Construction Trend Data
Total construction starts for the first three months of 2011 came to $88.0 billion, down 10% from the same period of 2010. Between February and March, nonbuilding construction declined 19% and residential building slipped 3%, while nonresidential building rose 25%. more

Verifying the Immigration Status of Workers
In response to growing concerns about undocumented aliens working for U.S. companies, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been stepping up its efforts to deport foreign nationals who are working in the country illegally, and to identify and sanction companies that violate immigration laws by employing unauthorized workers. Industries that hire large numbers of recent arrivals to the United States are increasingly being scrutinized by immigration authorities. Therefore, construction companies need to develop a compliance strategy to ensure that all employees and contractors have proper legal status. more

Residential Market for Solar Power Systems Heats Up
The market for solar power is expanding rapidly due to a combination of Federal and local incentives, new technologies, and a growing interest among Americans for cleaner, more sustainable energy sources. And, as the demand for harnessing the sun’s energy grows, the opportunities for homebuilders to offer solar power systems to residential customers are also becoming more attractive. more

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