The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission charged the Nasdaq stock exchange with violations of securities law for its "poor systems and decision-making" during Facebook's initial public offering, the agency has announced.
Friday, May 31, 2013
Sellers calling the shots on home deals
A survey of more than 2,000 Americans found that 33% of the 365 who were searching for a home have been on the hunt for more than a year and many were willing to make compromises on where they live or the type of home they would buy in order to close the deal, Century 21 Real Estate reported Wednesday.
Building boom: Snapshots of GlobalFoundries
On average, there are 1,200 construction workers at GlobalFoundries every day. By mid-fall, that average will jump above 3,000. With $2 million of construction being done every day at GlobalFoundries Inc., there's plenty to capture on a camera.
Groups push PSC to deny acquisition
A coalition of anti-Fortis groups said Thursday that the Canadian company's poor business practices abroad and a raw proposed deal here justify their opposition to Fortis' planned acquisition of CH Energy Group, the parent of Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp.
REOs: Where Are They Now
REOs: Where Are They Now: What?s become of all those properties seized by banks? CoreLogic delved...
Selling a Town on Rentals
Selling a Town on Rentals: DESPITE a dearth of buyers and a glut of renters these days, an effort to...
Good home and consumer confidence reports spur investors
Home values nationally and locally hit their highest level in six years during the first quarter and consumer confidence strengthened this month, factors that combined on Tuesday to propel the Dow to another record high.
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Mass. home sales down; median prices up
The number of single-family home sales in Massachusetts was down in April compared to the same month a year ago, but median prices rose for the seventh consecutive month.
Rams have a rookie lineman who weighs in at a whopping 403 pounds
Try this on for size: The St. Louis Rams this week signed undrafted free agent Terrell Brown, and when they did they were under the impression they added a 6-foot-10, 388-pound behemoth of a man.
CSL (Creative Systems Lighting) Wins Two 2013 Green GOOD DESIGNa Awards
The 5-inch aperture Eco-Downlight LED and Eco-Invizilite are setting new standards of performance in terms of energy efficiency, light quality and optical control, while also offering design solutions for challenging applications.
Boosting Profitability for General Contractors
As profit margins drop past the 2% mark, general contractors are compelled to look for more innovative ways to drive profitability. Recently, I learned of a GC that hired a third party services firm to photo-document its work on a large school project and passed the cost onto the owner with a slight markup. While I see the rationale behind adding value-added services as a way to improve revenue, I find this particular choice questionable.
Construction Photo-documentation firms offer a valuable combination of construction knowledge and photography services to owner/developers who lack the experience and resources to scrutinize the construction of their buildings. Most also offer a deliverable that includes construction photos delivered via the web.
However, does this make sense for a GC? Can these firms offer expertise that the GC doesn?t already have on staff? Do they hold the secrets to construction photography that a GC can?t match with a $500 camera purchase�and a basic photography course at a local community college (or even online)? The answers are obviously no and no.
So, therefore, the missing piece of the puzzle must be the ability to deliver construction photos with a web interface offers more than a link to a Sharepoint folder. If a GC could deliver a comprehensive package of photos to an owner that offered a complete record of as-built construction and critical installation details, now that would be valuable.
And now, the GC can offer just such a deliverable. In my next post I will describe how Geedra enables GC?s to self perform the photo documentation of their projects, and in doing so transforms an overhead cost, into a value-add service that boosts profitability.
Tags: construction, construction photo documentation, construction photography, construction photos, Gafcon, Geedra, general contractors, MultiVista, qualitybuilt, self perform
Asia stocks gain amid modest Nikkei recovery
Investors seeking bargains helped push Japan's benchmark stock index higher Tuesday after a sharp sell-off the day before.
The Walsh Group: Military Barracks Renovation
Autodesk BIM 360 Glue helps The Walsh Group accelerate collaboration among subcontractors.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Homebuilder stocks that are still worthwhile
The housing market is on a tear. On Tuesday, the closely watched S&P/Case-Schiller Home Price index, which measures prices in 20 cities, posted its largest annual gain since April 2006.
Stocks fall; Dow average pulls back from a record
The stock market closed lower Wednesday, led by the same industry groups that had the biggest gains early in the year: rich dividend payers like power utilities and makers of consumer staples.
High Demand in London Continues to Boost UK Home Prices
Home prices in the UK have risen at their highest pace in six years in May as a shortage in supply and certain government schemes boosted property prices, especially in Property analytics firm Hometrack said that average house prices rose 0.4% in England and Wales in the ongoing month, the biggest monthly rise since May 2007.
Why It's Time to Buy
Why It's Time to Buy: Despite all the gloom, there are growing indications that it is a good time to...
Petrofac Ltd Given "Neutral" Rating at BNP Paribas
's stock had its "neutral" rating reaffirmed by BNP Paribas in a research note issued on Monday, Analyst Ratings.Net reports.
Len Dryer Joins Eating Recovery Center as Chief Financial Officer
A healthcare executive with 30 years of experience at one of the nation's premier pediatric medical centers, Dryer is tasked with advancing and overseeing the organization's financial systems and infrastructure to support Eating Recovery Center's current expansion plans as well as its long-term growth strategy.
RecordAccount.com is Poised to Use Social Media to Fight Real Estate Scams
RecordAccount.com is Poised to Use Social Media to Fight Real Estate Scams RecordAccount.com is going to use their social media platforms to educate people about real estate scams, the company announced yesterday."There are more and more scam artists entering the real estate industry," said Karmen Jones, the Customer Service Manager.The company ... (more)
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Poll for Construction Estimators
Our friends over at�Software Advice are conducting a poll about current practices in construction estimation.
You can take the 5-minute poll here.
Tags: Architects, construction, construction estimating, construction manager, construction software
Column: City doing everything it can during construction
Construction continues on East Court Street in Franklin. Local business owners say it is hurting sales.
As Lenders Hold Homes in Foreclosure, Sales Are Hurt
As Lenders Hold Homes in Foreclosure, Sales Are Hurt: The nation?s biggest banks and mortgage...
ETV Releases Video on Veterans Job Training Programs
This Memorial Day, the NECA/IBEW team is extending a helping hand to US Armed Forces Veterans in need of skilled job training and placement.
Miami?s Condo Market Rebounds, Stoking a Building Boom
As home prices recover and demand for safe investments by foreign investors rises, Miami is booming again with 25 condo projects.
Senate to Hear Testimony on Death of Hudson Dog
A June 4 hearing on a new law to protect animals will be a culmination of two years of campaigning for justice for a golden retriever named Phantom who died in an abandoned apartment.
Vardaman's Wilson, Calhoun City's Evans named to state boards
Hamp Smith and Ralph David Ritch say they did not seek positions on the state boards they currently serve on to garner political power or wealth.
Monday, May 27, 2013
Turner Construction engineer Josh Dudek helps build a bridge in...
Josh Dudek of Turner Construction, site cost engineer for the Global Center for Health Innovation, got a lot of insight into the term global on a recent trip to Nicaragua.
True Costs of Waiting to Buy a Home - Part One: Home Prices
Most housing experts have projected that U.S. home prices will appreciate by 5.4% in 2013.
Miami?s Condo Market Rebounds, Stoking a Building Boom
As home prices recover and demand for safe investments by foreign investors rises, Miami is booming again with 25 condo projects.
AU 2013: Last Chance to Submit Class Proposals
Submit class proposals by May 19 The Call for Proposals for AU 2013 closes in 4 days. Don't miss this chance to share your knowledge at Autodesk University 2013. The deadline to submit proposals is May 19.
Strains Visible in Homes Data
Strains Visible in Homes Data: The number of American households behind on mortgage payments hovered...
Pulte to Cut Executives
Pulte to Cut Executives: PulteGroup Inc., the country?s second-largest home builder by annual...
Pulte to Cut Executives
Pulte to Cut Executives: PulteGroup Inc., the country?s second-largest home builder by annual...
Improving economy alters political landscape
Alleged misbehavior by the Internal Revenue Service and other federal agencies gives the GOP something else to talk about and investigate as the economy clearly, if slowly, recovers on President Barack Obama's watch and robs Republicans of a central argument against Democrats.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Obituary for Woody Barbour
After an eight year battle with cancer, his wish to be at home with his wife holding his hand was fulfilled.
Selling a Town on Rentals
Selling a Town on Rentals: DESPITE a dearth of buyers and a glut of renters these days, an effort to...
Freeport Indonesia union says 35-40 pct of workers resume work
Between 35 and 40 percent of workers at Freeport McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc's Indonesian unit returned to work on Saturday to carry out maintenance work after a training tunnel collapse that killed 28 people, a union official said.
Tom Reddin: Why are mortgage rates still so low?
We are now heading toward the end of the spring homebuying season, and mortgage rates remain near record-low levels.
AU 2013: Last Chance to Submit Class Proposals
Submit class proposals by May 19 The Call for Proposals for AU 2013 closes in 4 days. Don't miss this chance to share your knowledge at Autodesk University 2013. The deadline to submit proposals is May 19.
Israel's Peres calls for return to peace talks
Israeli President, Shimon Peres, arrives to give a brief statement at the World Economic Forum, in Southern Shuneh, 34 miles southeast of Amman, Jordan, Sunday, May 26, 2013.
The Lock, Stock, and Barrel Listing
The Lock, Stock, and Barrel Listing: Long common in resort and second-home communities, the practice...
Tractor supply store to open, hire 25 in south Ga.
A tractor supply company is set to build a retail store in Dodge County and expects to add 25 full-time jobs.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Autodesk Revit 2014 - Improved Positioning of Beams and Braces
In this release you can use the Switch Join Order tool on the Modify tab to reverse or unify the order in which elements, such as structural floors and beams, join with each other. First you must select Switch Join...
Santa Fe Railway ceases rides to Lamy
The Santa Fe Southern Railway has laid off its full-time employees and seasonal workers, and the board chairman said earlier this week that he doesn't expect to operate at all this year.
All 28 bodies recovered from Indonesian mine room
Rescuers on Wednesday recovered the last of 28 miners killed last week when an underground room of a giant Indonesian gold and copper mine collapsed, the operator of the U.S.-owned facility said.
Frantic housing market recalls boom times in battered Florida
The open house on a leafy street near South Miami featured a snack wagon with cupcakes and chilled beverages, but the real draw was the newly listed house for sale for $435,000. Over a two-hour stretch on a Sunday afternoon, 44 groups of couples and families streamed through the well-kept 2 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath house on an outsized lot.
Board holds line on taxes, adds staff
West Perry School board has unveiled a preliminary budget for 2013-4 with no tax increase.
Friday, May 24, 2013
Existing Home Sales at Highest Level in Over 3 Years
Sales of existing homes rose 0.6 percent in April to an annual rate of 4.97 million units.
The Walsh Group: Military Barracks Renovation
Autodesk BIM 360 Glue helps The Walsh Group accelerate collaboration among subcontractors.
Making Contractors? Lives Easier
InformedContractors.com Makes Contractors? Lives Easier Using An Obvious Yet Overlooked Method
Oak Harbor, Washington, USA ? Monk and DBug, LLC is set to launch InformedContractors.com, an innovative new website and newsletter focused on making life easier for contractors ? using an as-yet-not-seen method.
This 4th in a series of construction-related websites focuses on providing information that readers specifically request. The related newsletter is the first of its kind ? made to keep up with the contractor rather than slow him down.
Each newsletter:
- � Is designed to be read within 5-10 minutes
- � Has one article (written by an industry expert) answering readers? questions
- � Provides practical solutions for contractors to increase their income while decreasing their hassles
?With today?s smartphones and tablets the contractor doesn?t even have to be in his office to read the newsletter. He can read it on his mobile device wherever he?s at. He can also print it to take with him should he wish. It?s all about what works best for the contractor.? explains Diane Dennis, founder of Monk and DBug, LLC and a battle-scarred ex-contractor herself.
Early on in her contracting career she learned that there was painfully little information available for contractors.
?Now the exact opposite is true. There?s too much information, so much so that it?s impossible for the busy contractor to find time to wade through and find the practical solutions that?ll lessen their hassles and increase their income.? said Diane.
Based on responses from 2000 of her current subscribers she created a free gift ?Thrive in Today?s Contracting World ? An Exclusive Collection Of Articles Written By Industry Experts? consisting of short, quick-to-read articles answering various questions from her respondents.
Said Robin Sauls, Administrative Assistant, Siding Pros Corporation:
?Recently I was privileged to read the newest scoop from Diane ? InformedContractors.com. Here is a compilation of short, concise articles on how to grow your business, pitfalls in obtaining liability insurance or other insurances, articles on liens, etc. Pithy, short (who really has time to read a 10 page article?), these are just what I am looking for to help me with the daily challenges of helping my boss while he is in the field. He expects me to know what is required to satisfy the myriad of laws regulating construction. That is where Diane is stellar.?
Individuals interested in benefiting from the information provided are welcome to visit the website and claim their free gift.
Diane, known as ?Diane at TheContractorsGroup.com? since 1999, has become a top advocate for contractors. In 2011 she formed ?Monk and DBug, LLC?.
She currently resides on Whidbey Island in Washington with her son and daughter. She named the LLC by drawing on her kids? nicknames ? ?Monk? for ?Monkey? (her daughter?s nickname) and ?DBug? for ?DoodleBug? (her son?s nickname).
Fluor to Present at Credit Suisse Engineering & Construction Conference
[Business Wire] - Fluor Corporation?s Chief Financial Officer, Biggs Porter, and Energy & Chemicals Group President, Peter Oosterveer, will give a presentation to investors at the 2013 Credit Suisse Annual Engineering & Construction Conference in New York on Thursday, June 6 at 9:00 a.m.
Dycom Industries, Inc. Announces Fiscal 2013 Third Quarter Results And Provides Guidance For The Next Fiscal Quarter
[PR Newswire] - PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla., May 21, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Dycom Industries, Inc. (NYSE: DY) announced today its results for the third quarter ended April 27, 2013. The Company reported: Contract revenues ...
In Manhattan Real Estate, Wealth and Power Are Relative
My family has to evacuate our home, for the second time in six months, because of a giant condominium tower going up next door.
US Stocks Inch Lower
Stocks tumbled hard in early trading on Thursday, but recovered most of their losses by the closing bell.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Markup and Profit Blog | Construction Programs & Results Inc
Getting good quality leads is a major problem for contractors. I hear complaints from across the country. Gang, work is out there, but you have to work hard to attract it. The days of sitting around and hoping the phone will ring because someone else remembered to say something good about you (i.e?we work by referral) are gone. Accept it, and start tooting your own horn. Read more about Lead Ideas for the Holidays
Council upset at Wharton over $3.5 million for International Paper
Memphis City Council members said Tuesday they were surprised to see a $3.5 million request in Mayor A C Wharton's public works capital improvement budget for upgrades to International Paper's campus and said surprising requests like it were "like a gun to our heads." The budget includes a project that would add a pedestrian overpass and ... (more)
Dycom shares jump 10% after revenue surges
Shares of Dycom Industries were up 9.6 percent in after-hours trading on Tuesday shortly after its announced its fiscal third quarter results, which included revenue of 47.8 percent.
Alteva laying off 20 percent of Warwick workforce
Alteva plans to lay off 20 percent of its approximately 100 union and non-union workers at its headquarters on Main Street this week.
2012 Dirtbag Challenge Biker Build-Off
Chief Dirtbag Poll Brown, who started all this madness back in 2003, poses on "Slo Burn," his 1981 Yamaha XS1100-a completely typical Dirtbag creation.
Tutor Perini to Present at the Credit Suisse Engineering & Construction Conference
[Business Wire] - Tutor Perini Corporation , a leading civil and building construction company, today announced that Mike Kershaw, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer and Jorge Casado, Director of Investor Relations, will give a presentation to investors at the Credit Suisse 2013 Engineering & Construction Conference in New York City on Thursday, June 6, 2013 at 7:40 a.m.
SOFiSTiK Reinforcement Detailing 2014
SOFiSTiK Reinforcement Detailing 2014 significantly accelerates the creation of 2D reinforcement sheets out of 3D models in Autodesk� Revit�. The product consists of software and a set of families, which can easily be modified to meet local or company standards....
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Union wins concessions, endorses Fortis-Central Hudson deal
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 320, previously one of the most entrenched opponents of Fortis' proposed acquisition of CH Energy Group, now supports the deal.
SOFiSTiK Reinforcement Detailing 2014
SOFiSTiK Reinforcement Detailing 2014 significantly accelerates the creation of 2D reinforcement sheets out of 3D models in Autodesk� Revit�. The product consists of software and a set of families, which can easily be modified to meet local or company standards....
Pulte to Cut Executives
Pulte to Cut Executives: PulteGroup Inc., the country?s second-largest home builder by annual...
Autodesk Revit 2014 - Improved Positioning of Beams and Braces
In this release you can use the Switch Join Order tool on the Modify tab to reverse or unify the order in which elements, such as structural floors and beams, join with each other. First you must select Switch Join...
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