Labor Law Clamp Down Coming for Construction

Construction firms that regularly skirt labor law to gain unfair competitive advantages by misclassifying workers and hiring people who aren’t legally allowed to work in the U.S., are going to face closer scrutiny this year, according to a report published in the National Law Review. Southwest Under Labor Law Scrutiny The NLR reported “that some …

Be An Employer of Choice and Beat the Craft Worker Shortage

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4rmmKQlIek

Surprisingly it doesn’t mean your company has to get listed by a prominent magazine, or that you have to encourage your workforce to send in nominations to somebody. It’s really more about understanding the hallmarks of an employer of choice, and then nurturing those in your company.

Other Strategies Ranked High

Respondents to the FMI survey also singled out other methods they’ve found very effective for not only attracting new trade workers, but also for retaining them.

  • Using an incentivized employee referral program
  • Encouraging external referrals
  • Posting jobs on the company website
  • Using online recruiting tools
  • Market competitive pay
  • Comprehensive benefits and rewards

Survey respondents said the top five types of  trade workers that will be in short supply over the next five years are craft helpers, laborers, heavy equipment operators, carpenters and ironworkers. The ones that will be hardest to find are the heavy equipment operators, welders, carpenters, pipe fitters and ironworkers. Admittedly, the group of executives in this survey are from large national contractors. Many of them have a high percentage of self-performed work, making their dependence on the craft workers greater.

Modular Construction Transforms Office Space for Millennials

There are 80 million young adults in the U.S. today who were born between 1976 and 2001. This group is commonly known as the millennial generation. And, as baby boomers continue to retire from the workplace, millennials are taking their place. It’s estimated that by 2020, millennials will comprise 46 percent of the U.S. workforce. The transition has many future-minded employers looking for new ways to attract top new talent.

Multiple studies have been conducted to determine millennials’ most wanted career qualities. Findings include:

  • 88% prefer an office culture that encourages collaboration
  • 74% insist on a flexible work schedule.
  • When asked where they’d prefer to work, not surprisingly they mention Google first, Apple second and third, for themselves.
  • The majority also noted they prefer work spaces that promote collaboration.

This presents some problems for aging office buildings that commonly feature many smaller rooms. But there are options that appeal to both millennials’ preference for open concept workspaces and boomers’ needs for more quiet space.

Prefabricated Construction: A Closer Look at 6 Prefab Building Methods

The term prefabricated construction leads many to think about complete structures built in a factory which are then transported to the site and set on a foundation. While this building method is becoming increasingly popular, there are other ways builders are using factory precision and efficiencies to create quality structures.

1. Panelized Wood Framing

Typically used in roofing, these frames are built from long pieces of laminated timber, covered by a plywood or other board roof deck. The frames can be up to 72 feet in length. These roof panels save time on the construction site, and make roof construction much safer.

2. Sandwich Paneling

Sandwich panels are made from two thin facings of materials such as plywood, stainless steel, or concrete. The facings are then bonded to an insulating core, typically made of foam, rubber, paper, or cloth.

3. Steel Framing

Steel has long been a popular building material for both residential and commercial construction. Steel framing takes this strong and durable material and creates prefabricated panels from it. These panels can then be used to construct buildings.

4. Timber Framing

Like steel framing, timber framing panels are built in a factory and then used to quickly erect prefab buildings. Many timber homes today are constructed onsite using this prefab system.

5. Concrete Systems

Having concrete parts of a prefabricated building cast in the factory allows for more versatility and saves time. Although precast concrete panels and other architectural elements are heavier than building components made from other materials, they are typically more durable, and can improve a building’s aesthetics.

6. Modular Systems

Modular construction systems make use of all prefab styles to create a complete building, made from factory-constructed modules. The buildings are then brought to the construction site and connected to a prepared foundation and each other.

Important Tips for Site Selection and Preconstruction Preparation

Location is your most important consideration. Manufacturing facilities should be within close proximity to shipping routes, be them interstates, rail or waterways. Retail stores, on the other hand, are best placed along busy commuter roads near residential zones. Consider who and what are coming and going from your building when selecting your final location. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8-8HhGt6A8 …

Sustainable Architecture Takes On Urban Agriculture

Architects are coming up with some innovative ways to make sustainable buildings. Many of these sustainable projects are still in the concept phase. Among them, two proposed projects recently caught our eye as both aspire to integrate large areas for farming in urban settings. Belgian architect Vincent Callebaut designed a 132-floor urban farm concept for …

5 Ways Equipment Financing is Empowering Small Construction Businesses

Most small businesses need equipment in order to operate and grow, and each business must decide on an acquisition strategy that is right for it. But, a majority of businesses turn to equipment leasing and financing so they can take advantage of a range of benefits. ELFA highlights five key benefits that make equipment finance …