MultiBriefs - Your source for industry specific News Briefs

Are you building for more than 25 years?

David E. Patnaude Construction & Building Materials

I recently had the privilege to present a 75-minute breakout session at the NBOA Annual Conference in Boston where I spoke about the real meaning of "total cost of ownership." I truly enjoy these sessions because I learn a lot during the Q&A and then even more from the people who approach me after the presentation with feedback.

Performance demands will drive green construction growth

Michael J. Berens Construction & Building Materials

Of all the trends affecting the rise in sustainable construction, none is having a greater impact than the drive for higher building performance. As owners, engineers and builders strive for greater efficiencies, they are turning to green building practices for solutions.

Value of major remodels slips as home prices soften

Michael J. Berens Interior Design, Furnishings & Fixtures

The cost of undertaking a major remodeling project increased last year, but the added value of those projects declined. That finding, from Remodeling magazine's 2015 Cost vs. Value Report, reflects a substantial drop in the overall rise of home prices last year (from 10.8 percent in 2013 to 4.8 percent in 2014).

How construction companies can maximize the benefit of the growing economy

Nate Budde Construction & Building Materials

It goes without saying that a strong economy is generally better than a weak economy. For construction companies, however, a growing economy can be fraught with peril. In fact, subcontractor failure rate is three times higher in a recovering economy than it is when the economy is stagnant.

All signs pointing up for home remodelers

Bambi Majumdar Interior Design, Furnishings & Fixtures

Studies conducted by various industry bodies point to a positive future ahead for the housing market at large, and more specifically the remodeling market. According to Hanley Wood's Metro study unit, the Residential Remodeling Index (RRI), there will be an average growth of about 4 percent in the remodeling business. The prediction encompasses all metropolitan areas in the United States, with indications that the third quarter will see tremendous results.

How can low gas prices be bad for the transportation industry?

Ryan Clark Transportation Technology & Automotive

Nothing affects the transportation industry quite like fuel. Whether it's price, type or scarcity, the specter of gas always looms heavy over the nation's infrastructure and the industry of trains, planes, boats and automobiles.

How we want to live — The other housing gap

Michael J. Berens Construction & Building Materials

Burdensome mortgages, tight credit, consumer debt, stagnant wages — all have contributed in some way to the sluggish housing recovery. Homeowners who would like to sell won't or can't because their homes have lost value, and those who would like to buy or trade up don't have the means.

Tesla talks up its battery to power homes, but should we be excited?

Ross Lancaster Natural Resources

For as much news coverage as Elon Musk's Tesla Motors receives for its electric cars, the company does its business in a section of the auto world that has a tiny market share (0.6 percent in the U.S.). Furthermore, the price point of Tesla's flagship Model S isn't exactly attainable for a majority of Americans.

Technology can make the cash flow for material suppliers

Nate Budde Construction & Building Materials

Material suppliers are in a difficult place in the construction payment landscape. Compliance with lien and bond claim requirements in order to gain the protection of security is difficult and full of challenges, and the financial risk is high. Because material suppliers are at the bottom of the payment chain in the vast majority of construction projects, there are many potential places for money to get stuck.

Better ideas for warehouse construction

Ken Ackerman Distribution & Warehousing

A quiet revolution has been growing in the construction of warehouse buildings. While the price of other products and services has steadily escalated, the cost of warehouse construction has remained relatively stable. As you look at new construction, consider where the priorities for controlling quality should be placed.

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