Several cement mason apprentices receiving on-the-job training while pouring and finishing concrete.

It’s no secret that the nature of employment opportunities is constantly evolving. Although no one knows precisely what the American job landscape will look like ten years from now, one thing is certain–skilled construction trades will continue to offer high quality careers.

The demand and search for skilled labor is a constant concern for construction contractors. Many young adults graduate high school believing their only respectable option is to enroll in college and pursue a 4-year degree. This has led to a relative shortage of qualified individuals to fill the needs of contractors.

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Framework of commercial facility under construction by local commercial contractors.

If you’re just starting to price your next commercial construction project, you may notice that national contractors sometimes appear to be cheaper than local construction companies. That’s typically because national companies can leverage their size to get better rates on materials, equipment and (sometimes) labor. 

However, there’s a lot more to completing a construction project than just economies of scale. Local general contractors bring expertise that can help your next project run smoothly, avoiding problems and delays that lead to major cost overruns. 

Let’s take a look at the top 8 advantages of working with a local business when completing your next commercial project Read more

Stevens Masonry

Stevens Masonry team members (left to right): Jakob Seman, John Decampli, Brian Forrester, Jeananne Stevens, Dylan Stevens, Edwin Stevens

Construction trades run deep in the Stevens family tree. In 1938 George W. Stevens founded George W. Stevens Construction, which operated primarily as a general contracting and masonry company. His sons, George C. Stevens and Edwin C. Stevens, assisted in running and expanding the business. George C. Stevens founded George C. Stevens Construction Company. Edwin C. Stevens helped both his father and brother grow their businesses and Edwin also founded Ed Stevens American Olean Tile Sales and Installation Company. Read more

Construction workers on new roof in progress for design-build project.

Are you taking the optimal approach to your commercial construction project? If you’re not familiar with the various delivery methods contractors utilize for construction services, you may think it’s all handled the same way—hire an architectural firm to design the project, then have contractors bid on the design. This traditional process is known as “Design-Bid-Build,” and it can be a source of frustration from overruns and delays.

But, some of that risk can be avoided with Construction Management at Risk (CMAR), which adds overrun protection and brings in the lead contractor during the design process. 

However, more and more companies are turning to the design-build method for their projects. The design-build process, which combines design and construction across the entire project, is now used in over 40% of commercial construction projects in the U.S. So, what advantages does this delivery method have, and why should you consider it for your next project? Let’s take a look!

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Common Types of Construction Projects

It’s obvious that a commercial building’s construction process is different from residential construction for a homeowner. However, the requirements for commercial and industrial construction projects vary widely depending on the type of building being built and the intended purpose of the facility.

Commercial building projects can be broken down into several categories, each with its own unique requirements. Identifying where your project fits into these groups will ultimately help you locate a commercial construction company that specializes in the type of work you need. Keep reading to learn more about the features and requirements found in some of the most common commercial properties. Read more

Diamond Steel Equipment

With a rich history stretching back nearly a century, few companies in the Mahoning Valley can claim to have been involved in as many of the region’s structures as Diamond Steel Construction.

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Exterior view of the new headquarters of the Builders Association of Eastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania.

In 2018, after operating from their former headquarters for nearly 50 years, The Builders Association of Eastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania knew it was time to make a decision about the future of the facility. It had already undergone several renovations over the decades, and the organization needed to modernize.

After considering the idea of selling the existing property and purchasing a new building, the conversation turned to the option of tapping into the expertise of the organization’s membership to construct a new building. Read more

Trade Release

U.S. Department of Labor Reminds Specific Employers to Submit Required 2020 Injury and Illness Data by March 2, 2021
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excavator & hard hats

Visit the DeSalvo Construction Company website, and you’ll notice their tagline prominently displayed; “The Experience To Face Any Project Head-On.” No statement could be more true when describing the company’s extensive construction background and stellar reputation. Read more

Commercial contractors handling materials for commercial project on roof.

Whether you’re starting a new business, need to move to a larger warehouse, or just need to remodel your current office building, you’ll be in need of a commercial general contractor. This contractor manages your construction project: buying materials, hiring professionals, and covering liability issues. Pick the wrong contractor, and you can end up with shoddy work, completion delays, and even lawsuits. 

So, how do you find the right general contractor for your project? Read more