Category: Expert Columns
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The Construction Industry’s Labor Crisis: Can AI Bridge the Workforce Gap?
The construction industry is facing a severe labor shortage. The workforce is aging as projects become increasingly complex and economic pressures demand greater efficiency. Part of this problem stems from the 2008 financial crisis, when a generation of workers was forced to avoid the construction industry, with new builds not being as in demand. Now,…
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Why Fire-Resistant Construction Is Critical for Wildfire-Prone Communities
The Growing Need for Resilience Natural disasters are becoming more frequent and severe, posing a higher risk to communities in fire-prone regions like California. Despite some modern improvements in firefighting techniques and early warning systems, the built environment remains susceptible to natural factors. Many homes are constructed with flammable materials, creating a cycle of destruction…
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The Hidden Costs of Overlooking Drainage Infrastructure Design in Construction Projects
Construction projects, particularly large-scale construction projects, require meticulous planning to stay on schedule and within budget. Yet, one critical factor often underestimated in the early phases is drainage infrastructure design. Overlooking proper drainage planning can lead to delays, structural instability and costly rework. Flooding, soil erosion and regulatory setbacks can disrupt timelines and inflate budgets.…
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5 Ways Offshore Staffing can Help Construction Businesses
Many large-scale construction projects require countless hours to juggle schedules, coordinate subcontractors, and keep anxious clients in the loop. Often, you’d be so focused on the daily fires—like site issues or material delays—that more strategic tasks, such as risk assessments and budget forecasting, fell by the wayside. If you’re a general contractor or a construction…
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Lithium Battery Safety: New Rules for New Technology
Lithium batteries have become indispensable in the construction industry, powering everything from handheld tools such as cutoff saws and drills to larger equipment such as scissor lifts and track loaders. High energy density, lightweight design and efficiency make them the preferred choice over older technologies. They offer contractors significant advantages in mobility and productivity. The…
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Equipment Sale Leaseback: IRS vs. FASB Considerations
An equipment sale leaseback is a financial arrangement where a company sells its equipment to a leasing company or financial institution and then immediately leases it back for continued use. Essentially, it’s a way for a business to free up cash tied to equipment it owns while still retaining access to that equipment for its operations.…
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How To Protect Decks from Water Damage
Outdoor decking is a desirable feature in residential homes, apartment complexes, commercial applications, and beyond—it’s an ideal way to enhance livability, functionality and value of any property. Whether it’s wood, concrete, or other material, additional outdoor living space is something that property owners are increasingly interested in. Indeed, the global decking market has experienced substantial…
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8 Steps to a Safer Jobsite
Safety isn’t just about compliance—it’s a driver of business success. A strong safety culture reduces accidents, claims, and insurance costs while enhancing efficiency and minimizing downtime. It also boosts morale, attracts talent, and positions your company as a trusted partner. In 2023 alone, there were 62 million workplace injuries and 222,698 preventable deaths, according to…
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7 Key Indicators of Project Success
It is not uncommon that most general contractors conduct a post-project review. Sometimes nicknamed the “post-mortem,” the intention is to huddle the primary leadership from a given project to debrief on its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats that need to be eliminated. Sub-specialty contractors can learn from this same winning “best practices” process. For any…
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Troublemaker to CEO: Championing a Career in Construction
If you’d told me as a child that I would one day become the president and CEO of a national skilled trade education group, I would have never believed you. Not because I lacked ambition, but because I was headed down the wrong path. I was a classic troublemaker—smart but rebellious, always testing boundaries. Then,…