The United States economy demonstrated notable resilience in the second quarter as gross domestic product bounced back to a 2.6 percent annual growth rate, recovering from a sluggish first quarter that registered only 1.2 percent expansion. This rebound comes despite headwinds in the housing sector, where residential fixed investment fell sharply after an unusually strong […]
When the Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) convened in July 2017, the construction industry was watching closely. The central bank voted unanimously to hold the federal funds rate at 1 to 1.25 percent, signaling a pause in its tightening cycle while laying out plans to reduce its $4.5 trillion balance sheet. For builders,
Real estate markets do not move on fundamentals alone. They are driven just as powerfully by sentiment, and shifts in collective mood often precede measurable changes in construction activity. For builders and developers, reading these signals early can mean the difference between breaking ground at the right moment and committing capital just before the cycle
The housing market has long served as a reliable bellwether for the broader economy, and current data suggests another period of positive contribution is on the horizon. While monthly figures can fluctuate, the underlying trends point toward a market that is positioned to lift GDP growth, particularly in the fourth quarter. For builders and construction
The construction industry operates at the intersection of multiple economic forces, but few signals carry as much weight as gross domestic product growth. When GDP expands, construction activity tends to follow, driven by rising consumer confidence, increased private investment, and stronger demand for both residential and commercial spaces. Understanding this relationship helps builders, contractors, and
The United States construction industry experienced a notable 3.8 percent increase in total spending during 2017, reaching approximately $1.25 trillion by December of that year. This growth occurred despite significant headwinds in public sector investment and several major nonresidential categories that saw declining activity. Industry professionals tracking these shifts can examine how construction spending rises
When economists and industry analysts get caught off guard by three consecutive months of declining construction spending, contractors feel the uncertainty firsthand. The second quarter of 2016 delivered exactly that scenario: consensus forecasts missed the mark repeatedly, and each month brought a drop in the total value of construction put in place when growth was
A utility knife ranks among the most frequently used tools on any construction site, yet many professionals underestimate how much blade design and handle ergonomics affect daily productivity. Every contractor who has fumbled with a dull blade or strained through repetitive cutting motions knows that the right cutting tool makes a measurable difference in speed
The construction industry faces a persistent challenge: how to transfer decades of hands-on knowledge from veteran workers to the next generation while keeping projects on schedule and within budget. A structured mentorship program offers a practical solution that addresses both workforce development and project quality. Whether you run a small residential crew or manage large
Construction firms investing in GPS technology often discover that its benefits extend far beyond basic location tracking. When properly deployed, GPS systems transform fleet management by delivering operational data that drives better decisions, reduces waste, and improves profitability. This article outlines practical strategies for maximizing return on investment from GPS asset tracking technology for construction
