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Midcourse correction for building industry as demand slows
Michael J. Berens Construction & Building MaterialsHopes for a sustained rebound in the building industry have dwindled as indicators point to slower growth in the second quarter. Still, growth in most sectors remains positive, although not as robust as previously anticipated. In its Construction Outlook for the second quarter of 2015, industry consultancy FMI has readjusted its growth forecast for the year downward, to 5 percent from 8 percent in the first quarter. Even so, it projects total construction put in place will reach its highest point since 2008 by the end of the year.
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Strong student housing market produces new decor styles
Bambi Majumdar Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesThe student housing market is looking stronger and stronger. What naturally ensues from this growth is demand for better and nicer interior décor for the sector. Traditionally, student housing décor has always meant low-budget projects. But professionals are giving it another look thanks to the rapid growth of the industry. Let's take a look at the predominant décor trends that are ruling this young sector.
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Watch out: These construction documents are not standardized
Nate Budde Construction & Building MaterialsConstruction industry participants are routinely required to navigate complicated legal documents as part of the project and payment process. Legally significant documents are exchanged every day, and often without significant review. The nature of construction payment requires documents that can have a significant impact on a party's legal rights to be exchanged all of the time. While some construction documents have moved toward standardization, others inhabit the Wild West of legal contracts — where almost anything goes.
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Why smaller remodeling projects can have a bigger impact
Bambi Majumdar Interior Design, Furnishings & FixturesThe Appraisal Institute, the nation's largest professional association of real estate appraisers, advised homeowners across America in March to opt for minor upgrades instead of major home renovations. According to them, this is the best way to realize better return on investment in this economy.
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More evidence of positive effects of nature in built environments
Michael J. Berens Construction & Building MaterialsIncreased daylighting is now a common strategy for reducing energy consumption in buildings. It has the added benefit that it is also good for occupants. Exposure to sunlight and natural views have been shown to improve mood, increase productivity and enhance wellness.
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WELL buildings getting better
Michael J. Berens Construction & Building MaterialsThe release of the WELL Building Standard last fall has helped raise awareness of ongoing efforts to make buildings of all kinds healthier for occupants. Promoted as "the world's first building standard to focus on enhancing people's health and well-being through the built environment," WELL is a great step forward in setting health and wellness objectives for building design and construction. Others also are making strides to bring occupant health and wellness to the forefront of the building industry.
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Prompt payment laws: Explaining your right to get paid fast
Scott Wolfe Jr. Construction & Building MaterialsMany are engaged in a global debate about an apparent problem with capitalism. Specifically, that as business organizations get large and powerful, they use their leverage and influence unfairly. This debate is seen across many issues.
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Sluggish economy may stall housing recovery
Michael J. Berens Construction & Building MaterialsThere was good news and bad news about the state of the housing industry recently. New residential construction surged 20 percent in April, the highest level in housing construction since November 2007. At the same time, experts are cautioning that sales of both new and existing homes for the year may be lower than anticipated, due to weaker than expected buyer activity. The problem is not a lack of interest, but a lack of confidence in the economy.
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EE Global Forum: The challenges and rewards of energy-efficient buildings
Ryan Clark Facilities & GroundsIt's amazing how much waste there is in the building of buildings, Wade Smith said at the 2015 Energy Efficiency Global Forum. Smith, the director of global public affairs for the Air Movement and Control Association International (AMCA), was one of several speakers who outlined different ways to seek efficiency in building systems.
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Taking care of your building’s big 3: Metal, stone and wood
Jeff Wilhoit Facilities & GroundsFirst impressions. We all know how important they are in business or when meeting someone new, but many times their importance is discounted when it comes to how tenants or customers view your building. One of the ways people build first impression is by the condition of your metal, stone and wood surfaces on the outside and inside of your building. Nowhere are these surfaces put in the spotlight more than your building entrance and lobby areas.
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