North Carolina Construction News

What UNC-Charlotte looks for in selecting a contractor

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Kruhm) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:04:00 +0000

Philip Jones, P.E., Associate Vice Chancellor for Facilities at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, spoke at the ABC of the Carolinas, Charlotte Council luncheon on Wednesday. Jones provided a checklist of what his facility management group looks for in a construction team.

On time delivery
Safety
In budget
Quality control
Solve problems
Honest communications
Minimize change orders
No claims
HUB participation
Closeout

The last one, closeout, is often overlooked, but remembered by the client when evaluating contractors for the next job. Read more about the UNC Charlotte campus development opportunities at http://facilities.uncc.edu/advertisements

Military construction program prepares recovering war veterans for transition

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Kruhm) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:18:00 +0000

Soldiers at Fort Bragg now have the option to learn valuable construction and engineering skills through internships with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Savannah District.

The internships are offered as part of Operation Warfighter, a temporary assignment internship program developed by the Department of Defense for service members that are recovering at military treatment facilities throughout the U.S. The program provides wounded, ill or injured service members with meaningful activity outside of the hospital environment and offers a supportive means of transition back to the military or civilian workforce.

Overall, the Savannah District contracts and manages millions of dollars in military construction and provides real estate and environmental services at 11 Army and Air Force installations in Georgia and North Carolina. Of those installations, Warirors in Transition (WIT) units are located at Fort Stewart, GA., Fort Benning, GA., Fort Gordon, GA., and Fort Bragg, NC.

Examples of Corps construction projects include barracks; tactical equipment maintenance facilities; training ranges; brigade, battalion and command headquarters; hospitals and clinics; child development centers; fire stations; and roads and infrastructure.

The Corps’ Savannah District is seeking WIT interns to serve a variety of roles at construction field offices. Interns will learn many facets of the career field, such as: safety; quality assurance; civil, mechanical and electrical engineering; schedule monitoring; contract payments and modifications; contract interpretation and enforcement; and public relations. Each intern is assigned a dedicated Corps mentor to coach and guide progress toward the internship goals.

Military members interested in obtaining an internship with the Corps of Engineers Savannah District should contact their local WIT unit coordinator. For additional information about the Savannah District’s construction program, call 912-652-5241, e-mail CESAS-CD@usace.army.mil or visit www.sas.usace.army.mil. Read More.

NC ranked second-best in corporate inceptive enforcement report

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Kruhm) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 04:12:00 +0000

North Carolina ranks second-best in the nation for corporate incentive enforcement procedures, according to Good Jobs First, a Washington, D.C.-based research organization. Only Vermont ranked higher than North Carolina.

The Good Jobs group generally is critical of corporate incentives, giving North Carolina a B- grade, the same as Vermont, which received the highest raw score.

Nevada was ranked third, followed by Maryland, Iowa and Virginia, according to the report. The group examined 238 incentives programs, including North Carolina’s Job Development Investment Grants, One North Carolina Fund and William S. Lee credits.

These are the findings of Money-Back Guarantees for Taxpayers: Clawbacks and Other Enforcement Safeguards in State Economic Development Subsidy Programs, a study published by Good Jobs First, a non-profit, non-partisan research center in Washington, DC. Read More.

Scheduling mistakes can impact construction claims

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Kruhm) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 12:31:00 +0000

The Best Practices Construction Law blog observes common scheduling mistakes can lead to a loss of claims in court. Contractors should pay great attention to the scheduling process and avoid many of the common mistakes. It is impossible to list all of the possible initial scheduling mistakes, but the following is a list of defects in the initial schedule that some courts and boards of contract appeals have noted:

No proof of the information used to prepare schedule
Errors in technical logic
Incomplete schedules
Overlooking procurement of critical materials
Failure to consider physical restraints
Failure to consider weather restraints
Failure to consider resources
Failure to consider the economics of the sequencing
Failure to consider uncertainty and risk in establishing durations
Schedule does not “tie in” to the anticipated means and methods and/or estimate
Logic intentionally deviates from the manner in which the contractor intends to build
Elimination of float by increasing durations
Unrealistic productivity or durations
The schedule submitted to the owner was not used to build the project

Again, the schedule can often set the tone for the job. In court, it is the document that establishes the benchmark of all time related claims. As such, it has a tremendous impact on the judge and jury and influences the credibility they will attach to the evidence that follows. Read More.

Fewer construction layoffs predicted in NC

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Kruhm) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:35:00 +0000

A national survey by the Associated General Contractors of America found that fewer construction firms expect to layoff workers in 2012 compared to recent years, with many expecting key market segments to expand this year, reported the Triad Business Journal.

In North Carolina, the survey found that 41 percent of construction firms laid off employees during 2011, while only 12 percent anticipate layoffs in the coming year. On the hiring side, 31 percent of firms in the state added employees in 2011, though only 19 percent expect to hire more workers in 2012.

“While there are some promising signs, especially when it comes to construction employment, the outlook for the industry is mixed,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, CEO of the association. ”More than four years after demand for commercial construction began to plummet, economic conditions remain difficult.”

Nationally, only 9 percent of firms expect layoffs in 2012, compared with 37 percent last year and 55 percent in 2010.

Close to 40 percent of construction firms in North Carolina reported that bank credit has been an issue for their customers. Other challenges identified included the price of construction materials, with 40 percent of N.C. firms reporting that those prices increased between 6 and 10 percent during 2011, and 43 percent expecting those prices to rise at that same level during 2012.

As for the outlook, the largest portion — 44 percent — expect the construction market to grow again in 2014. Only 11 percent expect that growth to come in 2012 and 30 percent expect growth in 2013.
“There are definitely some conflicting trends when it comes to contractors’ expectations for 2012,” said Ken Simonson, chief economist for the association. “The construction industry will improve his year but we are going to have to wait until at least 2013 before contractors experience the kind of recovery this industry needs.”

Access the full report and state-by-state data here. Read More.

NCPMA Elects First Board of Directors

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Kruhm) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 03:15:00 +0000

The North Carolina Plumbing and Mechanical Association elected its first Board of Directors January 14, signaling another milestone in this new organization’s history.

The new trade association was created earlier this month from a merger between Mechanical Contractors of North Carolina and Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors of North Carolina. The outgoing Presidents of the former associations, Charlie Oxford and Rodney Pressley, conducted the general business session and commended the members of both associations for their dedication during the merger process.

Joel Long of GSM Services inGastoniawas elected President of the new association. David Hinson of Hinson Mechanical was elected as Vice-President and Jamie Robinson of Brothers Heating and Air was elected as Treasurer. All will serve a one-year term. In addition, Charlie Oxford of Hickory Plumbing and Heating was appointed as Secretary and John Hicks of Griffin Heating and Air Conditioning was appointed as Assistant Secretary/Treasurer. After the elections, board members and officers were installed by Dale Dawson, the Executive Director of the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors.

“The past year of planning and preparing for the merger is behind us and it is time to look to the future as one organization,” said Joel Long, NCPMA President. “We are physically one entity, and now we must become one mentally! Our goal is to accomplish this in 2012 and become a more significant partner with all contractors in the state of North Carolina.” Read More.

Construction industry indicators trending positive

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Kruhm) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:43:00 +0000

Commercial Real estate publisher Globe St.com reports the US economy in 2012 is increasingly shaping up to be a positive one. Labor figures, consumer confidence, manufacturing activity—even supply chain activity—all point to positive momentum.

So it goes with indicators in the commercial real estate space as well. Groups like the American Institute of Architects, National Association of Home Builders and the Associated General Contractors of America have reported positive signs. Not that the news is uniformly positive—one significant discouraging data point is also part of the mix.

After a series of zigzags, the Architectural Biling Index has hit positive territory for three months in a row. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine to twelve month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending. The December ABI score was 52, the same mark in November. The new projects inquiry index was 64, down just a point from a reading of 65 the previous month “We saw nearly identical conditions in November and December of 2010 only to see momentum sputter and billings fall into negative territory as we moved through 2011, so it’s too early to be sure that we are in a full recovery mode,” AIA chief economist Kermit Baker said. “Nevertheless, this is very good news for the design and construction industry and it’s entirely possible conditions will slowly continue to improve as the year progresses

The NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index also marked another month of positive growth, climbing for the fourth consecutive month in January by four points to 25. This is the highest level the index has attained since June of 2007. “Builder confidence has now risen four months in a row, with the latest uptick being universally represented across every index component and region,”

Bob Nielsen, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders, said in a statement. “This good news comes on the heels of several months of gains in single-family housing starts and sales, and is yet another indication of the gradual but steady improvement that is beginning to take hold in an increasing number of housing markets nationwide.”

Developers also received good news from the Associated General Contractors of America. It reported that the amount contractors pay for a range of key construction materials edged down 0.2% in December—although it is still 5.3% higher from a year earlier, according to an analysis of producer price index figures.

Unfortunately, it said, this is a case of two steps forward, one step back. That is because the amount contractors charge to construct projects remained largely flat for the month and is up only between 3.3% and 4.7% for the year. “Any relief contractors might get from the recent declines in materials prices is being offset by their inability to increase prices for new construction projects,” Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist, said in a statement. “With overall demand relatively weak and public sector investments in construction declining rapidly, construction remains a buyer’s market.” Read More.

Three NC artificial turf installations earn national awards from ASBA

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Kruhm) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:38:00 +0000

Each year, the American Sports Builders Association recognizes excellence in construction at U.S. sports venues. Among the latest ASBA award winners are three North Carolina sports venues. General contractors Medallion Athletic Products and and Court One were recognized as installers of the athletic and recreational surfaces.

ASBA, the national organization for builders, designers and suppliers of materials for athletic facilities, honors newly built and renovated U.S. athletics facilities by ASBA members. Projects are scored by a panel of ASBA members based on layout and design, site work, drainage, base construction, surface, amenities, innovation and overall impression. Winners’ cumulative scores meet or exceed ASBA standards.

The installations that were honored in 2011 were:

UNC Charlotte’s Northeast Recreational Field Complex, Charlotte, N.C.
High Point University’s Vert Track, Soccer & Lacrosse Stadium, High Point, N.C.
Elkin Municipal Tennis Courts, Elkin, NC

NCDOT named 'Owner of the Year'

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Kruhm) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:06:00 +0000

The ENR Southeast has named the North Carolina Dept of Transportation “Owner of the Year” based upon achievements during 2011.

NCDOT had several noteworthy accomplishments. The agency moved forward on more than $300 million worth of contracts making up the Charlotte Interstate 485 Outer Loop/Interstate 85 Widening Project.

The agency also signed two notable design-build contracts during 2011: a $367.7-million contract for the 19.7-mile Monroe Connector/Bypass project near Charlotte, and a $215.7-million Bonner Bridge replacement in the Outer Banks. Both contracts should start construction in 2012.

Another factor considered by the editors was the agency’s response to Hurricane Irene, which caused significant damage to State Route 12, which connects the Outer Banks to the state’s mainland, and was breached in several places. NCDOT responded fairly quickly, hiring Mabey Bridge and Shore to construct a temporary bridge and get the connection to the Outer Banks restored in just about three weeks.

Moreover, the department did a nice job of utilizing social media to keep the public informed about the progress they were making, with a frequently updated gallery of photos of the damage and the latest repairs. Finally, in December, the North Carolina Turnpike Authority, a division of NCDOT, opened up the first phase of the $1-billion Triangle Expressway in the Raleigh-Durham area. The toll road features completely open-road tolling.

The March 12 edition of ENR Southeast will feature much more information and perspective about the North Carolina DOT’s recent accomplishments. Read More.

Architectural Billing Index positive for second straight month

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Kruhm) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:04:00 +0000

After showing struggling business conditions for most of 2011, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) has now reached positive terrain in consecutive months, reports the American Institute of Architects (AIA.

As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine to twelve month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending. AIA reported the December ABI score was 52.0, following the exact same mark in November. This score reflects an overall increase in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings).

The new projects inquiry index was 64.0, down just a point from a reading of 65.0 the previous month.

“We saw nearly identical conditions in November and December of 2010 only to see momentum sputter and billings fall into negative territory as we moved through 2011, so it’s too early to be sure that we are in a full recovery mode,” said AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. “Nevertheless, this is very good news for the design and construction industry and it’s entirely possible conditions will slowly continue to improve as the year progresses.”

Key December ABI highlights:

Regional averages: South (54.2), Midwest (53.1), Northeast (52.6), West (45.1)
Sector index breakdown: multi-family residential (54.3), commercial / industrial (54.1),
institutional (51.3), mixed practice (44.5)
Project inquiries index: 64.0. Read More.

OSHA provides tips for winter storm work hazards

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Kruhm) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 12:40:00 +0000

As the winter storm season approaches, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has focused on protecting workers from hazards during winter storm response and recovery operations. OSHA’s new webpage, entitled “Winter Storms,” provides employers with information on preparing for winter storms and identifying and controlling hazards associated with winter storm conditions.

A number of hazards associated with winter storms are addressed: being struck by falling objects such as icicles, tree limbs, and utility poles; driving accidents due to slippery roadways; carbon monoxide poisoning; dehydration, hypothermia and frostbite; exhaustion from strenuous activity; back injuries or heart attack while removing snow; slips and falls due to slippery walkways; electrocution from downed power lines and downed objects in contact with power lines; burns from fires caused by energized line contact or equipment failure; falls from snow removal on roofs or while working in aerial lifts or on ladders; roof collapse under weight of snow (or melting snow if drains are clogged); and lacerations or amputations from unguarded or improperly operated chain saws and power tools, and improperly attempting to clear jams in snow blowers.

OSHA recommends steps for avoiding or controlling these identified hazards. It also provides links to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the American Red Cross, the National Weather Service, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Safety Council for additional information.

Employers should review the information provided by OSHA to ensure that they are aware of potential hazards that may affect their employees. Find additional insight and commentary on occupational safety and helath issues at OSHA Law Blog.

Submit your favorite blog in the AEC community

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Kruhm) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 12:15:00 +0000

Nominations for the Best Construction Blog serving the AEC community are open. Simply enter the name and URL of your favorite blog below and comment why you think it is special. The nomination deadline for the 2012 Construction Marketing Ideas blog competition is January 31, 2012. All nominees and finalists receive free hyperlinks and recognition on the Construction Marketing Ideas blog. If you wish to nominate more than one blog, please feel free to submit separate nominations. The blog should be relevant to the construction industry, have useful, original content, and be updated at least weekly (and have been established at least three months). While blogs are often created for SEO purposes, if the blog appears to be principally for this purpose, it may be disqualified. Finalists will be judged by popular vote and an expert judging panel. Readers may recall Melissa Brumback’s Construction Law in North Carolina received recognition as the Best Construction Blog for 2011. Submit your nominations Here.

NC construction contracts fall in November

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Kruhm) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:15:00 +0000

At the end of October, McGraw-Hill Construction’s data showed that North Carolina’s 2011 total volume of new contracts was 6% ahead of 2010. A disastrous November changed all of that, wiping out the year’s gains and sending the state’s total back down into negative territory for the year, reports ENR Southeast.

The volume of North Carolina’s construction contracts fell 52% overall in November, compared to the same period of a year ago, according to McGraw-Hill. The value of all new contracts was just over $1 billion for the month.

The nonbuilding sector, which includes infrastructure projects, experienced the steepest decline. It fell 76% compared to last November and tallied $261.1 million for the month. The value of new nonresidential contracts also dropped sharply, totaling $315.9 million, for a 47% drop. Only the residential sector posted positive gains. It improved by 8%, for roughly $442.5 million in contracts.
Despite the poor showing in November, the nonbuilding category is the only positive sector on a year-to-date basis. Through November, McGraw-Hill estimates the value of nonbuilding contracts at nearly $4.2 billion, or 25% ahead of 2010’s pace. Nonresidential is now 17% behind last year, with nearly $4.1 billion in new work. The residential market is 8% behind the same period of a year ago, with an estimated $5.2 billion in new contracts.

Overall, North Carolina’s 2011 contracts are estimated at $13.4 billion through November, or 3% behind 2010’s pace. Read More.

Fifty-three workplace fatalities in NC

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Kruhm) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:13:00 +0000

Fifty-three people were killed on the job in North Carolina last year, three more than the year before, the state Department of Labor announced. The News and Observer reported the majority of deaths resulted from falls or from workers being struck by vehicles, equipment, trees or building materials.

Four died in heat-related incidents; heat had not caused a workplace fatality in the state since 2006. With scorching temperatures during the summer months, the Labor Department kicked off a heat safety initiative last year to help avoid heat stress, and that will continue, said Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry.

Wake had the most workplace fatalities last year, with six; Durham had three, including two men who suffocated in a manhole along U.S. 70 in June.

The construction industry surpassed all others with a total of 16 workplace deaths, a decrease from 17 in 2010. Agriculture, forestry and fishing had 10 fatalities. Men accounted for all but one of the 53 people who died.

The number of workers killed on the job in the state hit its lowest point in 2009, with 34 fatalities, before rising to 48 in 2010.

State officials say that despite the higher number of deaths, the rate of injuries and illnesses among workers is at an all-time low for private industry: 3.1 per 100 workers in 2010, compared with 5.3 per 100 workers in 2000.

State offers training

Still, because the Labor Department offers free health and safety training, “the real tragedy is that all of these fatalities could have been avoided,” Berry said.

“I encourage all employers to pick up the phone and call the Department of Labor to take advantage of our safety training services that are customized to meet their specific needs,” she said. Read More.

NLRB postpones notice-posting rule

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Kruhm) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 19:03:00 +0000

The National Labor Relations Board announced recently it has agreed to postpone the effective date of its employee rights notice-posting rule at the request of the federal court in Washington, DC hearing a legal challenge regarding the rule.

The Board's ruling states that it has determined that postponing the effective date of the rule would facilitate the resolution of the legal challenges that have been filed with respect to the rule. The new implementation date is April 30, 2012.

Most private sector employers will be required to post the 11-by-17-inch notice on the new implementation date of April 30. The notice is available at no cost from the NLRB through its website, www.nlrb.gov, which has additional information on posting requirements and NLRB jurisdiction.

DNC opens prequalification process for construction industry work

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Kruhm) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 18:20:00 +0000

Construction prequalification forms are now available on the Democratic National Convention vendor directory website reports the Charlotte Business Journal.

A team of firms –Rodgers Builders, Hunt Construction and H.J Russell and Co. are overseeing the work as construction managers for the temporary remodel and restoration of the downtown arena. Subcontractors must send in prequalification forms by March 1 to be considered.

“This is a great opportunity for local businesses to get a piece of the action,” says Kimberlin Love, DNCC Director of Hall Operations, in a statement. “But to be eligible to bid on the packages that will become available in the spring, businesses must go through the prequalification process. And the vendor directory is the hub for this activity.”

Already, more than 1,700 businesses have registered through the directory for a variety of opportunities.

When it comes to the arena’s existing contracts with vendors, officials say those agreements will remain in effect during the convention that starts Sept. 3. Any extraordinary work will be advertised as a request for proposals on the vendor directory as needed.

The subcontractor pre-qualification process is tied directly to construction work, such as electrical, carpentry, painting and wall covering, drywall, IT/cabling, metal framing and millwork.

Also needed are companies that handle removal, storage and reinstallation of arena seating; construction cleaning and post convention custodial work; and the rigging, transportation and storing of materials, both on site and off. Arena remodeling will need acoustical panel ceilings, fencing and barricades, scaffolds, platforms and handrails.

In the meantime, the Hargrove/Rodgers Russell Hunt construction management team will meet with business membership groups in North and South Carolina to spread the word about the subcontracting work. The team’s planning for the arena is ongoing. According to Pat Rodgers of Rodgers Russell Hunt, the scope of work and bid packages will be released once the prequalification process is complete. Read More.

MC of NC and PHCC-NC combine

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Kruhm) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 15:16:00 +0000

The North Carolina Plumbing and Mechanical Association was signed into existence last week, completing a year-long merger between two long-standing trade associations. After years of consideration and unanimous approval from their memberships, Mechanical Contractors of North Carolina (MC of NC) and Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors of North Carolina (PHCC-NC) combined their nearly 150 years of service to the state to form a new trade association, NCPMA.

“We believe that completing this merger is important because it is for the greater good of our industry,” said Charlie Oxford, the outgoing President of PHCC-NC. “Combining the efforts of PHCC-NC and MC of NC into one association will allow us to better serve the industry.”

Rodney Pressley, outgoing President of MC of NC echoed Oxford’s feelings and looked towards the future. “As members of MC of NC, we are very excited about this merger and look forward to getting everyone involved to make NCPMA a great association,” said Pressley.

Continuing with the tradition of its predecessors, NCPMA will exist for the benefit of its members, the enhancement of the cooling, heating and plumbing industries in the state and the safety and well being of the citizens affected by these trades. NCPMA will continue to provide numerous professional development classes and opportunities, beginning with a professional education series that began earlier this month. These classes will satisfy continuing education credits for license renewal and will be provided at locations throughout the state.

“We are very excited about what the future holds,” remarked Jim Pendergrass, Executive Director of
NCPMA. “Together, the members and leaders of NCPMA are ready to forge ahead and fulfill what is sure to be a promising future for our organization and our industries as a whole.” Read More.

Nonresidential construction employment increases in December

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Kruhm) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:05:00 +0000

Construction employment increased in December by 17,000 driven by gains in nonresidential construction employment, according to an analysis of new federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said that construction employment likely benefitted from unseasonably warm weather across much of the country that extended the construction season.

“Nonresidential construction is clearly driving last month’s employment gains,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “But it is too early to tell whether those gains came because the weather was good enough for crews to keep working well into December or because demand is truly rebounding.”

Total construction employment now stands at 5,544,000 or 0.3 percent higher than a month earlier and 46,000 (0.8 percent) higher than in December 2010, the economist said. He added that the latest employment figures continue a months-long trend of slight gains followed by slight declines in construction employment and that overall construction employment is still far below its peak level of 7,726,000 in April 2006.

The nonresidential construction sector added 17,200 construction jobs in December, Simonson noted. He said nonresidential specialty trade contractors added 20,200 positions, while heavy and civil engineering construction firms – which perform the majority of publicly-funded construction work – shed 300 jobs. Nonresidential building contractors shed 2,700 jobs in December. Residential construction lost 400 total jobs, as the residential specialty trade contractors shed 2,900 jobs and residential builder added only 2,500 positions in December. Read More.

Carolinas AGC announced new 2012 board

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Kruhm) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:18:00 +0000

The Carolinas Associated General Contractors (Carolinas AGC) announced its 2012 Board of Directors:

Chair of the Board, Jerry Smith, T. A. Loving Company; Chair Elect, Scott Fant, Sloan Construction Company; Treasurer; Cleve Paul, D. S. Simmons, Inc.; Vice Chair, James Braswell, Jr., Langston Construction Co.; Immediate Past Chair, Mark Hood, Hood Construction Company, Inc.; President and CEO, Cynthia Mills, FASAE, CAE, CMC, Carolinas AGC.

Building Division Chair: Edison Cassels, Edison Foard, Inc.; Vice Chair: Paul Mashburn, Mashburn Construction Co., Inc.

Highway-Heavy Division Chair: Marty McKee, Thrift Development Corporation; Vice Chair: Alan Cahill, Blythe Construction, Inc.

Utility Division Chair: Ron Brown, State Utility Contractors, Inc.; Vice Chair: CW "Whit" Stutsman, Anson Construction Company.

Specialty Contractor Division Chair: Todd Stevens, W. B. Moore Company; Vice Chair: Michelle King, Juba Aluminum Products Company.

Supplier/Service Company Division Chair: Steve Hedges, Sparrow Wolf and Dennis, P.A.; Vice Chair: Brad Gibson, Rutherfoord.

Directors: Allen Amsler, McCrory Construction Co.; Bill Edmonds, M. B. Kahn Construction Co., Inc. (Water Works Division); John Muter, New Atlantic Contracting, Inc.; Dave Rankin, Rea Contracting, a Division of The Lane Construction Corporation; Sidney Heyward, W. B. Guimarin and Company; David Page, Rodgers Builders, Inc.; Keith Wayne, Wayne Brothers, Inc.

Carolinas AGC represents contractors and construction-related firms in North Carolina and South Carolina, and serves as a chapter of AGC of America and ARTBA. Read more.

Construction spending increased 0.9 percent in November

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Kruhm) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 12:13:00 +0000

Total nonresidential construction spending increased 0.9 percent in November to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $555.7 billion, according to the January report by the U.S. Commerce Department. However, total nonresidential spending is down 0.1 percent from one year ago. Private nonresidential construction spending was unchanged for the month, but is 4.5 percent higher than November 2010.

Public nonresidential construction jumped 1.8 percent in November, but is still down 4.4 percent year-over-year. Nine of the sixteen nonresidential construction subsectors posted increases in spending for the month, including power, up 5.1 percent; sewage and waste disposal, 3 percent higher; public safety, up 2 percent; health care, 1.9 percent higher; and highway and street construction, up 1.9 percent. Four subsectors experienced increases in spending from one year ago, including manufacturing construction, up 13.3 percent; commercial construction, 11.4 percent higher; power construction, up 6.5 percent; and education-related construction, 3.9 percent higher.

Seven nonresidential construction subsectors had decreases in spending for the month, including conservation and development, down 11.6 percent; communication, 4.9 percent lower; water supply, down 4.3 percent; religious, 4.3 percent lower; and amusement and recreation-related construction, down 3.5 percent. Twelve subsectors are down from November 2010, including conservation and development construction, down 23.3 percent; religious construction, 23.1 percent lower; lodging construction, down 19 percent; water supply construction, 10.6 percent lower; and communication-related construction, down 9.4 percent.

“November’s nonresidential construction performance was solid,” said Associated Builders and Contractors Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “The increase in spending was broad-based and encompassed both private and public construction. “While privately purchased nonresidential construction has been rebounding for quite some time and is up 4.5 percent year over year, publicly-purchased construction has been in general decline,” Basu said. “That changed in November, with public construction up nearly 2 percent, led by increased purchases in the power, health care, office and sewage and waste disposal categories.

“It should be noted that these data are seasonally adjusted, which means they attempt to account for seasonal weather conditions,” said Basu. Because November was unusually mild in much of the nation, the improvement in nonresidential construction spending may at least be partially attributable to weather rather than economic factors.

“Despite the recent momentum in nonresidential construction spending, there remain plenty of reasons for concern,” said Basu. “Lending conditions continue to be disciplined and state and local government budgets remain stressed – not a good combination to push the nonresidential construction industry out of the doldrums.” Read More.

Raleigh named #1 place to live

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Kruhm) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 18:24:00 +0000

Businessweek has selected Raleigh as its best place to live in the country. The Bloomberg magazine used more than a dozen different indexes to reach the conclusion that North Carolina’s state capital was the best among the country’s largest 100 cities. “The city sports a high number of bars, restaurants, and cultural institutions as well as a thriving social scene, great parks, and good schools,” states Businessweek’s blurb on the city. “Raleigh reflects the cultural graces that go along with anchoring the so-called research triangle, home to North Carolina State University, Duke University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. “Of course, it’s also much more. The city offers a great deal on nights and weekends, from concerts and opera to the 30,000-sq.-ft. State Farmer’s Market. North Carolina’s state capital is tops in our book.” Other North Carolina cities making the cut were Charlotte (20), Greensboro (31), Durham (37) and Winston-Salem (46). Read More.

How to get the most from your North Carolina Construction News

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Kruhm) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 21:05:00 +0000

North Carolina Construction News has activated a new website on January 1, 2012. We've been working with our web designer for several months to make the site easier to navigate and responsive to the business needs of Carolina construction professionals. Articles from the print and digital editions of North Carolina Construction News featuring successful construction projects are prominently displayed in an easy-to-read format with photos and illustrations. The latest edition can be read on-line with innovative page-turning software. Visitors can use the search bar to find archived material by keyword. An industry calendar contains details about upcoming regional events. Readers can submit editorial contributions and event dates electronically. Current news content is divided into latest news, featured news and regional news. Photos accompany most news stories. Visitors are invited to sign up online for a free weekly news update. Sponsors and advertisers are hot linked to their respective homepages so visitors can easily access detailed information about available services. We welcome your suggestions and editorial contributions to make the North Carolina Construction News more relevant and informative for our readers.

NC economic index rise may indicate recovery

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Kruhm) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:04:00 +0000

A statewide economic measure showed surprising signs of life in November, even tempting its creator to flirt with the notion that North Carolina's economy could finally be recovering, reports the News and Observer.

The index, created by N.C. State University economist Michael Walden, is designed to indicate the direction of the state's economy four to six months into the future."The index surged in November, with all components improving," Walden wrote in a release Monday. "Is this a sign of an accelerating state my for the new year?"

This isn't the first time Walden's statewide index has improved since the recession, and it would have to rise several months in a row for it to be meaningful.However, it did show a surprisingly strong jump of 1.9 percent from October to November. Just as important, November 2011 came in 1.3 percent ahead of November 2010, showing an annual gain as well.It's the second consecutive month that the index has gone up. The index is based on five measures: building permits, unemployment benefits, manufacturing wages, manufacturing hours logged and an index of the national economy. Read More.

Safe driving at home and the workplace pays

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Kruhm) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 01:31:00 +0000

As your employees leave your office or worksite for a weekend of New Year’s celebrations, consider suggesting the benefit of a designated driver option.

Safe Ride Home (SRH) is an alternative to driving under the influence (DUI). The designated driver service combines the convenience of a taxi with the comfort of the customer’s own vehicle. Safe Ride Home is available in Wake, Durham, Orange and Johnston County on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from 9:00 p.m. until 3:00 a.m. The service is also available at other times by appointment.

Over the coming months, North CarolinaConstruction News and our web service provider Qudeso, are supporting a community information campaign that we believe will give drivers the opportunity to avoid the very dangerous and very costly pitfall a DUI can bring. In the last four years, SRH has gotten thousands of Triangle drivers and their vehicles home without incident or injury to themselves or others. You can learn more by going to www.SafeRideHomeNC.com or by calling SRH at 919-520-4496.

Under Construction: Trucking in the Work Zone

North Carolina’s highways are the workplace of the professional trucking industry. These professionals travel through work zones on a daily basis and regularly encounter the various hazards associated with a work zone. NCDOT partnered with CarolinasAssociated General Contractors and the NorthCarolina Trucking Association to produce an educational video specifically for professional truck drivers.

Filmed in several North Carolina work zones and featuring real-life truck drivers, state troopers and an NCDOT engineer, Under Construction: Trucking in the Work Zone illustrates how professional truck drivers can make a difference by paying attention and driving the speed limit. For details visit: http://www.ncdot.org/programs/.

W-S office vacancy rate drops 60 percent

noreply@blogger.com (Bob Kruhm) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +0000

The Winston-Salem Journal reports office space filled at a faster rate in Winston-Salem in the past four years than in any of the other largest cities in North Carolina.

Almost 20 percent of the office space in buildings in downtown Winston-Salem was vacant at the end of 2007, according to Karnes, a market research company based in Charlotte. Karnes collects data from realty clearinghouses in cities across North Carolina each quarter.

At the end of September — the most recent information available — about 8 percent of the office space in Winston-Salem was empty. Those numbers mean the vacancy rate in downtown Winston-Salem dropped by almost 60 percent. The vacancy rate in Greensboro's downtown increased by about 33 percent; in Charlotte, the vacancy rate increased more than 300 percent.

Andrew Jenkins, a managing partner at Karnes, said the drop in vacancies in downtown Winston-Salem could be related to the city's efforts to attract businesses, shops and residences downtown.

"They've been kind of trying to revitalize their downtown, as well as get a stadium in place. … I think that's probably helped in terms of generating demand," Jenkins said. "There's an argument out there that there's a gravitation toward center cities and more urban living, so you might be seeing that across the state."

Winston-Salem's downtown has transformed in the past five years: Empty buildings and vacant storefronts now house restaurants with al fresco dining. There are still empty storefronts along Fourth Street, but the vacancies are dwindling.

Winston-Salem has almost 5 million square feet of office space in its downtown — more than any other downtown in North Carolina other than Charlotte, according to Karnes. Winston-Salem, too, has the lowest average rent per square foot.

Michael Clapp, owner of Michael Clapp Appraisals — which several times a year compiles information about office space prices and vacancies in Winston-Salem — said new office buildings have not been built in downtown Winston-Salem since 2002. And the space that is here, he said, is priced to rent. Read More.