Tag: construction

modern office building with glass windows

Pane Gains

Window Glass Goes High Tech

Much of the discussion about energy efficiency in commercial and residential buildings focuses on heating and cooling systems. But windows, which account for more than half of a modern skyscraper’s exterior surface area, are earning their share of attention in the search for smart solutions for buildings. Commercial buildings account for about 40% of carbon […]

Construction worker wearing a protective suit and mask, ensuring safety and protection on a construction site

News

Keeping Asbestos

Under Control

Asbestos, a mineral present in certain types of rocks, was widely used in buildings and consumer products starting in the 1800s. Prized for its strength, durability and resistance to heat and corrosion, asbestos served decorative, insulation or fireproofing purposes on decks, roofs, ceilings, plumbing pipes, attics and more, along with automobile components, fabrics and packaging. […]

Building codes are regulations that apply to architects, builders, owners and others involved in a structure’s construction and maintenance.

News

Speaking in Codes

Setting Building Standards

What are building codes and why are they necessary? Building codes are regulations that apply to architects, builders, owners and others involved in a structure’s construction and maintenance. Adopted and enforced by state, local, tribal and territorial entities, they ensure that buildings conform with safety and public health standards. They encompass standards for everything from […]

As you admire the expansive view or plush furnishings from the highest reaches of a commercial, residential or other type of building, it’s easy to take some things for granted – such as the system that distributes water for drinking, removing waste and suppressing fire.

News

Pressure Test

High-Rise Water Infrastructure

As you admire the expansive view or plush furnishings from the highest reaches of a commercial, residential or other type of building, it’s easy to take some things for granted – such as the system that distributes water for drinking, removing waste and suppressing fire. How does water arrive ready for use at the highest […]

News

Preserving History

During Construction

During construction of an office building, apartment building, highway, water project, cell phone tower or other development, builders have to think about more than materials, project milestones and building codes. What if there’s a historic or prehistoric structure or site within the project’s footprint? The U.S. encompasses thousands of years of American and Native American […]

News

Water Works

Underwater Construction

We’ve discussed the challenges, benefits and methods of building higher in these pages. This time we’ll look at building lower – specifically, underwater. Although it’s largely hidden, underwater construction is prevalent and necessary to many aspects of commerce and recreation. A study in 2020 found that infrastructure such as marine tunnels, bridges, oil and gas […]

News

Having a Blast

Destruction in Construction

Before a majestic skyscraper, sleek office building or sturdy apartment complex takes its place on a city’s skyline, a structure currently occupying the space might have to be cleared out. In many cases that requires an explosive sequence that looks like an exercise in disarray but actually is a carefully calculated, prepared and controlled event. […]

News

House Rules

Managing Resource Shortages

“So many new developments are under construction, they are likely to compete with each other – and not just for residents. Developers are also competing to find construction workers to build their projects.” National Real Estate Investor reported that in March 2017. The housing industry finds itself in much the same straits today. Even though […]

News

Materials Volatility

Churns Construction Industry

Why have housing prices risen so dramatically lately? The answer begins with a huge uptick in demand driven by rising housing starts – seasonally adjusted single family housing starts in December 2020 hit their highest level since 2006 – along with low mortgage interest rates. An equally crucial factor is the rising cost of materials […]

News

Building Better

New Bricks, New Possibilities

Bricks are a burden. For more than 5,000 years, we’ve used the same inefficient, environmentally destructive products to build homes, businesses and institutions. Their cumulative effects left landscapes barren, air polluted and contributed to warmer climates. Innovation is in place for smarter bricks—if the industry is ready to get onboard. The life of bad bricks […]

Events, News

Construction Barriers

New NAA report

The National Apartment Association (NAA) is known as a source of industry best practices, innovation and benchmarks. As the organization’s annual conference is nearly upon us, we took the time to look at some of the organization’s recent research. As the overall economy and U.S. rental market remains strong, the NAA’s research department conducted a […]

News

Low-Cost Markets

For Green Living

A recent study evaluated home listings in the top 200 metros in the United States. The analysis explored the price of listings with any of seven green features and compared them to conventional listings in the area. The study then identified markets where the cost of homes with green features came in lower than the […]

Technology

HercuWall

Framing, Reimagined

Want to lower project costs and enjoy a faster build cycle all while improving the quality of the finished product? Of course you do. HercuTech’s HercuWall, the poster child of reNEWable Living Home 2018, makes it possible. The Product HercuWall offers the durability of composite concrete construction without the need for steel rebar. The product […]

News

Yardi Construction

Module Update News

Yardi Construction Management is adding features to address project management tasks. A new, customizable dashboard permits users to access subsets of the core data available in Yardi Voyager. Penny Bailey, Project Manager, Construction at Yardi explains several new functionalities that further improve the efficiencies and interface of the software. Document Organization Whether it’s an essential […]

News

Controlling Costs

Yardi Construction Management

The National Association of Home Builders reports 200,000 unfilled construction jobs in the United States. That is an 81 percent increase in unfilled positions since 2014. The lack of skilled labor has contractors turning to creative solutions. A Growing Problem The shortage of construction workers hit hardest in July 2016. Sales for new construction reached […]

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