Executive orders and construction
Will executive orders make hiring and retention harder? What can you do to keep pollen season from impacting productivity? And why should you be on alert if you're a federal contractor? This week's edition of The Level offers crucial information on these topics and delivers insight on design trends from an interiors expert. But first: Read about the role of chemistry in construction.
'I can't see this ever becoming a classic. '
Did you know April is National Decorating Month? In recognition of this observance, we asked Andrea Enns, designer and selections coordinator for BOLD Construction, what she’s seeing in the marketplace. A seasoned professional with more than 25 years in design, contracting and construction, she's always watching for emerging trends and paying close attention to client preferences.
What are home buyers focused on right now?
I’m seeing a greater focus on the most hard-working and yet previously neglected spaces of the home, such as the laundry room, the mudroom and the pantry. They represent a chance to be daring with colors and patterns that you might find too overwhelming to choose for larger areas. These three spaces are now outfitted with custom cabinetry tailored and dedicated to organization, space-saving and modern convenience—often painted in deep tones that add character, individuality and warmth. We’re also seeing tiled backsplashes or fully tiled walls, paneling and sconce lighting in these spaces, and a continuance of pet feeding and maintenance areas.
Any surprising trends?
The resurgence of beige. Now we love it! What used to be Grandma's color is back in full force and today's designs have given it a fresh spin. Design-conscious homeowners are embracing it.
What’s one trend that’s waning?
The 3-inch mitered edge countertop is a trend that I believe will be short-lived. It doesn't help with functionality, it can look awkward and too heavy in many spaces, and it adds a fair amount of extra expense and a lot of headaches in a large kitchen. The height of everything in the entire room must be reset to accommodate it. That doesn't seem like a good idea for long-term use. I can't see this ever becoming a classic.
>> Get ready for work. TradesFutures (@tradesfuturesus on Instagram) showcases opportunities and insights on Apprenticeship Readiness Programs that assist women, veterans and people of color in creating and maintaining careers in construction.
>> Let's talk. The latest Women Talk Construction podcast dives into HR issues with Amber Little, chief human resources officer at Nations Best.
>> Chill out. Join licensed heating, air conditioning and refrigeration technician Rick Dirmeyer (HVACR Survival on YouTube) on his daily rounds to repair broken equipment and make right what other contractors got wrong.
>> Build it better. Register for the New Buildings Institute's Getting to Zero Forum to learn more about zero-emissions construction. (Apr. 22-24, Los Angeles)
>> Just for fun. Take a look at the remnants of a huge Viking building unearthed on a farm in Northwest England, providing hints into medieval Anglo-Scandinavian construction practices, among other things.
Executive orders threaten workforce expansion
Actions taken by the new administration may end up hurting the industry’s ability to address the labor shortage. The president issued two executive orders labeling diversity, equity and inclusion policies as "immoral and illegal" and reclaimed funding for initiatives designed to bring more people into construction jobs. He also rescinded a 1965 executive order that prohibited federal contractors from discriminating in hiring practices and required them to ensure the recruitment and hiring of women and people of color.
A 2023 report from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission revealed that discrimination is still widespread across the industry, citing several instances of employers not hiring people because of their gender or race. (We’d link to the report, but it’s been removed as part of the administration’s wiping of certain language and ideas from federal websites and databases.)
Why it matters: The systematic roll-back of incentives and non-discrimination requirements can have a chilling effect. The lack of protections could encourage behaviors and create working conditions that make it more difficult to attract women and other under-represented people to the field—and prompt more workers in these groups to leave it. (The 19th)
>> Revving Recovery: ULI, UCLA and USC create a plan to rebuild LA
>> Gutting Grants: Construction materials emissions research ends
>> Building Boom: Omaha declared nation's hottest housing market
>> Zeroing in on Zoning: N.H. lawmakers seek to ease local control
Reducing the impact of seasonal allergies on your projects
If you think spring pollen is getting worse, you’re not wrong!
This longer and more intense period is especially challenging for your outdoor crews.
- Rising air temperatures extend the pollen season by several weeks.
- Stronger storms and increased winds disperse pollen over longer distances, bringing new irritants to your area.
- Migrating trees from other areas move in to escape increasing heat and bring new allergens and irritants with them.
Here are four things you can do to reduce pollen-related slow downs and absences:
- Keep over-the-counter antihistamines, nasal sprays and other allergy medications in your site first-aid kit and break room.
- Check weather apps for high-pollen days and encourage workers to wear masks and do saline rinses during breaks.
- Provide more water breaks to hydrate the respiratory system and thin mucus.
- Remind crew members to shower and change clothes after work to reduce irritants and remove pollen from skin and hair.
Why it matters: As human-caused climate change makes allergy season longer and more intense, more crew members struggle with allergies and irritations—which reduces productivity and increases days out of work. Intervention and support ease the impact and keep projects on track. (NBC 10 Philadelphia)
OFCCP may take aim at federal contractors' past plans
The new director of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, Catherine Eschbach, told staff last week that she plans to scrutinize federal contractors’ Affirmative Action Plans and data files from previous presidential terms to assess whether firms should be fully investigated or penalized.
Why it matters: It’s unclear what agency staff will be searching for, so ask your employment attorney to help you stay on top of developments that may apply to you. If you don’t have counsel, contact your local trade association for advice. (National Law Review)
- Simplify payroll. Manage the variables that make construction payroll complicated and get advice for avoiding common mistakes in this free Construction Executive webinar. (Apr. 17)
- Fortify schools. Tune into this National Glass Association webinar to explore the latest window systems designed to improve school security. (Apr. 17)
- Re-use it! Learn the ins and outs of successful adaptive re-use in this on-demand online learning opportunity from NAIOP.
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The Level is written by Margot Lester and edited by Katie Parsons.
