Construction Costs Rise

The IHS and Procurement Executives Group just released the IHS PEG Engineering and Construction Cost Index. The index fell to 52.7% in December from 53% in November, putting the month’s total among the lowest for 2014. But don’t let these … Continue reading

Residential Construction Outlook 2015

Happy New Year from HBW! Dave Taylor here wishing you opportunity, industry, and success in the New Year. To get this year started right, let’s take a look at some of the trends that will be driving the U.S. residential … Continue reading

Model Homes Open in Bridgeland, Bring Jobs

As HBW subscribers already know, the number of residential construction jobs in Bridgeland continues to climb. Newly opened model homes in the Hidden Creek neighborhood of the 11,400-acre master planned Bridgeland are expected to attract even more buyers into the … Continue reading

New Florida Building Code Improves Residential Fire Safety

As of January 1, the Florida Building Code will adopt new smoke alarm regulations for residential structures. Beginning in 2015, homeowners must install 10-year, sealed-battery smoke alarms when replacing outdated, malfunctioning alarms or installing new ones. The Kidde Fire Safety … Continue reading

Why We Need Transparency in Green Building Certifications

As sustainability becomes a major selling point for real estate buyers, the prevalence of LEED, the Green Globes, and other certification seals is skyrocketing. Because they issue seals of quality for sustainable architecture, non-governmental organization green building councils (GBCs) hold … Continue reading

Spire Breathes Life into a Dull Corner of Dallas

Steve Brown of the Dallas News reports that a development set to wake up a sleepy corner of Dallas is gaining momentum. Located along the northeast edge of downtown, the 12-acre mixed-use Spire project will bring shopping, dining, residences and … Continue reading

2015 to Bring More Single-Family Construction to Texas Markets.

Trey Garrison of Housingwire.com predicts that Texas will see a shift towards single family construction in 2015. Citing the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas’ most recent edition of Southwest Economy, Garrison says that “apartment construction in Texas will likely moderate, … Continue reading

Municipalities Must Keep Miami-Dade County Historic Preservation Code—For Now

According to the Miami Herald, a committee of the Miami-Dade County Commission tabled a proposal on Wednesday regarding the county’s jurisdiction over historic properties. This controversial proposal would allow municipalities to “opt out” of county jurisdiction for historic preservation. Activists … Continue reading

Glass and Fenestration Affected by Latest Green Standards

The 2014 version of the green building standard was released by the U.S. green Building Council and the Illuminating Engineering Society recently, and according to Nick St. Denis, there are significant changes afoot for windows in green buildings. The latest … Continue reading