A confidential mediated settlement in a recent construction-defect lawsuit in California once again highlights some of the biggest problem areas for builders, including faulty installation of flashing around doors and windows.
Read more at DWM
Crystal Window & Door Systems is facing $74,826 in proposed fines from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for nine safety violations at its facility in Dalton, Pa. Eight of those violations are listed as serious.
Read more at DWM
A group representing the U.S. lumber industry and some of its workers on Friday called on authorities to impose duties on Canadian softwood lumber, reigniting a long-standing trade dispute between the two nations.
Read more at Reuters.
Interest rates for mortgages spiked to more than 4 percent — rising faster in the days since the election than they have in more than three years, when fretting over their persistently low levels has consumed economists, policymakers and investors alike.
Read more at The Baltimore Sun
The near-term question is how to get growth if part of housing’s current workforce goes away.
Read more at BUILDER
Home prices increased in September, but so did home affordability as borrowers continue to hold more buying power than anytime in the past quarter century, according to the First American Real House Price Index.
Read more at HOUSINGWIRE
OSHA has released a compliance guide meant to help small construction firms comply with the agency’s final rule on exposure to crystalline silica in the workplace. Released on November 10, the guide includes resources for small business highlighted and specified exposure control methods, respiratory protection, housekeeping and a written exposure control plan.
Read more at REMODELING
The number of single-family homes built-for-rent posted gains over the last year. However, the built-for-rent market is a small portion of the total single-family development, so care must be taken when identifying trends.
Read more at NAHB Eye On Housing
Construction Dive reports that a federal judge in Texas has denied a motion for an injunction that was filed by construction and manufacturing groups against the “anti-retaliation” provision of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) new electronic recordkeeping rule. This provision, effective as of December 1st, prevents employers from automatically drug testing workers after an accident unless drugs are suspected to have been a contributor. OSHA has stated that this provision will encourage workers to report injuries and illnesses without fear of reprisal. The industry groups that filed the motion for the injunction (the plaintiffs) believe the rule will prevent employers from effectively carrying out routine drug tests and other safety programs. But according to the judge, the plaintiffs did not show how the provision would cause “irreparable harm” and so the motion was denied.
Read More at Construction Dive >
World Millwork Alliance (WMA) 54 TH Annual Convention & Tradeshow will hold its’ premier event at the Memphis Cook Convention Center from September 11-15, 2018. WMA will offer Veterans and Students complimentary access to the exhibit hall during Millwork Career Day on Friday, September 14, 2018 during the show hours of 10:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
WMA welcomes Veterans and Students to explore a career in the millwork industry. Learn from worldwide millwork professionals while viewing the finest millwork products. Meet with industry distributors and manufacturers about the opportunities in a millwork career.
Pre-registration for a name badge is available by completing a WMA Registration Form. Any local Student or Veteran who has pre-registered will pick up their complimentary “Expo – One Day Pass” with a valid student ID or Veteran ID at the WMA registration desk in the Memphis Cook Convention Center.
Veterans must show a Veteran’s Administration (VA) identification card to receive an “Expo-One Day Pass” and to gain entrance into the exhibit hall on Friday, September 14, 2018.
Students must show a valid Student photo I.D. card to receive an “Expo-One Day Pass” and to gain entrance into the exhibit hall on Friday, September 14, 2018.
Pre-registration is open until August 13, 2018; thereafter, registration is onsite at the WMA registration desk in the Memphis Cook Convention Center.
