Category: construction

Soaring Lumber Prices Driving Up Construction Costs May Have Peaked

OTTAWA—While lumber prices nearly doubled earlier this year compared to what they were at the start of the pandemic, driving up the cost of new homes and renovations, the peak may have passed. After reaching around $1,600 per thousand board feet, the standard industry measurement, lumber prices have dropped by about $400, says Joel Neuheimer,…


Business Is Booming for Southeast Contractors Despite Rising Cost of Construction Materials

The shortages and rising price of fuel due to the ransomware attack that temporarily halted all of the Colonial Pipeline networks were devastating to many businesses in the American Southeast. But despite the rising costs of construction materials, business is booming for Southeastern contractors. According to Stephen Smith, owner of Geneva Construction in Orlando, Florida, the…


Home Building Surges, Leading Economic Recovery

Residential construction work has resurged on the back of low-interest rates and government incentives, leading the economic recovery and setting a solid foundation for upcoming economic figures. The Australian Bureau of Statistics revealed in preliminary data that the total value of residential construction work rose by 5.1 percent in the March quarter— the equivalent of…


Landmark Newport Beach Restaurant to Reopen in July

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.—One of Newport Beach’s oldest seafood restaurants is set to reopen in July after almost three years of construction to rebuild the iconic red building. Crab Cooker is known for its casual atmosphere, serving up premium seafood and homemade specialties such as smoked fish and its famous clam chowders served on disposable plates….


Orange County’s Poorly Maintained Bridges Could Finally Be Repaired

Commentary Several Southern California bridges in desperate need of repair could finally be getting the attention they need. President Joe Biden’s administration recently began releasing details of its $3 trillion “infrastructure” plan, including a proposal to spend part of the money fixing “the ten most economically-significant bridges in the country in need of reconstruction. It…


Luxury Living Complex for Seniors Breaks Ground in Mission Viejo 

Construction of a 132-unit, nearly four-acre luxury housing community for seniors is underway in Mission Viejo. Scheduled to open in early 2023, the MorningStar of Mission Viejo will offer housing units for independent living, assisted living, and memory care residents. Located at the former Avery Plaza business center at the intersection of Marguerite and Avery parkways in Mission Viejo, the…


Quebec Threatens Construction, Manufacturing Sectors With More COVID Restrictions

MONTREAL—Quebec’s labour minister is threatening to impose more restrictions on the province’s construction and manufacturing sectors for allegedly flouting health orders. Jean Boulet said today in a statement that he’s received many reports of non-compliance connected to the two sectors since the government imposed new restrictions Jan. 9. The new measures—in effect until at least…


New Mission Viejo Bridge Aims to Make Commuting Easier

The Oso Parkway Bridge is officially open, officials said Jan. 13 while touting the project as one that will improve traffic flow and boost safety. The new bridge provides motorists a direct connection between Los Patronas Parkway and the State Route 241 toll road by driving under it, rather than having to stop at a…