Industry News Archives - Residential Contractor

Good News for Women in Construction: Employment Rising

Good News for Women in Construction: Employment Rising The number of women employed in the construction industry grew substantially in 2019 rising to around 1.2 million, surpassing the peak of pre-recession employment level… Read More Eye On Housing http://eyeonhousing.org/2020/09/good-news-for-women-in-construction-employment-rising/

Mortgage rate forecast for September

Mortgage rate forecast for September Experts say that the month of September will see historically low and affordable rates for borrowers… Read More Bankrates.com https://www.bankrate.com/mortgages/rate-forecast-for-september-2020/

8/28: MetroIntelligence Economic Update by P. DUFFY

MetroIntelligence Economic Update by P. DUFFY Initial unemployment claims dip 8.9 percent to just over 1 million In the week ending August 22, initial claims were 1,006,000, a decrease of 98,000 from the previous week’s revised level. Continued claims during the week ending August 15 was 14,535,000, a decrease of 223,000 from the previous week’s revised level. The total number of people claiming benefits in all programs for the week ending August 8 was 27,017,232, a decrease of 1,042,323 from the previous week. https://www.dol.gov/ui/data.pdf Pending home sales up 5.9 percent in July…

Affordable Housing Help is on the Way for WA Families, Seniors

Affordable Housing Help is on the Way for WA Families, Seniors Through a partnership with Vintage Housing Holdings, Kennedy Wilson is in plans to create affordable multifamily units for families and seniors… Read More GlobeSt.com https://www.globest.com/2020/08/26/affordable-housing-help-is-on-the-way-for-wa-families-seniors/

Groups working to lower housing costs through clean energy

Groups working to lower housing costs through clean energy The Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP) and Community Climate Collaborative (C3) are launching a pilot to see how changing heating systems from fuel oil, propane or natural to electric can lower household costs while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions… Read More CBS 19 https://www.cbs19news.com/story/42529421/groups-working-to-lower-housing-costs-through-clean-energy

A former Apple designer created a custom $600,000 complex of small homes

A former Apple designer created a custom $600,000 complex of small homes In Sonoma, California, BJ Siegel, a former Apple Design Director, collaborated with Alchemy Architects in designing a customized version of weeHouse design, which is designed similarly to a tiny home… Read More Business Insider https://www.businessinsider.com/former-apple-designer-bj-siegel-tiny-home-design-alchemy-architects-2020-8

Home Telecommuting: Stop Intrusive Noise!

Whether telecommuting or pursuing education online, increasing numbers of Americans are working from home – even before “stay home” orders were issued to slow the spread of COVID-19. So, it is more important than ever to keep out disruptive, external noise like screeching traffic, blaring vehicle horns, roaring leaf blowers, and barking dogs. This can foster a more productive work environment during the day and a more peaceful one at night when it is time to relax and sleep. As the nation increasingly works from home, we discuss how residential…

Arizona contractors adjust to coronavirus pandemic

Despite the pandemic, contractors are keeping their doors open for business By Max Lancaster The COVID-19 pandemic has halted the national economy. Every industry has been hurt by the novel coronavirus and residential contractors are no exception as states implement social distancing measures to stop the spread. However, some contractors in Arizona are keeping the doors open with a pragmatic approach to finding clients and a small but consistent demand for their services. Home developer Wayne Funk, owner of Bellago Homes in Mesa, Ariz., said his company saw minimal losses…

Low-income apartment complex breaking ground near downtown…

While the San Antonio Housing Authority regularly builds low- and mixed-income apartments… Read More San Antonio Business Journal https://www.bizjournals.com/sanantonio/news/2020/04/06/low-income-apartment-complex-breaking-ground-near.html

NAHB Recognizes Leaders in Residential Construction Safety

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 21–The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has named the recipients of the 14th annual NAHB/Builders Mutual Insurance Company Safety Award for Excellence (SAFE) for their commitment to strong safety programs. The winners were honored today during the NAHB International Builders’ Show at an awards presentation held in the IBS Jobsite Safety Zone. This year’s SAFE program honors the following individuals and companies that have worked to achieve exemplary safety and health programs in the residential construction industry. The 2019 SAFE Award winners are: NAHB Safety Champion…