January 2024

A Nationwide Surge in School Infrastructure Investments

ccapoccia — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 14:20:25 +0000

A Nationwide Surge in School Infrastructure Investments ccapoccia Mon, 02/19/2024 - 08:20

School doors opened for the start of the 2023-24 school year with many campuses under construction. Hundreds of planned construction and renovation projects have already launched during this school year. Further, billions of dollars have been approved for projects that will get underway over the next two years. Examples of what can be found throughout the country follow.

The Lowdown on Significant Risk-Allocation Clauses (Part 1 of 2)

ccapoccia — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 13:50:40 +0000

The Lowdown on Significant Risk-Allocation Clauses (Part 1 of 2) ccapoccia Mon, 02/12/2024 - 07:50

Recognition and allocation of risk should be major concerns for all parties in a construction project. Allocating unavoidable risks between the parties is a major function of construction-related contracts. This article will outline some of the most significant risk-allocation clauses and their importance to the parties.

General contractors typically do not have much flexibility in negotiating contracts with owners/developers, but it is important for them to recognize opportunities they do have and understand the risks certain clauses may create.

7 Strategies to Maximize Your Rental Experience

ccapoccia — Thu, 08 Feb 2024 15:01:04 +0000

7 Strategies to Maximize Your Rental Experience ccapoccia Thu, 02/08/2024 - 09:01

In construction, a reputation for efficiency can go a long way. It allows your business to move swiftly during projects, budget effectively and continue to have a consistent stream of revenue as you manage your jobs. For businesses that utilize rentals, there are a number of ways in which they can improve their efficiency throughout the rental process. From project forecasting to employee training, here is a list of strategies contractors can use to improve efficiency through their rental journey.

How a Simple Thanks Can Win More Work

ccapoccia — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 16:09:38 +0000

How a Simple Thanks Can Win More Work ccapoccia Mon, 02/05/2024 - 10:09

Are you thankful for the opportunity to work for customers who allow your company to thrive, grow and improve your financial condition? Do you regularly tell your customers “Thanks” or send them a thank-you note or a birthday card? Or do you do anything to show you appreciate or care about them and their success? I started, managed and operated my commercial general contracting company for over 45 years. We averaged $40 million to $50 million in annual sales, built over 750 projects and hired at least 10,000 subcontractors to get all the projects completed.

Reality Check: Using AI in Construction

ccapoccia — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 11:06:38 +0000

Reality Check: Using AI in Construction ccapoccia Thu, 02/01/2024 - 05:06

As we look back on 2023, for a lot of businesses across every industry, it was the year of artificial intelligence (AI). There was a lot of talk, a fair amount of hype, some healthy skepticism, and many glimpses into what the future could look like. How much might AI transform the construction industry? In this first of a three-part series on AI in construction, we take a closer look at the areas where AI can make a difference in streamlining project management, bridging the gaps between field and the office, and boosting productivity by reducing unnecessary overhead.

Cold Truths for Winterizing Maintenance

ccapoccia — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 14:30:09 +0000

Cold Truths for Winterizing Maintenance ccapoccia Mon, 01/29/2024 - 08:30

From frosted windshields to slow engine idling, we are surrounded by subtle signs of winter’s impending arrival. Businesses that thrive through changing seasons share a few common qualities: the ability to remain cool under pressure, flow with change and sustain value. These are important standards of success for both managing operations and maintaining equipment, both seasonally and year-round.

5 Trends Expected to Drive E&C Industry Growth in 2024

ccapoccia — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 17:45:21 +0000

5 Trends Expected to Drive E&C Industry Growth in 2024 ccapoccia Thu, 01/25/2024 - 11:45

Despite market-cooling uncertainties like volatile material prices, labor shortages and high interest rates, the engineering and construction (E&C) industry is poised for growth in 2024. Sustainable practices and technological advancements combined with recent government legislation are likely to boost construction activity, according to Deloitte’s 2024 engineering and construction industry outlook.

Examining a Case Study in Failure

ccapoccia — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 23:05:55 +0000

Examining a Case Study in Failure ccapoccia Mon, 01/22/2024 - 17:05

Consider, if you will, this tale of a business that collapsed at its peak. While elements of the tale may sound far-fetched, the only “fake” things are elements used to protect the innocent/guilty. A trade contractor had all the makings of a true success story — growing revenue, innovative tools and techniques, new office locations and seemingly happy customers. What could possibly go wrong?

OSHA Is Not Backing Down

ccapoccia — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 14:30:50 +0000

OSHA Is Not Backing Down ccapoccia Fri, 01/19/2024 - 08:30

Even if you did not directly experience last summer’s heat, you probably read or heard about it. Historically high temperatures scorched the country from coast to coast, and there are no signs that this heat will abate anytime soon. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 436 people have died due to workplace heat exposure since 2011. In the same time period, there were an additional 2,700 cases of heat-related illnesses among workers. Now — quite literally more than ever — it is critical for employers to take steps to ensure their workers are protected from extreme heat.

Explore this 2024 Construction Forecast

ccapoccia — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 14:11:19 +0000

Explore this 2024 Construction Forecast ccapoccia Tue, 01/16/2024 - 08:11

Fasten your seat belts and enjoy the ride. Like airline travelers bracing for expected turbulence, contractors are preparing for a tricky operating environment in 2024. “Heretofore, construction companies in all sectors have been busy,” said Anirban Basu, chairman and CEO of Sage Policy Group. “But I think what you’ll see going forward is that some contractors will get even busier while others will see their revenues begin to fade.”