Oct 1, 2024 4 min read Archive

Introducing The Level

A weekly newsletter built for construction leaders.

Welcome to the inaugural edition of The Level, a newsletter built for construction leaders. I'm the editor, Katie Parsons, and each week my team and I curate the latest news, trends and insightful analysis from the construction industry, breaking everything down in an easy, 5-minute read. We spend time combing through dozens of trusted sources so that you don't have to.

If you enjoy this newsletter, please share it with a friend or co-worker, and if someone else sent it to you, feel free to sign up sign up here. Interested in advertising with us or have an idea? I'd love to hear from you.

Here's a peek at what's in today's issue:

// The rise of robots on the (construction) job
// Construction leaders talk about upcoming elections
// A Q4 tax checklist for construction companies
// Preventing suicide on construction teams

Survey: Construction companies increasingly use robotics

BuiltWorlds released its 2024 Tools, Equipment, and Robotics Benchmarking Report, which finds that robotics are seeing increased use on construction projects.

“This year, we saw the highest levels of adoption in monitoring robotics and service/labor robotics, two of the four main categories we've identified in construction robotics," wrote research analyst Audrey Lynch, who authored the report.

Nearly two-thirds of contractors who cited use of robotics on job sites said they employ monitoring and/or service and labor robotics. Thirty-five percent said they use autonomous heavy equipment, and just 6 percent said they use prefabrication robotics.

Why It Matters: Robots can be used to perform dangerous tasks, such as working at heights or with hazardous materials. They can also be used to automate repetitive tasks, which can free up human workers to focus on more complex tasks. Additionally, robots can help to improve the quality of construction work by ensuring consistency and accuracy. (BDC Network)

>> Overall construction input prices see YoY decrease

>> Fossils dating back 9M years unearthed at construction site

>> Noxious "blob" exposed in NYC construction project

>> Site safety: Safeguarding your workforce from suicide

>> How to navigate marijuana laws as a construction manager

Construction to start on ADA-compliant Fla. beach ramps

It's been over two years since accessibility ramps were safe enough for use on public beaches in Volusia County, Fla. after hurricanes Ian and Nicole caused damage. The Volusia County Council this week approved $1 million to rebuild the ramps and will now take bids for the project that is expected to be completed in August 2025.

Why It Matters: Though the beach ramps are intended to meet Americans with Disabilities Act rules, others use the convenience of the ramps, too - including families with their hands full and people with other minor mobility issues. (WESH 2 News)

SBA Disaster Relief: Explore SBA's low-interest disaster loans to help businesses and homeowners recover from declared disasters.
NIOSH's standard for occupational heat stress: Find out the NIOSH recommendations for employers about how to prevent heat-related illnesses.
Union Labor Audit Tool: Safeguard your business and be audit ready by implementing a system for data retention and internal
Bigger, Better Data Silos: How to Reduce Cost and Increase the Value of Data: Join the Oct. 10 webinar from the Construction Management Association of America to hear how new technology will enable further data silo improvements.
Construction Genius Strategic Planning Template: Download this free strategic planning template now and get the framework you need to map out a clear path to success.

Tax Tips: Your Q4 tax checklist

The time to prepare for tax year-end is now! Use this quick checklist of fourth-quarter activities from Apparatus Contractor Services, LLC, to avoid surprises at tax time:

Determine profit and loss
Verify contractor and employee records
Ask your CPA to estimate your tax liability and maximize deductions
Identify significant expenditures for Q4 that provide tax benefits
Get current on past-due accounts
Plan year-end bonuses

Why It Matters: The more you can prepare now, the less you'll need to do when tax crunch time arrives. (Apparatus Team)

Construction leaders talk about a close call in elections

The outcomes of the U.S. elections on Nov. 5 will be tight in many races, leading those in the construction industry to wonder what it will mean for legislation. For example, the surface transportation reauthorization bill is set to expire Sept. 30, 2026 and will need lawmaker approval to move forward.

“Welcome to 50-50 America ... the only things that I’m super-confident about are that there’s going to be an election on Nov. 5 and that no party is going to have the 60-vote majority in the Senate,” said Dave Bauer, president and CEO of the American Road & Transportation Builders Association. (Engineering News-Record)