Prior articles posted here discuss strategies contractors and builders can use to survive in this recessionary economy. This article discusses the need for operational excellence—not only in extreme times like the present, but as the course most likely to lead to success in any economy. 

After increasing by a blistering 10.6% year over year in second-quarter 2007, non-residential construction costs slowed slightly to 9.6% in the third quarter. This moderation was the result of slower quarter growth in all three construction categories. In the institutional category, costs slowed from 10.1% year over year in the second quarter, to 8.8% in the third quarter. Industrial construction costs slowed from 9.6% to 8.5%, while commercial construction costs moved from 11.2% to 10.3%.

Employment growth in Canada continued its strong pace in September 2007. The Canadian economy has created even more new jobs through the first nine months of this year than during the same period last year (+283,000 versus +219,000, for a net gain of +64,000). The construction sector, with a net gain of +43,000 jobs, has played a key role in the overall jobs strength. Furthermore, the current figure for average hourly earnings (+4.2%) is the highest in the history of this series, which dates back to 1997.

After cuts of 0.25 percentage points by the Bank of Canada (on December 4th) and the U.S. Federal Reserve (on December 11th), the key policy-setting interest rates of both central banks now stand at 4.25%. The Bank of Canada’s move was in anticipation of what the Fed would be doing. The reasons behind the action taken by the Federal Reserve were more complicated. The subprime mortgage crisis has morphed into a bad debt crisis. Measures are being taken globally to ensure liquidity.

Contrary to what most people believe, increases in energy efficiency usually mean a rise in energy consumption, not a reduction. This apparently counter-intuitive statement is supported by basic economic logic and was recently summarized in an article written by economists Jeff Rubin and Benjamin Tal of CIBC World Markets. What are most interesting are examples from history and from more current developments in fuel usage.

If ever there has been an optimum time to fill critical positions in your company, it is now.

SmartBIM Library v3 (SBL v3) has arrived and now you have the ability to store, organize and locate BIM objects, streamline design workflow and share libraries of BIM objects.

In the 25+ years that I have been observing the Construction Industry I have noted a lot of changes. Looking back further, say 150 years, the changes appear even more dramatic.

We are often asked about the process for the creation of a SmartBIM Object. This article will take you through a detailed history of one window. The creation of a good SmartBIM Object is both a science and an art; there is not one fixed solution. To get the best results the process also involves considering both the needs of the manufacturer and the needs of the architect.

Smart communication tips for savvy contractors, builders, and other entrepreneurs.