My estimating background has trained me to look for indicators that will predict the future cost for the design and construction of a construction project. Over the 50 plus years in the construction business, I have researched those trends and have developed leading indicators that...

Last week, the Wall Street Journal reported that the second quarter inflation was at a forty-year high of 5.4%.  The core consumer price increase was 8.3% (excluding food and energy). To the Construction industry, Inflation is a four-letter word.  Until recently, this word had slipped out...

Whatever the outcome, rest assured that hotel and general building designs WILL change. ...

Construction Industry has been extremely active stretching the resources of the contractor and designer’s staffs.  One common cause of project disputes is that the industry attempts to put a “B” team on a project that requires the “A” team.  This often results in project difficulties or worse - disputes.   The...

The Ongoing Concern for Skilled Laborers in the Construction Industry is Getting Worse During the last seven years, the construction market has demonstrated healthy and steady growth.  The recent natural disasters across the United States, Mexico and the Caribbean can only continue to impact the ever increasing gap...

Over the last 40 years, I have found construction cycles to be fairly consistent and a good method for forecasting the construction business trends.  Coupled with leading indicators, they often will provide a clear vision of the future before it arrives. Prices Rising Recent increases in material...

Owners, Developers, Contractors, and Designers are all experiencing the current economic expansion. With project volume up, most parties are enjoying a profitable 2014; however, now is often when management makes the critical mistake that has a long term effect on the company. The key pitfalls...