Construction Trade Resources

The American Institute Of Architects (AIA) Billing Index
Update market research and analysis report providing a six-month forecast of non-residential construction trends. Derived from a monthly survey and produced by the AIA Economics & Market Research Group. Features indexes compiled from a monthly survey sent to a panel of AIA member-owned firms. The panel is polled on whether their billings increased, decreased or stayed the same in the month that just ended. From those answers, the research group generates a score, which represents the index value for that month.

Resource information:

Reports for the last six months available online to download

www.aia.org

FEMA Information Resource Library
Searchable Web-based collection of all public access FEMA resources: CDs, DVDs, videos, audio tapes, disability resources, posters and display items, brochures, publications, guidance and policy papers, program regulations and guidelines and forms. Topics include: building design, risk management, sustainable construction, codes and ordinances and insurance.

www.fema.gov/library

BNi COSTBOOKS 2008
Books provide cost coverage for all aspects of construction industry. Data is divided into labor cost and materials categories for easier estimating. Designed to help industry professionals prepare estimates and bids, stay informed when checking prices, and understand the financial impact of change orders.

Costbooks available for:

• General construction
• Public works
• Mechanical/electrical
• Electrical
• Home builders
• Remodelers
• Home remodelers
• Facilities managers

Order information:
Can be purchased at www.bnibooks.com
Phone: (888) BNI-BOOK

Construction Industry Resource Training Network
Association of industry training directors representing mid-sized to large contractors and companies in the U.S. and Canada. Aims to share ideas and resources to improve workers' skills and proficiency.

Member resources:

Network for posting questions and sharing ideas
Bi-annual meetings to discuss training and development information

National contact information:
Phone: (602) 262-5291
E-mail: info@cirtn.org

The Safety Library
Online collection of risk management articles for the construction industry.

Resource information includes:

• Best practices for owner-controlled insurance programs
• Construction defects
• Contingent liability of the multi-employer work site
• Case studies of environmental claims
• Builders risk insurance claim management

www.thesafetylibrary.com

National Diversity Committee Programs
Developed for members of Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). ABC's Web site sponsors links to the Diversity Manual and the Assessment of Diversity Activities & Practices to guide construction and member companies.

www.abc.org

National contact information:
Phone: (703) 812-2000
E-mail: gotquestions@abc.org

OSHA Online Assistance
Links to tools, topics and publications relating to Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards.

Online resources include:

• Compliance and standards information
• E-tools (interactive Web-based training guides)
• "Job Safety and Health Quarterly" magazine articles and public documents
• Information on partnerships, programs and associations

www.osha.gov

National contact information:
Phone (for safety and health questions): (800) 321-OSHA (6742)

Grants and Loans Ideal For Construction Companies

• Basic 7(a) Loan Guaranty program
  For businesses unable to obtain loans through standard bank loan programs Funds can be used for general business purposes, including: working capital, fixtures, leasehold improvements and debt refinancing. The loan maturity is up to ten years for working capital and up to 25 years for fixed assets. Loans are still delivered through commercial lending institutions, but the Small Business Association and the lending financial institution share the risk if the borrower cannot repay.

  More information and eligibility requirements:

  www.sba.gov/financing/sbaloan/7a.html.

• Certified Development Company (CDC) 504 loan program
  For small businesses needing financing for fixed assets, such as the purchase of real estate, buildings and machinery or improvements, such as landscaping, parking lots and construction. Generally, assets that are being financed can be used as collateral. The maximum loan size is $4 million; maturity terms of ten and 20 years are available.

  More information and eligibility requirements:

  www.sba.gov/financing/sbaloan/cdc504.htm

  Locate a CDC location in your area:

  www.sba.gov/gopher/Local-Information/Certif ied-Development-Companies/.

• Microloan 7(m) loan program
  Provides short-term loans up to $35,000 to small businesses for working capital or the purchase of fixtures and supplies. The average loan size is approximately $10,500. Funds cannot be used to pay debts or purchase real estate. Loans are funded by intermediaries selected by the Small Business Administration and usually require some kind of collateral. Loans are not guaranteed by the Small Business Administration.

  More information and eligibility requirements:

  www.sba.gov/financing/sbaloan/microloans.html

• U.S. Green Building Council Platinum Certifications
  Full rebates for certification fees on any project that earns LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum certification. Platinum buildings are: energy- and resource-efficient; provide top-quality indoor comfort; and dramatically reduce CO2 emissions.

  More information and eligibility requirements:

  www.usbgc.org

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