Home | Contractor contractormag.com/ CONTRACTOR provides news, insights, and how-to content to professionals responsible for plumbing, heating, specialty piping and fire protection systems. EN Construction Input Prices Increase 1.4% in February https://www.contractormag.com/construction-data/article/21284627/construction-input-prices-increase-14-in-february https://www.contractormag.com/construction-data/article/21284627/construction-input-prices-increase-14-in-february Overall construction input prices are 1.5% higher than a year ago, while nonresidential construction input prices are 1.8% higher. Thu, 14 Mar 2024 15:27:02 GMT Construction Data Photo 8813605 © Berniezajac | Dreamstime.com What’s Going On with Modular Construction? https://www.contractormag.com/management/best-practices/article/21284346/whats-going-on-with-modular-construction https://www.contractormag.com/management/best-practices/article/21284346/whats-going-on-with-modular-construction This building method based on prefabrication has its advocates and adversaries, but the next generations could boost its market share. Mon, 11 Mar 2024 16:29:18 GMT Management / Best Practices Photo 241499821 © Unique93 | Dreamstime.com Nelson Mechanical Designs, Installs Huge Solar Radiant System https://www.contractormag.com/radiant/article/21284269/nelson-mechanical-designs-installs-huge-solar-radiant-system https://www.contractormag.com/radiant/article/21284269/nelson-mechanical-designs-installs-huge-solar-radiant-system With 20 solar collectors and a 700-gal. storage tank, it is the largest solar hot water system on Martha's Vineyard. Fri, 08 Mar 2024 17:20:11 GMT Radiant Nelson Mechanical Design Martha's Vineyard's largest solar hot water array with 20 collectors. PHCC Members Will Head to Capitol Hill During Crucial Election Year https://www.contractormag.com/plumbing/article/21284146/phcc-members-will-head-to-capitol-hill-during-crucial-election-year https://www.contractormag.com/plumbing/article/21284146/phcc-members-will-head-to-capitol-hill-during-crucial-election-year PHCC will facilitate visits between members and their elected representatives during the annual Legislative Conference. Thu, 07 Mar 2024 17:00:37 GMT Plumbing PHCC-NA The PHCC-NA member delegation during the 2023 Legislative Conference on the steps the the US Capitol Building. Economic Outlook from the National Association of Home Builders' Meeting of the Members https://www.contractormag.com/construction-data/article/21283939/economic-outlook-from-the-national-association-of-home-builders-meeting-of-the-members https://www.contractormag.com/construction-data/article/21283939/economic-outlook-from-the-national-association-of-home-builders-meeting-of-the-members Single-family starts will rise in 2024, but supply side challenges will persist. Mon, 04 Mar 2024 21:11:46 GMT Construction Data NAHB NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz speaks during the annual Meeting of the Members at the International Builders' Show. Kitchen and Bath Industry Show Marks Record Attendance in 2024 https://www.contractormag.com/industry-event-news/article/21283926/kitchen-and-bath-industry-show-marks-record-attendance-in-2024 https://www.contractormag.com/industry-event-news/article/21283926/kitchen-and-bath-industry-show-marks-record-attendance-in-2024 The show was held February 27-29, 2024 in Las Vegas as part of Design & Construction Week (DCW). Mon, 04 Mar 2024 17:53:33 GMT Industry Event News NKBA KBIS 2024 attendees walking to the central hall on the second day of the show. Weekly Product Gallery: Oatey, InSinkErator, Infinity Drain, Brizo, Clean-Fit Products https://www.contractormag.com/media-galleries/media-gallery/21283673/weekly-product-gallery-oatey-insinkerator-infinity-drain-brizo-clean-fit-products https://www.contractormag.com/media-galleries/media-gallery/21283673/weekly-product-gallery-oatey-insinkerator-infinity-drain-brizo-clean-fit-products This week's product gallery features a linear drain built into a shower bench, an instant hot water tank, a designer linear drain, a tankless reverse osmosis system, and pipe joint lubricant. Fri, 01 Mar 2024 21:50:50 GMT Media Galleries Oatey Co. 2024 International Builders’ Show Attracts Largest Attendance in 15 Years https://www.contractormag.com/industry-event-news/article/21283813/2024-international-builders-show-attracts-largest-attendance-in-15-years https://www.contractormag.com/industry-event-news/article/21283813/2024-international-builders-show-attracts-largest-attendance-in-15-years This milestone attendance—the highest level since 2009—reflects the bullish outlook of the residential construction industry. Fri, 01 Mar 2024 16:19:16 GMT Industry Event News NAHB Alicia Huey, Chairman of the Board of the NAHB, addresses the audience during the 2024 Meeting of the Membership at the International Builder's Show (IBS). International Builders’ Show and Kitchen & Bath Industry Show to Extend Co-Location Agreement Through 2030 https://www.contractormag.com/industry-event-news/article/21283768/international-builders-show-and-kitchen-bath-industry-show-to-extend-co-location-agreement-through-2030 https://www.contractormag.com/industry-event-news/article/21283768/international-builders-show-and-kitchen-bath-industry-show-to-extend-co-location-agreement-through-2030 The 2024 DCW, held this week in Las Vegas, marks the 11th year of the agreement. Thu, 29 Feb 2024 20:06:12 GMT Industry Event News Design & Construction Week Crowds gather in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center for the co-located KBIS/IBS shows. AHR Expo Returns to Chicago https://www.contractormag.com/industry-event-news/ahr/article/21283038/ahr-expo-returns-to-chicago https://www.contractormag.com/industry-event-news/ahr/article/21283038/ahr-expo-returns-to-chicago Attendance was strong with the big show welcoming 48,034 attendees interacting with 1,875 exhibitors. Thu, 22 Feb 2024 18:18:01 GMT Industry Event News / AHR AHR Expo White House Announces $5.8B Investment in Water Infrastructure https://www.contractormag.com/around-the-web/article/21283142/white-house-announces-58b-investment-in-water-infrastructure https://www.contractormag.com/around-the-web/article/21283142/white-house-announces-58b-investment-in-water-infrastructure Almost half of this funding will be available as grants or principal forgiveness loans, ensuring funds reach underserved communities most in need of investments in water infrastructure. Wed, 21 Feb 2024 15:04:24 GMT Around the Web Photo 32454353 © Izanbar | Dreamstime.com Modular Construction Combats the Affordable Housing Crisis https://www.contractormag.com/bath-kitchen/toilets/article/21283104/modular-construction-combats-the-affordable-housing-crisis https://www.contractormag.com/bath-kitchen/toilets/article/21283104/modular-construction-combats-the-affordable-housing-crisis Impact Housing uses design expertise—including in-wall carrier systems from Geberit—to deliver thousands of new living units. Tue, 20 Feb 2024 17:02:08 GMT Bath/Kitchen / Toilets Impact Housing An Impact Housing module being placed on top of a building. Replacement Circulator Selection for Peak Performance https://www.contractormag.com/hydronics/article/21283006/replacement-circulator-selection-for-peak-performance https://www.contractormag.com/hydronics/article/21283006/replacement-circulator-selection-for-peak-performance The real secret? Pay attention to the performance curve to keep your hydronic system running smoothly. Mon, 19 Feb 2024 16:32:24 GMT Hydronics Taco Monthly Construction Input Prices Surge 1% in January https://www.contractormag.com/construction-data/article/21282930/monthly-construction-input-prices-surge-1-in-january https://www.contractormag.com/construction-data/article/21282930/monthly-construction-input-prices-surge-1-in-january Nonresidential construction input prices increased 0.9% for the month. Fri, 16 Feb 2024 15:59:34 GMT Construction Data Photo 15052825 © Steven Jones | Dreamstime.com Home Service Category Experiences Growth in 2023 Despite Historically High Inflation https://www.contractormag.com/plumbing/residential-plumbing/article/21282710/home-service-category-experiences-growth-in-2023-despite-historically-high-inflation https://www.contractormag.com/plumbing/residential-plumbing/article/21282710/home-service-category-experiences-growth-in-2023-despite-historically-high-inflation Latest Jobber Home Service Economic Report predicts positive year ahead for home service pros. Wed, 14 Feb 2024 15:35:30 GMT Plumbing / Residential Plumbing Photo 48046093 © Petrkurgan | Dreamstime.com ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator Slips in January https://www.contractormag.com/construction-data/article/21282641/abcs-construction-backlog-indicator-slips-in-january https://www.contractormag.com/construction-data/article/21282641/abcs-construction-backlog-indicator-slips-in-january All three index readings remain above the threshold of 50, indicating expectations for growth over the next six months. Tue, 13 Feb 2024 15:17:46 GMT Construction Data Photo 35491133 © Vojtaheroutcom | Dreamstime.com Radiant Rescue Innovation: a Floating Radiant Floor https://www.contractormag.com/radiant/heating/article/21282360/radiant-rescue-innovation-a-floating-radiant-floor https://www.contractormag.com/radiant/heating/article/21282360/radiant-rescue-innovation-a-floating-radiant-floor In this latest story from Nelson Mechanical Design, a unique wood lattice system makes for a "springy" floor with efficient heat transfer. Thu, 08 Feb 2024 18:00:27 GMT Radiant / Heating Nelson Mechanical Design NMD technicians install Uponor PEX tubing into Warmboard panels. Owners of Brooklyn Plumbing Company Indicted for Evading Taxes on More Than $10 Million in Income https://www.contractormag.com/plumbing/article/21282059/owners-of-brooklyn-plumbing-company-indicted-for-evading-taxes-on-more-than-10-million-in-income https://www.contractormag.com/plumbing/article/21282059/owners-of-brooklyn-plumbing-company-indicted-for-evading-taxes-on-more-than-10-million-in-income Defendants allegedly falsely claimed personal expenses, including Disney World vacation, clothing, purchase of homes and a yacht, were business expenses. Fri, 02 Feb 2024 18:34:52 GMT Plumbing Photo 25048346 © Ginasanders | Dreamstime.com Construction Employment Up 11,000 in January https://www.contractormag.com/construction-data/article/21282041/construction-employment-up-11000-in-january https://www.contractormag.com/construction-data/article/21282041/construction-employment-up-11000-in-january On a year-over-year basis, industry employment has expanded by 216,000 jobs, an increase of 2.7%. Fri, 02 Feb 2024 15:34:54 GMT Construction Data Photo 19807318 © Otmar Winterleitner | Dreamstime.com Nonresidential Construction Spending Increases 0.4% in December https://www.contractormag.com/construction-data/article/21281964/nonresidential-construction-spending-increases-04-in-december https://www.contractormag.com/construction-data/article/21281964/nonresidential-construction-spending-increases-04-in-december On a seasonally adjusted annualized basis, nonresidential spending totaled $1.174 trillion. Thu, 01 Feb 2024 17:02:08 GMT Construction Data Photo 120700946 © Chainarong Boonsangiem | Dreamstime.com ABC: 2024 Construction Workforce Shortage Tops Half a Million https://www.contractormag.com/construction-data/article/21281843/abc-2024-construction-workforce-shortage-tops-half-a-million https://www.contractormag.com/construction-data/article/21281843/abc-2024-construction-workforce-shortage-tops-half-a-million In 2025, the industry will need to bring in nearly 454,000 new workers on top of normal hiring to meet industry demand. Wed, 31 Jan 2024 16:38:25 GMT Construction Data ABC Construction Job Openings Remain Elevated in December https://www.contractormag.com/construction-data/article/21281749/construction-job-openings-remain-elevated-in-december https://www.contractormag.com/construction-data/article/21281749/construction-job-openings-remain-elevated-in-december Industry job openings decreased by 21,000 last month and are down by 39,000 from the same time last year. Tue, 30 Jan 2024 17:06:02 GMT Construction Data Photo 8519954 © Hawkren | Dreamstime.com 2024 AHR Expo: Hydronic Snow and Ice Melting System Design to Optimize Performance and Efficiency https://www.contractormag.com/industry-event-news/ahr/article/21281405/2024-ahr-expo-hydronic-snow-and-ice-melting-system-design-to-optimize-performance-and-efficiency https://www.contractormag.com/industry-event-news/ahr/article/21281405/2024-ahr-expo-hydronic-snow-and-ice-melting-system-design-to-optimize-performance-and-efficiency Many hospitals, schools, senior facilities, and commercial buildings install snow and ice melt systems for safety -- and to reduce liability. Thu, 25 Jan 2024 14:51:13 GMT Industry Event News / AHR Contractor/Kelly Faloon AHR 2024: CONTRACTOR's Product Highlights From the Show Floor - Wednesday https://www.contractormag.com/industry-event-news/ahr/media-gallery/21281401/ahr-2024-contractors-product-highlights-from-the-show-floor-wednesday https://www.contractormag.com/industry-event-news/ahr/media-gallery/21281401/ahr-2024-contractors-product-highlights-from-the-show-floor-wednesday As we close out AHR Expo 2024, here are some of the products that caught our eye on the final day. Thu, 25 Jan 2024 01:55:28 GMT sspaulding@endeavorb2b.com (Steve Spaulding) Industry Event News / AHR Endeavor Business Media The view from the South Hall of McCormick Place on the last day of AHR Expo 2024. AHR 2024: CONTRACTOR's Product Highlights From the Show Floor - Tuesday https://www.contractormag.com/industry-event-news/ahr/media-gallery/21281187/ahr-2024-contractors-product-highlights-from-the-show-floor-tuesday https://www.contractormag.com/industry-event-news/ahr/media-gallery/21281187/ahr-2024-contractors-product-highlights-from-the-show-floor-tuesday Here are some of the most interesting, innovative products we found from our second day at AHR Expo 2024. Wed, 24 Jan 2024 04:00:00 GMT sspaulding@endeavorb2b.com (Steve Spaulding) Industry Event News / AHR AHR Expo