Wednesday, March 22, 2017

The Top 17 Construction News Sites and Blogs:



Those who think the construction industry is stagnant haven’t been watching very closely. The industry is filled with drama—from 3D printing changing the way China builds houses to the battle for the best construction management software, construction as a whole is an exciting industry to be in.
With so many changes coming to the industry so quickly, it’s important for everyone involved in the construction industry to stay up on the latest trends.
Luckily, there are a surprising number of resources dedicated to keeping you informed.
construct news sites header copy
These are the best.

AEC Business

Run by one-man army Aarni Heiskanen, this blog is a great resource for construction business owners looking to up their game with strategic insights. Filled with useful how-tos and a simple writing style, this blog is a must-read for construction managers wanting to stay “in the know.”

Best Practices Construction Law

Want to stay on top of the latest construction litigation? Enter Matthew Devries, an attorney for Burr & Forman, who comments on the latest news and trends on risk assessment, risk prevention, construction management, and construction best practices.

Building.co.uk

Building is an award-winning construction magazine that can trace its roots back to 1843. It offers construction news and analysis, and also focuses on sustainability and safety best practices.

Building Design + Construction

BD+C has long-been a staple in the construction news world. Offering the latest news for everyone in the construction business—from BIM engineers to foremen—no individual in construction can afford to forgo this resource.

Builder

Not to be confused with BuildingBuilder is Hanley Wood’s publication for residential construction. Subscribe to this magazine for the latest insights on design, process, and running your own business.

Capterra Construction Management Blog

We couldn’t resist including our own blog on this list. Looking for the latest trends in construction technology? Capterra’s blog makes business software recommendations and explains how innovations are changing the industry.

Commercial Construction & Renovation

While Commercial could function as a basic construction news site, its real strength comes from its job board. Subcontractors and contractors can use its list to bid on projects, all online.

Construction Data Company

As its name suggests, CDC News’s blog is all about construction data. Breaking down the latest research so that the layman can understand what’s happening in the industry, CDC’s blog is great for anyone in construction looking to garner understanding of the latest trends shaping the United States’ commercial construction industry.

Construction Dive

Construction Dive is like the Wall Street Journal of the construction industry. They keep track of industry stock prices and job trends, and publish commentary on where they see the future of the construction industry going. They also provide articles on current events with in-depth analysis.

Construction Enquirer

Construction Enquirer was founded by two British journalists hoping to provide quality editorials to the free construction news space. They have not missed the mark on their goal. Updated regularly and with quality prose, Construction Enquireris one of the UK’s best magazines, period.

Construction Executive

Construction Executive is a magazine specifically for individuals in the higher rungs of construction management. They offer insights into the industry’s latest technology and trends, while also offering helpful tips for budgeting and building. The magazine also carefully tracks legislative issues relating to the construction business.

Construction Marketing Association Blog

The construction marketing business offers unfortunately few resources that are specific to its vertical… which is why the Construction Marketing Association began in 2009. Their blog covers best practices for construction marketing experts looking to make a bigger impact in their industry.

Construction News

Construction News is another UK-based magazine. With an emphasis on market intelligence, forecasting, and trend analysis, this resource is great for companies looking to figure out how to stay ahead of the curve.

Construction Week Online

Offering tailored construction news by region and by specialty (including facilities management and mechanical-electrical), Construction Week Online offers construction news and analysis for businesses in the Middle East. The readership of this magazine can use its resources to look up competitors, filter through events, and look for major projects within the region.

Contract

More into commercial interior design and architecture? Contract features standout projects, products, and practices for people designing for hospitals, offices, schools, and more.

Engineering News-Record

ENR is a stand-by construction magazine that has been around since 1874. Always offering the latest construction industry data, analysis, news and commentary, it’s a must for all construction professionals—from contractors to suppliers to regulators.

Equipment World

Are you a supplier to the construction industry? Want to stay up on the latest equipment trends? Check out Equipment World, the industry gold standard publication on heavy equipment news.

Hard Hat Chat

Run through Englewood Construction Management, the Hard Hat Chat blog is an excellent resource for those interested in commercial construction, development, and management. While updated less-frequently than one would like, these blog posts offer original intuitions about niche construction sectors—like new restaurant building—that will, at the very least, make you think.

The Jobsite

The Jobsite is run by Procore, a leader in construction management software. They emphasize how technology can help businesses become more efficient, while also offering advice on how to best brand and market your construction company.

ScienceDaily: Construction

Interested in how the physical world is affecting the construction industry? ScienceDaily’s construction section is regularly updated to reflect the latest insights on how to leverage research to make your firm work smarter.

More?

There were lots of blogs and magazines that didn’t make it onto this list—what else should I have included? Where do you get your construction news? Leave your suggestions in the comments below!

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

MOVING YOUR “FURRY FRIENDS” REQUIRES PLANNING Tips for moving with pets:



Relocating can be especially stressful for your pets. They are likely to be confused by the commotion of the move process and a bit apprehensive in new surroundings.
Dog in front of houseYou can help smooth their transition with a little pre-planning and some useful tricks from the experienced pet owners at Mayflower.
Stick to a Familiar RoutineYour regular routines are likely going to be disrupted as you plan for and execute a relocation. But it’s important to minimize the disruption in the routine of your pet as much as possible to avoid problems down the road. Try to stick with the pet’s regular schedule of feeding, exercise and playtime.
Keep them OccupiedIf you’re selling a home, there are going to be lots of strangers around in the coming months – realtors, potential buyers, inspectors. Make plans to keep your pet occupied during these times. Perhaps your pet should be confined to a familiar crate so that he/she feels safe when there are newcomers in the house. Or, a particularly sensitive animal might do better staying with a neighbor or boarding at a kennel during these times.
Check Local and State RegulationsMost states have laws pertaining to the entry of pets, and many municipalities enforce specific pet regulations. Contact the state veterinarian in the capitol of your new home state to learn about the laws, and get in touch with the city clerk or town hall in your new city to learn about license fees, leash laws, fences, and other pet restrictions.
Keep Shots up to DateAt the beginning of your moving process, before things get really busy, make an appointment with your vet to get all of your pet’s inoculations up to date. Many states require a health certificate for pets and verification that the animal is disease free. And if you plan to board your pet at any time, or will be transporting the animal in an airplane, you’ll need this paperwork, as well.
Double Check IDs and Tracking
Now is the time to make sure your pet has proper identification with your name and emergency contact information. In addition to the animal’s permanent ID and rabies tag, make a temporary ID tag with your cell phone number and the number of a friend or relative who would be easy to reach while you’re traveling to your new home. This might also be the time to consider chip identification for your pet, since you’ll soon be living in unfamiliar surroundings.
Airline transportationIf you’re moving your pet by airplane, contact the airlines for rules and regulations, transportation charges and container/carrier requirements. Make your reservations well in advance because pet approval is granted on a first-come, first-served basis. And feed your pet no less than five or six hours before flight time. Give him/her water about two hours before take-off.
Make a Kit for Comfortable TravelIf you’re moving your pet by car, start making a list of items you’ll need for a “pet travel kit,” including a carrier, collapsible dishes, favorite toys, water, food and treats. If your pet isn’t used to car travel, start practicing with short trips around the neighborhood. If necessary, ask your vet about tranquilizers to relax the animal. And when traveling with a pet, it’s a good idea to have a “clean-up kit” in the car for motion sickness situations. Don’t forget to take a few exercise, water and bathroom breaks, and remember, you won’t be able to stop for leisurely meals if you have an animal in the car.
Dogs will want to ExploreAfter moving into a new house, immediately walk your dog around the neighborhood so that he/she becomes familiar with the new area. Establish boundaries in the yard for your dog to roam, and help him/her become accustomed to the new environment by maintaining a regular feeding and walking schedule.
Expose Cats SlowlyTry not to expose your cat to your new living arrangements all at once. It’s a good idea to limit the number of rooms the cat is allowed in and gradually let him/her explore. Surround the cat with familiar items during the move to reduce emotional stress, and once you’re in your new home, don’t let your cat outside until he/she is familiar with the new living environment to reduce the risk of running away.
Create a Familiar Pet SpaceBecause you’re in a “new” home, often with new décor and furniture, you may be tempted to replace your pet’s old favorites, too. But it’s better to use your pet’s familiar food and water dishes, bed, blanket and toys to make him/her feel “at home.” Try to keep things in the same locations as they were in your previous residence, as well.