Construction Trend Data
Construction activity rose sharply in October, up 12% from September. Total construction starts for the first 10 months of 2011 came to $355.6 billion, down 3% from the same period a year ago. From September to October, nonresidential construction jumped 36%, while residential building grew 2%, and nonbuilding construction remained flat. more »

Smart Growth Development Set to Take Off
The desire for greater convenience and lower energy costs, combined with shifting cultural preferences, is leading to a steady climb in the demand for housing in more compact, mixed-use “smart growth” developments. Increasingly, buyers are looking not just at the size and quality of a home, but also at the amenities of the surrounding community, including sidewalks and green space, easy access to public transit, and proximity to shops and other businesses. more »

Congress Repeals 3% Withholding on Government Contractors
After an extended campaign by construction industry groups urging Congress to scrap a provision that would have imposed a withholding requirement on government contractors, President Obama signed into law on November 21, 2011, the 3% Withholding Repeal and Job Creation Act, which eliminates the controversial 3% withholding requirement for government contractors. The bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support. more »

Making the Switch to Energy-Efficient Lighting Systems
As Federal standards for light bulbs change, many homeowners may be considering moving from incandescent to halogen, fluorescent, and LED lamps, while still enjoying an attractive indoor/outdoor lighting environment. With the range of products now available, designing a lighting system that will meet energy efficiency standards and lower utility costs is possible. more »

Structure - Fall 2011 »

To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the IRS, please note, any advice contained in this publication was not intended, or written, to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any transaction or matter addressed herein. This publication is distributed with the understanding that the publisher and distributor are not providing legal, accounting or other professional advice and assume no liability whatsoever in conjunction with the information contained within this publication.