Eli, Author at Building and Construction

How a Think Tank Approach Is Transforming Asphalt Energy and Recycling Practices

The hot-mix asphalt (HMA) industry faces persistent pressure from rising energy costs and volatile material prices. To tackle these challenges effectively, industry leaders have embraced a collaborative model that brings together producers, contractors, material suppliers, Department of Transportation (DOT) officials, agency specification writers, academics, and consulting engineers. This system design approach to problem solving creates […]

How The Construction Industry Is Meeting The Workforce Challenge Through Youth Programs And Innovation

The construction industry faces a dual challenge that demands urgent attention. On one side, aging infrastructure across the United States requires an estimated $1.6 trillion in modernization work over five years, covering water systems, dams, runways, roads, and bridges. On the other side, the industry struggles to attract enough skilled workers to meet both current

Infrastructure Investment and the Future of Construction: Key Trends Reshaping the Industry

The construction industry stands at a critical crossroads where infrastructure demands are outpacing available resources at an unprecedented rate. As federal, state, and local transportation agencies prepare to award contracts for upcoming projects, the need for a comprehensive approach to infrastructure funding has never been more urgent. The American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA)

Proper Planning Strategies That Boost Construction Business Profits

Many construction business owners chase higher revenue as the primary path to greater profits, but the most successful contractors know that revenue alone does not guarantee a healthy bottom line. The real driver of profitability lies in how carefully a company plans its operations, allocates resources, and engages its workforce. Whether you run a small

Charitable Giving and Tax Deductions: What Construction Contractors Need to Know

When Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast in August 2005, the slow government response frustrated many Americans. But private citizens and businesses responded swiftly. Within days, millions of dollars poured into relief organizations, and trucks loaded with supplies headed south from every corner of the country. That spirit of generosity is nothing new in the

Strategic Equipment Selection for Market Growth and Jobsite Productivity

In construction, the machinery a contractor chooses determines not only how efficiently a project gets completed but also what kinds of projects the business can pursue. Equipment decisions have long been viewed through the lens of replacement cycles and maintenance costs, but forward-thinking contractors recognize that the right fleet strategy opens doors to new revenue

How Written Contract Changes Become Unwritten: Lessons from a Louisiana Pool Renovation Case

Every construction professional knows the standard advice: get every contract change in writing. Most contracts explicitly state that all change orders must be written and signed by both parties. Yet the reality of construction projects is messier than the paperwork suggests. Field decisions happen fast. Verbal instructions fly between superintendents and owners. Extra work gets

Eliminating Hidden Waste: How Contractors Stop Costly Jobsite Delays

Every contractor knows that time lost on the jobsite is money that never returns. Yet a study from the Center for Construction Engineering and Management at the University of Michigan revealed just how severe the problem really is. Researchers found that construction workers spend an average of 45 to 72 minutes per day simply waiting

Where to Start When Selecting Equipment Trailers for Your Rental Fleet

Adding equipment trailers to your rental fleet can feel like a straightforward decision, but the wrong choice can cost you in maintenance, customer satisfaction, and safety. The process involves matching your equipment inventory, customer base, and operational goals with the right trailer design, capacity, and features. Whether you are starting a new rental yard or

Pavement Marking Industry Consolidation and Asphalt Paving Technology Milestones

The construction industry experienced significant shifts in early 2006 that continue to shape how contractors approach pavement marking and asphalt paving operations today. Understanding these historical developments provides valuable context for current business decisions. For professionals tracking market trends, the February Housing Starts Up 35 Percent From 2011 What Builders Need To Know About The