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...

In Georgia, many things are returning to normal.  For example, weekend traffic on the roads is back and close to the congested experience prior to the pandemic.  Comments about workday traffic include similar observations.  The expected impact will be an increase in the truck traffic...

In March, the US Government announced their intention to level new tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.   Tariffs on steel were to be 25% and aluminum was to be 10%.  The United States Department of Commerce indicates that the U.S. is the world’s largest importer...

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...

Unforeseen Consequences Our last newsletter spoke about the potential labor shortage and its impact to the construction industry.  Recently I heard a presentation that described the make-up of our future workforce and the challenges companies should expect along with the monetary impact. Many experts have spoken about...

As Atlanta was constructing the Olympic venues, the impact on development was felt around the southeast region.  Design and Contraction firms focused on Atlanta for a part of the $1.5 Billion Olympic development program.  The labor force migrated to Atlanta and the competition for materials...

December is when businesses take time to assess their successes and establish goals for the following year. Looking forward into 2014, business goals will include increasing revenue and adjustments to construction products and services. Price adjustments for 2014 will have an effect on your project...