to suffer
COEUR d'ALENE, ID - While Idaho construction workers have been hard-hit by the slowdown in construction, the state is faring better than much of the country. Construction employment saw significant declines in all but two states this August compared to last year, according to an analysis of new state-by-state employment figures released on Friday by the federal government. The analysis, conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America, did show that the number of states gaining construction jobs increased slightly in August compared to July 2009. Full Story.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Charges against Westchester testing firms prompt NJ towns to check their concrete
TRENTON, NJ - State officials have told all 566 towns in New Jersey to check recent construction projects because two concrete-testing companies are facing racketeering and fraud charges in New York. Testwell Laboratories Inc., which has corporate headquarters in Ossining, and Stallone Testing Labs Inc. of Post Chester are accused of falsifying some results and not performing other tests. Full Story.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Fighting Over Sprinkler Rules In VA
RICHMOND, VA - State and local officials are wrestling over whether to adopt building codes that would require sprinklers in every new home and townhome starting in 2011. Full Story.
Friday, September 18, 2009>
County may be able to adopt minimal building codes
NEWPORT, TN - Thanks to legislation passed this past year, Cocke County may soon be able to consider adopting minimal building codes to help protect local homeowners. Cocke County Attorney Fletcher Ervin said the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance will soon be conducting four regional meetings to determine if counties are willing to establish minimum codes. Full Story.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Housing, jobless data point to a fragile recovery
WASHINGTON - Housing construction rose in August and the number of newly laid-off workers seeking unemployment aid fell unexpectedly last week, adding to signs the recession has ended. Still, the reports suggested a slow and fragile economic recovery. Full Story.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Governor awards weatherization grants
DOTHAN, AL - Gov. Bob Riley has awarded an additional $30.6 million in economic stimulus funds to help thousands of low-income residents across Alabama reduce their home energy costs. The grants also are intended to stimulate employment opportunities for the construction industry. The Alabama Weatherization Assistance Program helps individuals cut their utility bills by making homes more energy efficient. The program gives priority to the elderly, those with disabilities and low-income families with small children. Gov. Riley previously awarded $9.26 million for weatherization, including $4.86 million in funding from the federal stimulus law, in late June. Full Story.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Housing starts jump in August, but single-family units dip
New home building increased overall in August, a government report said Thursday, but the gain was clouded by a dip in new construction of single-family homes. The Census Bureau reported Thursday that builders broke ground for 598,000 new homes during August, up 1.5% from a revised 589,000 in July. That matched a consensus analyst forecast compiled by Briefing.com. Full Story.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Housing construction hits highest in 9 months
Most of the gains come from apartments; single-family homes still lag
WASHINGTON - Adding to evidence the recession has ended, housing construction rose in August and fewer laid-off workers sought jobless aid last week. Still, the reports suggested a slow and fragile economic recovery. The rise in housing starts was due solely to a jump in the volatile apartment-building category, and unemployment claims remain far above levels associated with a healthy economy. Full Story.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Report: Alabama should adopt statewide building codes to limit hurricane devastation
WASHINGTON - Alabama and other Gulf Coast states should adopt statewide building codes and make sure they are adequately enforced, an insurance industry organization concluded in a new report that examined the impact of Hurricane Ike, which struck Texas a year ago. The report, released this week by the Tampa-based Institute for Business & Home Safety, also said that existing building elevation requirements "are not high enough" in storm surge zones. Full Story.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Homebuilder: Sioux City 'insulated' from housing slump
SIOUX CENTER, IA - A bad housing market is being blamed for layoffs at a Siouxland manufacturer. Full Story.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Eco-friendly modular home debuts at West Coast Green Conference
Self-sustaining disaster relief shelter on display in Expo
San Francisco, CA – On October 1st, Green Horizon Manufacturing will introduce the SFH40 - a fully self-sustaining innovation in green home building concepts – at West Coast Green 2009, the largest conference on green innovation for the built environment. Designed as a dramatic improvement to standard temporary housing structures currently in use during disaster relief efforts, the SFH40 fits inside of a standard shipping container for easy transportation by truck, rail or ship anywhere in the world. Full Story.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Ground broken for lab to study storm damage
COLUMBIA, SC - Construction is getting started on a new South Carolina facility insurers hope will do for home building what a similar testing facility in Virginia has done for car safety. Full Story.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
If you're out to develop housing, first prove it's needed, state says
TALLAHASSEE, FL - Gov. Charlie Crist and the Florida Cabinet unanimously agreed that there is no need to turn 400 acres of rural Marion County horse country into a sprawling subdivision, another signal that Florida's economic reliance on home building has ebbed. While the decision affects just one proposed development northwest of Ocala, it may have wider implications as counties' traditional economic plan -- relying on construction for growth -- runs into a glut of housing that may take years to go away. Full Story.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Building in the shade of green
BIG BEAR LAKE, CA - Builders in the city of Big Bear Lake have new options. The Big Bear Lake City Council adopted a green building code for residential and commercial construction. It is a voluntary program with incentives for builders to go green. “Building greener is a good marketing tool,” said James Miller, director of building and planning for the city of Big Bear Lake. “It’s a standard to strive to meet.” The ordinance provides incentives to builders through two certification programs. Residential construction would follow the Build It Green nonprofit program. Commercial construction falls under the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leaders in Energy and Environmental Design or LEED program. Full Story.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
N.C. will require electronic breakers in new houses
RALEIGH, NC — North Carolina regulators will require that all new homes be built with an electronic switch designed to prevent electrical fires. The News & Observer of Raleigh reported Wednesday the Building Code Council had been moving toward dropping a requirement that arc fault circuit interrupters be installed in all living areas of new homes. The breakers already were required for bedrooms. Full Story.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Ecobuild America Returns to the Washington Convention Center
National Institute of Building Sciences to sponsor conference and exhibit to improve built environment
Washington DC – Architects, engineers, owners, facility managers and thousands of other design and construction industry professionals will convene at the Washington Convention Center this December 8-10 for the annual Ecobuild America® conference and exhibit. Ecobuild is the nation’s premier event, exploring a unique combination of sustainable, green, high-performance solutions for the built environment with the newest information technology. Attendees will have access to three days of three-hour workshops and one-hour seminars in five different tracks. Targeted training will be available for commercial, industrial, government and residential AEC (architecture, engineering, and construction) professionals as well as educators. Full Story.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Several changes proposed in building, zoning codes
SILVER CREEK, NY — Several issues were raised Monday night at the Hanover Town Board meeting about proposed changes to zoning and building codes that would pertain to residential areas in Hanford Bay, Irving and Sunset Bay. Among the questions was a proposal to change the wording of “lots of record” and refer to vacant lots as “buildable” if they meet newer size requirements. Some older vacant building lots were only 40 feet wide but new regulations require a 60-foot width. Full Story.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
North Carolina Governor Wants Anti-Fire Switch in State Building Code
RALEIGH, NC - North Carolina Gov. Beverly Perdue is pushing for the state building code to require that new homes include an electronic switch that helps prevent house fires. The News & Observer of Raleigh reported that Perdue urged the chairman of the Building Code Council not to roll back a requirement that arc fault circuit interrupters be used for all rooms of new homes. Full Story.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
LifeTime Lumber Approved for Use in Severe Fire Hazard Zones of San Diego County
SAN DIEGO CA - LifeTime Lumber, a revolutionary, eco-friendly deck, dock and fence material is now certified as compliant with building codes in San Diego County. Aiming to protect property and lives from fire within all of San Diego County’s Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ), and increasing efforts after a recent series of devastating wildfires within the unincorporated county’s WUI regions, LifeTime is now approved for decking attached to exterior fire resistant walls passing the performance testing requirements of Sec. 704a.5 of the San Diego Building Code. Full Story.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Home builders could qualify for tax break
CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) - Contractors who built new homes, but can't sell them may get a break on property taxes. The new law is helping homebuilders avoid foreclosure and survive the recession. In tough economic times, homes sales decline. "One of my board members had built a couple houses in Charleston County, million dollar houses, was having problems selling them," Philip Ford said. Full Story.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
ConAgra Blast Leads To N.C. Gas Code Changes
RALEIGH, NC - A North Carolina safety panel adopted emergency changes to its gas guidelines on Tuesday, despite federal inaction on the standards, three months after an explosion at a Slim Jim factory killed three people. The North Carolina Building Code Council voted to require workers who are purging indoor gas lines to vent the pipes outside of the building. New guidelines demand that workers take proper precautions if venting is not possible, including the evacuation of those not directly working on the gas lines. Full Story.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Home construction industry picking up steam
RICHMOND, VA - The home construction industry across the country is beginning to improve after hitting new lows in the past couple of years, the chief economist for the National Association of Home Builders told Richmond area builders yesterday. "Taking the foot off the brake may not seem like much, but it's a good start toward putting the foot on the accelerator," economist David Crowe said. Full Story.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Contractors urge increase in fuel taxes
TDOT says it has no plans to push for gas levy hike
KNOXVILLE, TN - Higher fuel taxes, anyone? The refrain from the road construction industry in Tennessee is that federal and state funding of the transportation infrastructure is erratic, inadequate and dwindling. The state hasn't increased gasoline taxes since 1989, and the last time the federal government increased the gas tax was during Bill Clinton's first term in office. Full Story.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Housing Expert Says Home Construction Industry is Picking Up Steam
RICHMOND, VA - The home construction industry across the country is beginning to improve after hitting new lows in the past couple of years, the chief economist for the National Association of Home Builders told Richmond area builders yesterday. "Taking the foot off the brake may not seem like much, but it's a good start toward putting the foot on the accelerator," economist David Crowe said. "After almost three years of seeing negative signs almost anything looks good," he said. Full Story.
Monday, September 14, 2009
La. homebuilders’ group seeking federal help
BATON ROUGE, LA - The Louisiana Home Builders Association will be bending the ear of the state’s Congressional delegation on several issues related to the real estate market. The association will be pushing to expand the tax credit available to first-time homebuyers, which expires Dec. 1, and have it apply to all buyers. “The first-time homebuyer program has really helped and will continue to help through Dec. 1, but it is too narrow in scope. If it is extended to all buyers, it will help move the housing market and create more jobs,” said LHBA President Phil Hoffman. “This will make a healthier marketplace and get Louisiana workers back on their feet.” Full Story.
Monday, September 14, 2009
DNR gets $12.5 million stimulus for energy efficiency, conservation projects
KANSAS CITY, MO — Missouri will get about $12.5 million in stimulus money for energy efficiency and conservation projects. The Department of Energy said Monday the block grant will go toward energy efficiency projects and programs and to public education and outreach programs on energy building codes. Full Story.
Monday, September 14, 2009
2 hotels in Las Vegas complex meet 'green' measure
LAS VEGAS, NV - The U.S. Green Building Council says two hotels at the $8.5 billion CityCenter complex on the Las Vegas Strip meet high environmental standards for "green" construction and operation. CityCenter developers said Monday that they've received three Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design gold certifications for the Aria Resort and Vdara Hotel. Full Story.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Judge weighs sanctions on parish in housing case
NEW ORLEANS, LA - A federal judge is weighing sanctions against a suburban New Orleans parish accused of racial discrimination in its attempts to block the construction of mixed-income housing developments. Full Story.
Friday, September 11, 2009
New home building up, prices down
CINCINNATI, OH - Signs of recovery are emerging for Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky's home-building market - good news after a long construction lull that left some local builders bankrupt and forced others out of town. An Enquirer analysis of local building permit data indicates that new home building is up in most parts of the region. But the recession is leaving its impact: Values for housing permits - the anticipated cost to build a home - are down, signaling that builders across all price points are scaling back. Full Story.
Friday, September 11, 2009
What People Want
Beleaguered builders look to accommodate potential homebuyers
MEMPHIS, TN - At one time, the quintessential image for the homebuilding industry was a busy job site where contractors and subcontractors worked on everything from a home’s framing to its plumbing, from its wiring to its roofing. Today, the most apt depiction is an empty lot. Full Story.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Aspen helping shape global green building code
ASPEN, CO - A group developing international guidelines for green construction is using Aspen’s building code as a guide, and they’ve tapped the city’s chief building official to help. The International Code Council, a 50,000 member group that writes ìmodel codes,î is in the process of formulating one for energy efficient and environmentally friendly commercial buildings. Their Sustainable Building Technology Committee, of which Aspen building honcho Stephen Kanipe is a member, met in Denver last month. They’re hoping to get a first draft of the International Green Construction Code (IGCC) finished by March. It would provide a code template that municipalities could adopt without putting in a lot of man-hours or money. Full Story.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Brickstreet begins safety program
CHARLESTON, SC - BrickStreet, in partnership with the Home Builders Association of West Virginia, has started a new Association Group Safety Program designed to support and reward the home building industry's safety related efforts. It provides a discount to eligible members, with benefits including improved risk management and control, safer workplaces and the eligibility to earn discounts on workers' compensation premiums. Full Story.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Permit Pardon
MIAMI, FL - With the economy still dragging, and the construction industry still one of the victims worst off, Miami-Dade County plans to give builders a break. Commissioners in January agreed builders whose permits were set to expire June 1, 2009, or before could seek temporary stop-work orders to allow sites remain dormant — but secured — without the worry of having a permit revoked, so long as the builder could demonstrate "economic hardship." The idea now is to expand that to include permits that expire on or before Dec. 31 so long as construction work has been suspended because of economic issues. Full Story.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Dexter + Chaney, FMI Offer Series of Complimentary Executive Management Webinars for Construction Executives
SEATTLE, WA - Construction software developer Dexter + Chaney and FMI Corporation (www.fminet.com), the premier management-consulting firm serving the worldwide construction industry, have joined forces to offer a series of complimentary executive management webinars designed to help executives tackle real-world problems that plague construction companies every day. The first webinar, “Establishing a Competitive Advantage with Higher Labor Productivity,” is scheduled for 10 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time on Thursday, October 15, 2009. Full Story.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Council approves new developer software
YUMA, AZ - An action taken by the Yuma City Council Wednesday may not mean much to residents but no doubt is welcome news to members of the construction industry. By a vote of 6-1, the council approved a motion authorizing the city's Department of Community Development to purchase a new computer software system that is expected to streamline the city's management of the development process - all online and available to contractors in real time. Full Story.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Fire code dispute halts construction on two Goddard schools
WICHITA, KS - Construction on two new Goddard schools inside Wichita city limits stopped last month because of a dispute with Wichita building code officials over whether the schools need firewalls in the ceilings. It will be up to a Sedgwick County district judge on Thursday to decide whether Goddard has to follow Wichita codes that call for the $500,000 firewalls or Kansas Department of Education codes that say the planned sprinkler systems are enough to keep everyone safe. Full Story.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Nevada homebuilders deny using Chinese drywall
LAS VEGAS, NV - The litigation frenzy surrounding defective Chinese drywall has hit Nevada. But some of the homebuilders and manufacturers recently named in the state's first such lawsuit say homeowners are acting out of unfounded fears. Attorneys for a group of homeowners filed a potential class action lawsuit against homebuilders in Nevada, claiming the companies installed and used the defective drywall, known as Chinese-Manufactured Drywall. The complaint names US Home Corp., Greystone Nevada LLC, Lennar Nevada, Georgia-Pacific Gypsum LLC and Georgia-Pacific LLC. Full Story.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Stronger buildings better way to improve coastal rates
MONTGOMERY, AL - The solution to affordable property insurance on the Gulf Coast may lie not in financial subsidies but in answers Florida discovered after Hurricane Andrew decimated south Florida in 1992. Insurers and the Decatur building director say Florida found that building codes did not require construction standards to withstand strong hurricanes. In assessments after Andrew, Florida estimated the $30 billion in property damage would have been at least $10 billion less with stronger buildings. Florida, as a result, changed its requirements. Full Story.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Gulf Shores considers 2009 International Building Code
GULF SHORES, AL - The City Council is pondering a switch to the most recent set of International Building Codes, which would mandate, among other things, that single-family homes be outfitted with indoor sprinkler systems and in-ground pools be enclosed in fences. Full Story.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Green building expert returns to Portland
PORTLAND, OR - Back by popular demand! Michael Klement, principal of Architectural Resource LLC in Ann Arbor, Mich., returns as a guest of the Earth Advantage Institute to discuss his work. Klement has been highlighted in Fine Homebuilding magazine for a model project that transformed a modest Craftsman home into a stunning Arts and Crafts jewel. Full Story.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Nevada homebuilders deny using Chinese drywall
LAS VEGAS, NV - The litigation frenzy surrounding defective Chinese drywall has hit Nevada. But some of the homebuilders and manufacturers recently named in the state's first such lawsuit say homeowners are acting out of unfounded fears. Attorneys for a group of homeowners filed a potential class action lawsuit against homebuilders in Nevada, claiming the companies installed and used the defective drywall, known as Chinese-Manufactured Drywall. The complaint names US Home Corp., Greystone Nevada LLC, Lennar Nevada, Georgia-Pacific Gypsum LLC and Georgia-Pacific LLC. Full Story.
Friday, September 4, 2009
The First to Market Insurance Program Designed to Protect Developers, Contractors and Subs Removing Chinese Drywall
MIAMI, FL - Beane & Bennett, a Miami based insurance brokerage company specializing in the construction industry, who have earned an outstanding reputation as one of the nation's leading Construction Risk Specialists, is taking their expertise to address a new area of concern - Chinese drywall. Beane & Bennett has introduced an innovative insurance program for Developers, Contractors and Subcontractors which is the first of its kind in the market. They have structured Commercial Liability Insurance for the General Liability, Pollution Liability and Professional Liability risks associated with the remediation - the actual tear out and replacement of this toxic Chinese drywall. Full Story.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Ashton Woods Homes Introduces Two New Smaller, Smarter Prototype Homes at Palm Cove in Wesley Chapel
TAMPA, FL - Ashton Woods Homes is introducing two new prototype homes at Palm Cove, located off Boyette Rd. and S.R. 54 in Wesley Chapel in Pasco County. Michael Roche, vice president of sales and marketing for Ashton Woods Homes in the Tampa region, said the three-bedroom two-bath single-family homes could represent the future of Florida's home building industry. Full Story.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Homebuilding in Scottsdale still on the skids
SCOTTSDALE, AZ - Scottsdale homebuilding continues to decline. Building permits were issued for 161 single-family homes in the fiscal year ending June 30, compared to 431 in the previous year, according to Michael Clack, Scottsdale chief development officer. That decline of 63 percent follows a 43 percent drop the previous year. Full Story.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Somehow, O.C. is No. 2 in Calif. homebuilding
ORANGE COUNTY, CA - There’s little to cheer about in the homebuilding business these days. In California, it’s expected that this will be the slowest housing construction year since World War II — surpassing the lethargy of 2008 that was the previous “slowest year since World War II.” Full Story.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Fire Sprinklers Could Soon Become Mandatory For New Homes
YAKIMA, WA - A proposed state building code could put fire sprinklers in your new home. Supporters say it could save your life in a fire, but the idea is catching heat from opponents. Firefighters hope a big fire never happens to your home. If it does, they say you only have three minutes to get out safely. "Once flashover occurs, everything's on fire, at that point you won't survive," says Yakima deputy fire marshal Ron Melcher. Full Story.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Cutting the codes
KERRVILLE, TX - Just after the stroke of midnight Wednesday, the rules for home building in Kerr County went out the window. At 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, the Texas Residential Construction Commission Act expired, leaving areas outside the city of Kerrville without residential building codes. Smoke detectors, insulation, steel-reinforced concrete, secondary exits in bedrooms that can be used in the event of a fire and other safeguards now are no longer requirements, Scott Porter, a former TRRC official, told the Times. Full Story.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Pike Township supervisors discuss change in building code
READING, PA - The Pike Township supervisors are talking about amending the Uniform Construction Code to require building permits and inspections for accessory buildings of 500 or more square feet. Currently only those 1,000 square feet or larger need permitS. Full Story.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Kenya: New Building Code Promises Poor Decent Homes
KENYA - Millions of Kenyans could soon have a chance to own a decent home if Parliament passes a building code that broadens the range of acceptable construction materials beyond brick and mortar. A task force appointed by Prime Minister Raila Odinga four months ago to review the building laws, on Tuesday reported that it had completed the work and prepared a draft Planning and Building Bill for tabling before Parliament. Full Story.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Construction spending slips slightly in July
Decline occurs even though residential construction rose by 2.3 percent
WASHINGTON - Construction spending edged down slightly in July as weakness in nonresidential building and government projects offset the best showing for home building in 10 months. The Commerce Department said Tuesday that construction spending dipped 0.2 percent in July, worse than the flat reading that economists had expected. The drop followed a small 0.1 percent rise in June. Full Story.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Local home building picked up in August, but foreclosure filings still ahead of last year
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO - The pace of home building improved again last month in the Colorado Springs area, although foreclosure filings continued at a record clip. According to reports released Tuesday by the Pikes Peak Regional Building Department and the El Paso County Public Trustee’s Office: Full Story.
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