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Pay special attention to these construction documents
Nate Budde Construction & Building MaterialsPeople and companies in the construction industry are routinely put in positions where they are forced to navigate complicated legal documents as part of the everyday project and payment process, often without the oversight and support of a construction lawyer.
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First-time buyers give housing a needed lift
Michael J. Berens Construction & Building MaterialsEven as new construction activity slowed, sales of existing homes in September rebounded after two months of decline. Sales were particularly strong among first-time buyers, who took advantage of decreased competition to snap up available properties.
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For the love of the city: Transforming a community by connecting people
Brie Ragland Construction & Building MaterialsArchitects and city planners tend to think of cities and towns in terms of form, functionality and safety. Does this space provide what it’s intended to provide? Does foot traffic adequately flow and allow convenience and ease of use?
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Homebuyer sentiment reverses course amid mixed signals
Michael J. Berens Construction & Building MaterialsHomeowners looking to sell are enthusiastic about the continued rise in housing prices. Prospective homebuyers not so much. Even with mortgage rates remaining near rock bottom, those who would like to purchase a home are feeling the pressure of having to strain too much financially to meet market demands. The past two months have seen a gradual decline in buyer interest that could linger throughout the remainder of the year.
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Multifamily gains as single-family home sales stall
Michael J. Berens Construction & Building MaterialsHomebuyers took a small vacation from the market in August, with both new and existing single-family homes reporting weaker sales. Housing starts also declined last month after two months of gains. A shortage of affordable inventory and seasonal factors kept buyers away.
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Green utopias: What happened to the ‘cities of the future’?
Lucy Wallwork Waste Management & EnvironmentalUtopias have always had a strong hold on the imagination. Given the exponential growth and development in renewable technologies, we have seen cities trying to transform their infrastructure and built environment to accommodate new ways of making, accessing and using energy. Others have decided to break loose and design grand "green city" utopic visions, setting a new standard for the "cities of the future."
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4 keys to growing a multimillion dollar painting business
Rick Holtz Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesI was honored to present at the national PDCA Residential Forum in San Diego earlier this year. Because our family-owned business is experiencing growth in terms of revenue, profits and reputation, the organizers asked me to share my insights with the other attendees.
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How to choose the perfect railing for your next outdoor project
Faye Williams Construction & Building MaterialsRailing is essentially the frame to your outdoor space, so it's important that you find the perfect color and design style to suit your backyard. Whether your home has a rustic appeal or you prefer the minimal lines of cable and wire railings, choosing the right one will create a beautiful design accent to your deck.
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5 trends shaping today’s new home market
Michael J. Berens Construction & Building MaterialsDemand for new homes is heating up. A shortage of suitable existing home inventory may be one reason, but new home shoppers also are looking for properties that differ from the existing home stock. They are seeking houses that align more closely with their values and lifestyles. Top of mind are the following features, according to recent industry reports.
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Take a page from workplace safety to improve construction payment
Nate Budde Construction & Building MaterialsWhile safety on construction sites has dramatically improved over the last several decades, no such strides have been made in construction payment. The payment chain features a cover-your-(butt) mentality that has given rise to liability-shifting payment devices such as pay-if-paid and pay-when-paid contracts.
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