Forbes
Construction activity is expected to slow this year as markets lose steam after the 2016 building extravaganza. That’s according to the Associated Builders and Contractors, which said U.S. commercial and industrial construction levels will drop this year as commodity prices rise and a further interest rate hike looms, CoStar reports. But it’s not all bad news for the property market. The economy is still expanding and should support at least a 3.5 percent non-residential spending expansion this year, experts predict.

The Washington Post
The Washington Post strongly suggests that you never touch a single thing on the job site when you visit. Things are done by carpenters and other workers for a reason. No one wants to do extra work, so if you see something that looks unusual, it’s best to talk to the builder or job superintendent.

Interesting Engineering
Researchers at TU Wein University were able to develop a new system to create an inflatable concrete structure with much less resources than ever before. The use of concrete stems back thousands of years to when ancient civilizations build magnificent structures with it. Its usefulness has withstood the test of time and has proven itself worthy as an integral component of modern-day construction.

Construction Dive
With potential plans to transform the Attucks School into a community performing arts center and offices for the Kansas City Jazz District Redevelopment Corporation (JDRC), the Lee’s Summit, MO-based Dalmark Group signed up in 2016 to provide analysis of the building’s structural integrity and to determine whether the space was suitable for adaptive reuse.

CertainTeed
Building on the excitement of the new year, CertainTeed is ready to inspire, educate and entertain 2017 International Builders’ Show attendees with a spectacular new interactive exhibit and packed schedule of events that includes informative expert interview sessions, a celebrity contractor appearance and more. CertainTeed encourages show attendees to visit them at booth #W3629, Jan. 10-12 at the Orlando Convention Center to learn about new products and ways to boost their bottom lines.

Entrepreneur
One of the most important aspects of a small business is getting found by new customers. If customers cannot find you, then you will not have any new clients use your services or purchase your products. This applies not only to yourself as a marketing agency, but to your clients as well. In today’s digital world, there are so many ways for your business to get noticed, whether it be organic or paid. Today, I am going to give you the first step on how to be found, and it happens to be free.

CBS News
The stock market remains in a trance, hovering just below the Dow 20,000 threshold while it awaits clarity on what President-elect Donald Trump will do. Initial post-election optimism is fading somewhat — especially after Wednesday’s contentious and combative press conference — as evidenced by renewed interest in safe haven assets like gold and Treasury bonds.