Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) predicts a continued steady recovery in commercial construction, with growth in 2016 to equal approximately the same rate as it did in 2015. The non-residential construction market it expected to increase nation-wide by 7.4%, with the lodging and office space segments experiencing the largest growth again this year. Attributing factors to Read more about Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) forecasts 7.4% growth in commercial construction in 2016.[…]

Adoption of new energy efficiency codes have moved the industry toward the construction of super-insulated homes.  In theory this should mean that a super-insulated home should require a smaller air conditioning unit when compared to a home of equivalent size that is not super-insulted.  Right? Well, the answer is – maybe. Industry air conditioning equipment Read more about Super-insulated energy efficient homes may require less a/c tonnage, but what about air flow?[…]

According to the International Code Council (ICC), on June 30th, you will be permitting all your Florida construction under the new 5th addition of the Florida Building Code. Here’s summary of the energy related changes to the code that will likely effect your cost to build: 1. More High-efficacy lighting required: now 75% instead of Read more about How the new Florida Building Energy Codes are going to effect you $$[…]

Based on price indices release by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, prices on commercial construction materials expanded by 0.4% last month, but when compared to the first quarter of last year, construction material prices have fallen 3.9% on average. According to the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), the break down of where prices on various Read more about The cost to build in 2015[…]

It’s amazing what apps are available now with smart phones.  One of best ones recently available for those of us in the construction industry, is the thermal imaging app (or infrared camera app) now available for Android & iOS phones.  The app works with a plug-in device.  By the way, it’s not free, but I think Read more about Taking the guess work out of the home renovation $$[…]

ABC predicts that segments experiencing the largest growth in commercial construction spending in 2015 will include lodging and office space.  The forecast for nonresidential construction spending is expected to expand by roughly 7.5 percent next year. Additionally, while material price inflation has been suppressed, it may accelerate in 2015. Last year, prices were suppressed due to a Read more about Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) forecasts 7.5% growth in commercial construction.[…]

There’s money to be saved with selecting your high performance windows without significantly impacting energy performance. With regards to energy, window design in Florida means keeping solar heat gain out  High performance windows achieve this by  applying a low emissivity coating (low-E) to the inner glass pane of  a double pane system to reflect the Read more about Construction Savings & High Performance Windows[…]

I want to put some money back into the pockets of some of my builder and homeowner clients, so I wrote this post.  If I can communicate back to my clients what is actually required for Energy Compliance (Energy Forms), then maybe someone out there will benefit from it. If the feedback is positive, my Read more about Which Wall insulation type and how much?[…]