www.ncconstructionnews.com WINTER 2018, Volume 13 No.6 NEW FRONTIERS: Focusing on technology in facilities engineering and design North Carolina’s Top 10 Home Builder Industry Leaders for 2018 North Carolina’s Top 10 Safety Report In this issue 3 NCDOI Building Code Council rules that siding can go on homes before frames are inspected 4 New frontiers: Focusing on technology in facilities engineering and design 8 Ft. Bragg: More than $1 billion to be spent for current and planned construction projects through 2024 9 North Carolina’s Top 10 Home Builder Industry Leaders for 2018 12 15 17 North Carolina’s Top 10 Safety Report PROJECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES ASSOCIATION NEWS Publisher’s Viewpoint Mark Buckshon, publisher As 2018 turns to 2019, many individuals contemplate where they have been, and where they are going. There are many un- certainties and surprises ahead – anyone who could truly predict the future would have amazing powers – but we can still see some trends, and changes, and know they will be important. I think the technological revolution will soon truly change the architectural, engi- neering and construction industry, both cre- ating challenges for some businesses and individuals, and opportunities for others. This industry has been a late-adaptor to technology but everything will soon shift, as enterprises (including outsiders) develop in- tegrated processes that take concepts from drawing to manufacturing and site building, and push them online. (And the buildings will be much smarter than they’ve ever been.) Technology will also redefine labor per- haps both causing and curing worker short- ages. There’ll still be need for site-based contractors and employees, of course, but the trend to modular and prefabricated structures is undeniable, and concepts such as “printing” buildings are past the fantasy stage. In this issue, we’ve an article from Raleigh-based consultants FMI that ex- plores some of the opportunities and chal- lenges ahead. I think you should read it carefully and begin thinking about how technology will impact your own business. North Carolina Construction News (NCCN) is distributed throughout the Carolinas construction industry. NCCN is circulated on a controlled circulation list to qualified readers including members of most major construction associations in the Carolinas. The maga- zine is supplemented by a weekly e-letter which reaches more than 4,000 industry leaders each week. For information contact: Chase, Phone: 1-888-627-8717 ext 212 chase@ncconstructionnews.com www.ncconstructionnews.com. ISSN 1940-3682. 2 — Winter 2018 — The North Carolina Construction News As the Christmas Holiday season ap- proaches (some of you will probably read this article in the New Year, I hope you enjoy your break and families, and will start 2019 refreshed and ready for an exciting year ahead. Please let me know if you have story ideas or suggestions. You can reach me at buckshon@ncconstructionnews.com. NCDOI Building Code Council rules that siding can go on homes before frames are inspected North Carolina Construction News staff writer Should contractors be allowed to install siding on homes before the framed structures are checked by building inspectors? The case reached the North Carolina Department of In- surance (NCDOI) Building Code Council in Raleigh, where the state's top building code authority ruled that, indeed, the siding can go on before the inspection – even if this may pose risks in high-wind areas. Port City Daily reported on the case in a recent article, describing how Robert Privott, a consultant and lobbyist for the North Carolina Home Builders Association (NCHBA), appealed an earlier decision by the NCDOI that stemmed, he argued, from an unclear building code. "Privott had initially asked for clarification earlier in the year," the newspaper reported. The code in question (Section 107.1.5) covers when a contractor must have a house’s frame inspected, but it doesn’t specify whether or not the house’s exterior siding can be installed or not. The code included commentary – not an official ordinance but supplemental language that helps clarify the code, suggested the inspection should come first – but it was removed in 2016. According to email records supplied by the North Car- olina Department of Justice (DOJ), in March, Privott was informed by Clifford Isaac, the deputy commissioner for NCDOI’s engineering division, that – without the com- mentary – there was no reason contractors would have to wait for an inspection before installing exterior walls. Privott, stating that different jurisdictions around the state were enforcing the code differently, asked Barry Gupton, a member of the state’s building code council and the chief code consultant, for a formal interpretation, the newspaper reported. Gupton reversed Isaac’s decision, telling Privott frame inspection had to come first. Privott requested an appeal form the NCDOI building code council and made his case on Oct. 31, joined by Dan Tingen, the former chairman of the building code council from 2003 to 2017, who testified on Privott’s be- half. Assistant Attorney General Heather Freeman made the case for the state, asking the board to uphold Gup- ton’s decision. According to an audio recording of the meeting, pro- vided to the newspaper by the North Carolina Depart- ment of Justice, much of the appeal case came down to whether installing veneers or exterior siding would inter- fere with an inspectors ability to accurately gauge whether the building frame was up to code. Gupton sug- gested it would. Freeman asked Tingen: “In your professional experi- ence — you don’t think it’s necessary for inspectors to view items or framing that are covered by siding?” Tingen pointed out there are “numerous parts of the house not visible unless you’re there when they’re built.” Freeman responded that there are other jurisdictions that do not allow siding to be installed before framing in- spections. Tingen answered, “Correct. And I think they’re in error for doing so.” Freeman later asked Gupton if had any concerns over Privott’s request. Gupton said he did. “More concern is in some parts of the state more than in others,” he said, adding that his concerns had to do with the bracing of building frames, specifically in high- wind areas of the state were sub-code frames could col- lapse during storms. Gupton noted that the building code did not differenti- ate between high-wind and other areas. The council weighed both sides: Inspectors’ need for visual access to the entire frame, uneclipsed by siding, and the potential safety hazard presented by sub-code frames in high-wind areas. On the other side: the need for contractors to move construction along at a reason- able pace, as well as the concern for leaving the frame exposed to the elements for an undue amount of time. The council ultimately decided in favor of Pivott and the NCHBA. Shumaker’s construction lawyers represent clients across the construction industry: general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, owners, develop- ers, architects, engineers, construction managers, and sureties. Al Windle • 704.945.2176 • awindle@slk-law.com The North Carolina Construction News — Winter 2018 — 3 NEW FRONTIERS: Focusing on technology in facilities engineering and design By Russell Clarke and Greg Powell Special to North Carolina Construction News The continued infiltration of tech- nology into our daily lives has brought with it advanced capabili- ties, new efficiencies and greater connectivity on many different lev- els. It has also brought headaches along the way. This same dynamic (of technology advances causing heightened expectations and com- plexity) is occurring in today’s facili- ties and buildings industry—driving the need for skilled technology-fo- cused engineers to design, inte- grate, maintain and maximize the increasingly complex, integrated and connected systems. Technology design and system in- tegration expertise is developing into a prerequisite for engineering firms focused on vertical buildings, allow- ing firms with strong system integra- tion skill sets and user-friendly analytical tools to capture a growing market need. Key benefits accrue to those firms that can extend their techno- logical expertise and capabilities across a broader range of the facility project life cycle—spanning the up- front design, systems integration and ongoing technical service needs. This depth of expertise posi- tions the provider as the first call for new projects, as well as the trusted advisor for future facility needs. What Is driving the change? Simply put, today’s buildings are more complex and sophisticated than in the past, and people have higher expectations from their build- ings. No longer are well-functioning HVAC systems, smart lighting, strong Wi-Fi, video-enabled meeting rooms and classrooms, and easy controls things that building stake- holders want—these are now things 4 — Winter 2018 — The North Carolina Construction News they have come to expect. New buildings are designed and built with the latest technology systems, and owners are retrofitting older building stock with new technologies. These systems have made significant strides from those even five years ago, and now stakeholders expect them to interact and function seam- lessly as one. Analysts predict there will be over 25 billion connected things in use in 2020, a major increase from the 4.9 billion in 2015. Sensors and systems are interacting to deliver optimal temperature, air quality, lighting lev- els and security. As these tradition- ally separate systems are integrated and controlled as one, the ability to enable effective inter- action is more critical than ever before. Garry Montgomery, vice-president and head of technology at Dynamix Engineering, states, “It is also the most rapidly changing building sys- tem. Technology systems impact workflow, efficiency, expectations, safety, communication, connectivity and so many other things.” The skill set needed to design and then blend multiple systems to function as intended is most valu- able. Without the proper integration of open protocol systems, buildings will remain stuck in decades past, even despite having the most up-to- date “smart” systems. Additionally, engineering firms with a product-ag- nostic stance and flexible capabili- ties can best allow the integration to take precedent over the product. Fa- cility stakeholders can therefore achieve the goal of smooth and proper functionality—all without being reliant on one brand name, proprietary system or specialty ser- vice provider. Roles of service providers are continuing to blend as facilities be- come smarter and more connected. The blending of these roles further drives the need for someone that can “make sense of it all” and bring the many moving (and traditionally independent roles) together to work as one. No longer does only the fa- cilities manager control the building. The roles of HVAC service compa- nies, electricians and facility service providers are all evolving as well, with each entity relying on data- driven, connected systems. In many cases, facility managers act as the boots on the ground but don’t nec- essarily know how to utilize the data and analytics. Engineering firms with these technology and analytical ca- pabilities can help with both pro- ac- tive and reactive systems management and optimization. These firms bring significant value by analyzing systems data to Exhibit 1. Top Energy Efficiency Measures United States Global 68% Building controls improvements 55% 65% Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning improvements 62% Energy focused behavioral or educational programs 64% 55% 61% Integration of fire/life safety systems Centralized building operations center Integration of security systems Fire/life safety system improvements Onsite renewable energy 49% 60% 41% 59% 45% 58% 46% 57% 48% Source: “2018 Energy Efficiency Indicator Survey. United States.” Johnson Controls. 2018. Opportunity abounds The market is demanding increased technology capabilities across all facility service providers, but the landscape of skilled providers as well as the underlying talent base remains fragmented. Firms that recognize, develop and prioritize expertise in the initial design of technology systems, system integration and ongoing technical services are likely to benefit significantly. Capitalizing on this opportunity has greatly benefited early movers in the industry and may benefit many additional firms as technologies continue to advance and become further embedded in today’s facilities. plan for maintenance activities and direct the boots on the ground to correct problems as they arise. This solution relies on technologically so- phisticated engineers who can de- sign, internalize and leverage systems data through remote moni- toring. As this capability becomes more widespread, the value that these outside providers bring to on- site facility and IT managers will con- tinue to grow. What are the skill sets? The ability to bring fully function- ing systems, simplicity and action- able insights to end users requires a unique blend of skill sets. These skill sets span the facility life cycle from initial technology design to integra- Best People Best Practices ® Details @phccnc.com 919.532.0522 Your Business can GROW – When you’re in the KNOW The North Carolina Construction News — Winter 2018 — 5 tion expertise and remote monitor- ing of building systems. Initial design for technology- focused systems Designing the data, voice, video, network, energy management, secu- rity and similar systems is a growing skill set and key differentiator for de- sign engineering firms working on large vertical building projects. The ability to sell these services sepa- rately from more traditional MEP en- gineering services also provides inroads into new projects at an ear- lier phase, where the technology component of the project can lead to an expanded role and future work. Montgomery sums up the point, “Technology engineering is now the fourth utility in an industry tradition- ally based around three (mechanical, electrical and plumbing). It is also the most rapidly changing building system. Technology systems impact workflow, efficiency, expectations, safety, communication, connectivity and so many other things.” Systems integration expertise Vendor-agnostic control system expertise is key to solving problems and delivering an optimized facility. Control system engineering and the ability to connect disparate systems are important to bridging gaps among the mechanical, electrical and security contractors—ensuring proper functionality of the various systems. Control integrators are criti- cal players in the facility landscape, increasing their value beyond the ini- tial project and ongoing mainte- nance processes. “There are system integration op- portunities that exist today that could never successfully be realized in the past,” Montgomery adds. Continued commissioning and service mindset Continuous monitoring and main- tenance of facility systems is key to maintaining a “first-call” position with facility owners. The ability to collect and analyze data to help pre- vent and solve problems is an impor- tant core competency that allows stakeholders to derive actionable in- sights from the massive amounts of 6 — Winter 2018 — The North Carolina Construction News data that too often go unused. In a recent CBRE report, Matthew Eastwood states, “You can measure a million different things—but focus on what you want to control and do it differently.” The ability to collect and analyze data also permits ser- vice providers to communicate both proactive and reactive solutions to a facility manager or subcontractor. These teams can then act on-site to troubleshoot the identified issue with purpose, avoiding potential problems and solving issues faster as they arise. Who has the expertise and skill sets? The landscape of true technology experts and smart facility providers is not always obviously identified. The unique combination of skill sets needed to bring all of this expertise together currently sits in various places within the broader industry landscape. As time goes on, the skilled leaders will further emerge, and increased consolidation will likely occur. The early leaders able to build a large base of loyal clients will benefit the most. This evolving com- petitive landscape will impact indus- try stakeholders differently: Engineering firms Traditional MEP design and con- sulting engineering firms have vary- ing depths of technology practices—from zero to extremely advanced. Those firms that are more deliberate in developing technology design and integration capabilities across key end markets are more likely to enjoy a stronger competitive position. “Today, building occupants across all asset types expect 24/7 connec- tivity and a positive user experi- ence,” says Val Loh, principal at Syska Hennessy Group. “That’s why we view our capabilities in technol- ogy design as a core component of our services rather than as a spe- cialty add-on. Because our technol- ogy practice is fully integrated into our team structure, we can offer our clients a form of holistic design that differentiates us from other engi- neering firms.” Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) Skilled controls professionals in- side OEM organizations are a recog- nized talent pool in the industry. The difference between an OEM repre- sentative and a controls engineer from a product-agnostic firm is the knowledge and ability to integrate one specific product type (as op- posed to taking a broader view). As more systems and users move to- ward open systems not tied to a sin- gle product provider, the value assigned to the expertise and ability to work with multiple systems will increase. This will likely pressure the OEM providers to broaden expertise and/or further utilize product-agnos- tic service providers to execute the integration. Facility managers Certain facility managers possess the skill sets needed to optimize building systems, but they’re fo- cused on responding to problems and fixing tangible issues. Utilizing well-designed technology with re- mote systems expertise, analysis and support from technical service providers, on-site facility managers who live and work with the equip- ment every day can truly maximize the performance of the buildings they manage. IT managers As new technology is integrated into buildings and facilities, and as equipment becomes further inte- grated, greater reliance and power have shifted to IT managers. IT man- agers are increasingly the gatekeep- ers for critical facility system decision-making and troubleshoot- ing. The role of IT staff and the ac- companying core information technology knowledge is a key com- ponent of today’s properly function- ing facility. As a result, the IT staff is a group that is likely to see an increased share of responsibility among facility stakeholders. Montgomery states, “Additionally, many traditionally man- aged systems (i.e., building automa- tion systems) are now being managed and operated by IT person- nel as these systems become more data-driven. Organizations/compa- nies desiring to truly separate them- selves from the competition are pushing for greater levels of technol- ogy and often hiring the profession- als that plan/design such systems independent from traditional MEP engineers.” Talented practitioners skilled in the design, integration and ongoing technical services of the technolo- gies embedded in today’s facilities are in high demand. The ability to find, retain and train an optimal tal- ent base is hampered by the special- ized skill sets spread among these disparate providers. In addition to having a fragmented talent pool, the competition for talented engineers is intense as the technology giants continue to grow. Engineering talent with three to seven years of experi- ence is more valuable than ever, and acquiring such talent is a critical ob- stacle in building the best facility technology teams. The acceleration of growth in technology spend Technology is expanding as a component of overall building invest- ment. This trend offers providers value through revenue diversification from the more traditional design segments and can offer improved margins for those increasingly com- moditized firms. A recent energy efficiency survey by Johnson Controls clearly identifies the expected growth in technology- enabled facility systems and integra- tion (Exhibit 1). Sixty-eight percent of respondents plan to invest in building controls over the next 12 months, up from only 38 percent of respondents two years ago, exceeding Johnson Control’s expectations. Survey results show that six of the eight top mea- sures that organizations plan to imple- ment in the next 12 months relate to connected technological building sys- tems requiring specialized design and integration. This trend highlights the significant growth opportunities avail- able to engineering firms in the tech- nology market. This article was originally pub- lished in the FMI Quarterly. FMI Corp. is a Raleigh-based manage- ment consultancy and investment banker dedicated exclusively to engi- neering and construction, infrastruc- ture and the built environment. Authors are Russell Clark (rclarke@fminet.com), responsible for executing merger and acquisition advisory and capital formation en- gagements and Greg Powell gpow- ell@fminet.com), a managing director with FMI Capital Advisors, Inc., FMI Corporation’s investment banking subsidiary. Russell Clark Greg Powell The North Carolina Construction News — Winter 2018 — 7 Ft. Bragg: More than $1 billion to be spent for current and planned construction projects through 2024 SOF MILCON $370M North Carolina Construction News staff writer Fort Bragg representatives have offered promising news for the re- gion’s construction industry, saying there are more than $1 billion in cur- rent and planned construction pro- jects at the base through 2024. Speaking at a Regional Land Use Advisory Committee meeting in Fayetteville on Nov. 15, base repre- sentatives outlined in detail the cur- rent and planned projects. The Department of Defense cur- rently has more than $343 million worth of projects under construction on the base, and another $699 mil- lion in construction has been pro- jected for the next six years, the Fayetteville Observer reported. “It’s continuing to grow every year,” said Andrew Spendlove, chief of the master planning division at the Fort Bragg Directorate of Public Works. View the Fort Bragg RLUAC report Planned projects is the GFF Archi- tects-designed Freedom Crossing at Fort Bragg, a LEED-certified enter- tainment and retail district for ser- vice members and their families. The $27-million project will include three retail buildings totaling 40,000 sq. ft., a 42,000-sq.-ft. movie theater and an outdoor public entertainment and event plaza, according to the report. Fort Bragg’s “wish list” of 24 pos- sible future projects includes $788 million worth of construction, includ- ing a fire station, airfield upgrades, tactical equipment maintenance fa- cilities, barracks, infrastructure, and training areas. Here is a list of current projects and overall spending projections through 2024. 8 — Summer 2018 — The North Carolina Construction News PN 79456, SOF Tactical Equipment Maintenance Facility / 3d SFG ($8.0 M) Complete Feb 2017 PN 68526, SOF Engineeer Training Complex / JFK ($10.4M) Complete in April 2017 PN 69382, SOF CA Bn Complex / 95 th CA Bde ($30.9M) Complete The picture can't be displayed. PN 76364, SOF Bn Ops Complex / 3d SFG ($41.0M) Complete PN 69382, SOF CA Bn Complex / 95 th CA Bde ($30.9M) Complete PN 69493, SOF Support Brigade Complex / 528 th Bde ($24.4M) Complete in Oct 2016 PN 76375, SOF Civil Affairs Battalion Annexes / 95 th CA Bde ($37.7M) Complete in Jan 2017 PN 69758, SOF Bde HQ Facility / 95 th CA Bde ($19.0M) Complete in Oct 2016 Patriot Point Andrew D. Spendlove / DPW / (910) 396-6761 / andrew.d.spendlove.civ@mail.mil PROJECTS UNDER CONSTRUCTION Project No. Project Title 79437 69302 76513 80773 TMKH003003 74813 76514 80037 63850 89035 87604 79439 Cost SOF Training Command Bldg/SWCS SOF Battalion Ops Facility/3d SFG SOF Special Tactics Facility, PH II SOF Battalion Ops Facility/3d SFG SOF 21STS Ops Facility SOF Parachute Rigging Facility/SWCS SOF Special Tactics Facility, PH III Aberdeen Trng Facility Infrastructure SOF Battalion Administration Fac Bldg H2313 SAR Renovation SOF Truck Inspection Point SOF Advance Skills Training Fac AAFES Entertainment Complex Projected projects through 2024 include: Year Project Category FY 18 Special Ops MILCON FY 19 AAFES Major Const FY 19 NAF Major Const FY 19 Special Ops MILCON FY 20 AAFES Major Const FY 20 Special Ops MILCON FY 21 AAFES Major Const FY 21 Special Ops MILCON FY 22 Regular MILCON FY 22 Special Ops MILCON FY 23 Special Ops MILCON FY 24 Regular MILCON FY 24 Special Ops MILCON Total $49.7 Million $4.5 million $9.0 million $43.9 million $6.9 million $180.7 million $8.9 million $52.8 million $8.1 million $168.7 million $69.7 Million $ 4.1 Million $ 101.2 million $44.6 million $39.3 million $28.3 million $33.0 million $15.2 million $18.0 million $34.9 million $3.0 million $12.2 million $2.3 million $2.7 million $25.0 M $84.7 M Total for Year $49.7 million $48.4 million $187.7 million $61.7 million $176.8 million $ 69.7 Million $105.3 million NORTH CAROLINA’S TOP 10 HOME BUILDING INDUSTRY LEADERS FOR 2018 Recognizing community service and leadership North Carolina Construction News special feature Here’s our listing of North Carolina’s top 10 home- building industry leaders for 2018. In compiling this list, we’ve considered each business’s scale and size, but also evaluated community and association service lead- ership, as well as years in the industry. The list encom- passes builders, suppliers and consultants. While every name on this list deserves to be here, the names are ranked alphabetically, so you should not as- sume any hierarchy in the listed business leadership ac- complishments. Builders Mutual Insurance Co., Raleigh This insurance company focuses on commercial con- struction projects (especially residential developments) and so is a vital contributor to the North Carolina home building industry. Its leaders accordingly engage with rel- evant associations. The business traces its roots to 1986, when The North Carolina Home Builders Self Insur- ers Fund grew out of the North Carolina Home Builders Association (NCHBA) to provide affordable workers’ compensation coverage to its members. Clearlight Glass and Mirror, Kernersville Clearlight provides high-quality custom glass prod- ucts, from unique OEM solutions to specially-measured and designed frameless showers. See more detailed in- formation in our profile on page 10. Evans Coghill Homes – Charlotte This successful builder traces its roots to charity. Part- ners Chris Folk and Alan Banks met as volunteers on a Habitat for Humanity project in 2001. The community service and leadership continues more than 15 years later. The company won recognition as Charlotte Home Builder of the Year in 2016, and Banks has served in 2018 as the NCHBA’s president. “I truly believe that the work we do positively changes lives and families, and strengthens the fabric of our com- munity. We make a difference each and every day,” Banks said. “Whether you are hammering nails, digging footings, hanging drywall, or running wire… whether you are a banker, an insurance agent, or a sales consultant, you are part of this great and necessary industry.” Herrington Classic Homes LLC, Wrightsville Beach The company’s owners, husband-and-wife Craig and Mary Johnson, have more than 30 years of home build- ing experience, and have taken the lead in contributing to the Wilmington area, where they build custom homes. Niblock Homes, Concord This Charlotte-area company has constructed more than 35,000 homes since it opened its doors in 1979. The founding partners started the organization with val- ues to “do business with a sense of stewardship and re- spect.” “We strive to create an atmosphere of trust so that we will always be proud to put our name on every home we build,” the company says. And in living by that motto, the business has thrived for nearly four decades. Piedmont Natural Gas Piedmont Natural Gas, now a part of Duke Energy, provides extensive support and co-ordination for new home builders and developers. The company’s commu- nity spirt is reflected in its community relations man- agers, “who work in every city across our service territory to promote economic development and to rep- resent the interests of our customers, our communities and our business partners.” Piedmont Wholesale Products, Greensboro Piedmont Wholesale Products’ president Phil Warrick has been recently installed as the 2019 NCHBA presi- dent, indicating the company’s on-going contribution to the home building community, both locally and state- wide. The business, established in 1988, has 15 employ- ees. Upright Builders Inc., Cary Triangle-area Upright Builders traces its roots to 1987. The company has grown by building quality custom homes in many of the Triangle's best neighbourhoods. The company says its staff provides attention to detail from the planning stages through construction and be- yond. Upright builds on a “solid foundation” of integrity, honesty, knowledge and accountability. Employees strive to form lasting positive relationships with their clients while maintaining an excellent community reputation. The Veritas Group, Kernersville This family-owned Triad-area custom builder has been building homes for more than three generations. The company focuses on detail, quality construction and value, and has earned several client testimonials for its work. Windsor Homes, Greensboro This local builder has built a reputation for client satis- faction. While the phrase can be over-used, Windsor Homes can point to independent surveys which indicate that more than 99 percent of the company’s clients would recommend it to a friend or family member. “We feel a homeowner referral is the best and highest com- pliment we can receive,” the company says. The North Carolina Construction News — Winter 2018 — 9 NORTH CAROLINA'S TOP 10 HOME BUILDING INDUSTRY LEADERS Clearlight Glass & Mirror fabricates custom glass projects for builders and designers North Carolina Construction News special feature Clearlight Glass & Mirror was founded in 1994 by a glass artisan with intimate knowledge of glass machin- ery. Beginning with the finest Italian machines to fabri- cate glass, the company continues to provide high-quality custom glass products, from unique OEM solutions to specially-measured and designed frameless showers. Clearlight’s team of skilled workers runs weekly and bi-weekly delivery trucks throughout North Carolina, from west of Winston-Salem to the coast, and from south of Charlotte in South Carolina to Richmond, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk and beyond. Product is also shipped across the country. Company president William Calhoun says the com- pany’s OEM projects are exciting. “We fabricate glass to tight tolerances for our customers, including our partner for Ford, Audi and Subaru auto shows—making every- thing from glass tiles on which the cars drive to glass railings for unobstructed views of the cars.” Other OEM work includes glass inserts for high-end residential front doors, colored glass for custom-made fireplaces and glass panels for machinery manufacturers. “We also create etched glass signage and display cases 10 — Winter 2018 — The North Carolina Construction News for the hospitality, restaurant and retail industries, which includes beautiful plaques for donor walls and sophisti- cated office signage and we install custom glass show- ers measured to suit, largely frameless and semi-frameless showers. Installation also includes mir- rors for residential and commercial customers.” Precision equipment ensures tight tolerances to 1/32 of an inch for applications requiring exactness. Calhoun says the team works hard to provide customers with unique, high-quality products delivered in a timely fash- ion. Clearlight’s team includes a production manager and sales manager with more than 40 years of combined ex- perience. Employees apply their deep knowledge of glass for clients ranging from high-end home builders, to manufacturers with glass component parts, retail glass companies, designers and architects. Calhoun says his team provides reliability and a quality guarantee. “For builders, the same employee who measures your shower or mirror will perform the installation,” he says. “As a result, he is invested in measuring accurately and completely. Additionally, we are able to help with de- signs for etching and for complicated glass applications, such as restaurant countertops and kitchen counters.” Calhoun says Clearlight will be doubling its production facility’s size this year, adding additional quality machin- ery. “Most importantly, we are adding a large tempering oven with the capability to temper large pieces of glass up to 86 in. by 144 in. and in thicknesses from 1/8 in. to ¾ in. This will allow greater control of the fabrication process and improved quality control.” Clearlight is a member of the Home Builders Associa- tion of Winston-Salem, the Greensboro Builders Associa- tion, the National Association of Home Builders and the North Carolina Home Builders Association. For more information, visit www.clearlightglass.com. At Clearlight Glass and Mirror we work one-on- one with our customers to fulfill their custom glass design needs. Our consultants understand each project has different technical challenges and we pride ourselves on our cost-effective and creative solutions. We work with a variety of professionals, from engineers to builders and architects, to hospitality designers. Our unique and creative glasswork has been featured in restaurants, breweries, homes (particularly custom showers and railings), hospitals, showrooms, and trade-show exhibits. The earlier you involve us, the better your project will be! 1318 Shields Road, Kernersville, NC 27284 Tel: 336-993-7300 clearlightglass.com The North Carolina Construction News — Winter 2018 — 11 NORTH CAROLINA’S TOP 10 SAFETY REPORT North Carolina’s Safety Leaders: The Top 10 listed North Carolina Construction News special feature Safety has become a vital element for success in North Carolina’s con- struction industry and the businesses and organizations in our Top 10 Safety list have earned their place through exceptional and comprehen- sive safety policies – converted to on-the-job safe practices. We’ve used a variety of resources to determine the list, including partic- ipation in the Associated Builders and Contractors of the Carolinas (ABC)’s Safety Training Evaluation Program (STEP), which recently hon- ored more than 100 members with awards at the association’s annual Safety and Human Resources confer- ence in Concord. ABC says STEP participants low- ered their total recordable incident rate by 87 percent compared to the industry average, an impressive achievement. While it is an honor to be listed here, this list is not hierarchical – and many other companies could qualify. Accordingly, you should not read a ranking order into this list, and the list is alphabetical. Centennial Contractors Based in Goldsboro, this contrac- tor has worked for government agen- cies, institutions and private industries, always stressing the high- est work quality. The business has been recognized with an ABC Excellence in Safety award, Gold STEP award and Paragon Safety award. Choate Construction Company Employee-owned Choate Con- struction has offices in Raleigh, Durham and Charlotte, providing general construction, management and consulting services. The business has a OneLife iden- tity safety program with a logo to re- mind everyone that safety must be top of mind. Choate received an ABC Gold STEP award, and the com- 12 — Winter 2018 — The North Carolina Construction News pany has been accepted into this year’s North Carolina Building Star program. Crowder Construction Company Crowder Construction have been in business for 70 years. This general contractor also provides clients with industrial construction and energy services. Projects range from bridges, dams, water and waste water treatment, to civil transporta- tion and public utilities infrastructure. Crowder received a 2017 Gold Safety Achievement Award from the North Carolina Department of Labor, and a Carolinas Associated General Contractors (CAGC) merit award Out- standing Safety Performance in the Heavy Construction Division in 2017. The company also received an ABC Gold STEP award. Edifice Located in Charlotte, Edifice is one of the Southeast’s most successful full service general contractors. The company completes often complex projects, including corporate offices, education, healthcare, retail, munici- pal, and seniors living. ABC has rec- ognized the business with a Platinum STEP award. Eldeco Eldeco specializes in electrical de- sign and construction, with more than 45 years experience on many major retail, industrial and heavy con- struction projects. The company employs staff certi- fied in safety management by the American Society of Safety Profes- sionals. Employees identify leading indicators to red-flag projects before safety problems become critical. El- deco has received three Platinum STEP awards from ABC. Precision Concrete Construction The American Society of Concrete Contractors (ASCC) has recognized this business with Lost Time, Im- provement, Recognition and Fleet awards in 2018, and it has earned an ABC Gold STEP award. The business has a safety incentive program and sends a specialized safety training van to its job sites. Precision Walls Precision Walls of Raleigh and Carey has created a construction safety program with help from the Occupational Health and Safety Ad- ministration (OHSA). The business has reduced trips, slips and falls, and its safety achievements have been recognized with an ABC Platinum STEP award. Scaffolding Solutions This company has been in busi- ness since 2002, offering all type of custom scaffolding as well as eleva- tors, hoists, lifts, platforms and shoring for any type of construction project, big or small. See story page 13. Tab Premium Built Homes The inaugural Builders Mutual In- surance Company Safety Program of the Year Award went to this com- pany, a member of the Home Builders Association of Craven & Pamlico Counties. Tab Premium Built Homes has implemented compre- hensive safety programs with mandatory safety meetings, personal protective equipment enforcement, and other safety measures. WB Moore Electrical Contractors This Charlotte-based contractor has won the Construction Safety Ex- cellence Awards for a specialty con- tractor for seven consecutive years and the North Carolina Department of Labor award for 10 consecutive years. The employee-owned com- pany has been in business since 1989. WB Moore focuses on continuous safety training and has been recog- nized with an ABC Platinum STEP award. Scaffolding Solutions achieves exceptional safety record with full-service elevated work platforms North Carolina Construction News special feature Scaffolding Solutions, in business since 2002, is a full-service scaffold- ing engineering firm providing fully erected, turnkey elevated work plat- forms for all type of construction projects. The company works on new as well as restoration projects, shipyard staging applications for ship repair, and industrial operations of all types. Whether it is a government building, military base, educational or medical facility or any other type of commer- cial or industrial project, the busi- ness will erect exactly what is needed, says company president Roger Jetton. The business has North Carolina offices in Charlotte and Greensboro, as well as locations in Charleston, SC and also in Richmond, Manassas and Chesapeake, Virginia. The company’s professional erec- tors will erect the scaffolding a cus- tomer needs and then dismantle it at the end of the project. They have the most advanced scaffolding systems available, with local professional crews that can respond quickly to customers, especially in emergency situations. Scaffolding Solutions has worked on many complicated and challeng- ing projects over the years. One ex- ample is the Trinity Dome Project in Washington, DC in 2017. Jetton said safety is critically im- portant. He said the organization has not had a lost-time accident in two years and 11 months and their EMR (experience modification factor) is. .77. “We are very proud of our safety record,” he said. The company focuses on an indi- vidual behavioral-based safety ap- proach. All workers know they can call “time out” if they believe there is The North Carolina Construction News — Winter 2018 — 13 NORTH CAROLINA’S TOP 10 SAFETY REPORT a safety issue on the job. Every ele- ment of training and work is focused on safety. Jetton said that safety has evolved over time and employees have been able to take their safety standards to a much higher level. Certain projects have demanding scaffolding installation elements. Su- pervisors assess job hazards every morning and supervisors review those hazards with crews before any work is started. The safety focus is driven by the desire to protect good, hardworking employees, Jetton says. Incorporat- ing best safe-work practices in every worker task, Scaffolding Solutions has minimized worker injuries and risks. Safety recognitions include the BB&T insurance company Light- house Beam Safety Recognition Award in 2017, reflecting a workers’ compensation loss ratio of 10 per- cent or less. At least 75 percent of Scaffolding Solutions’ employees re- ceive Industrial Safety Readiness Training (ISRT) certificates each year, resulting in the Gold Level award from The Virginia Manufacturer’s As- sociation. In addition, Scaffolding Solutions received the National Scaffold and Access Industry Association’s (SAIA)’s 2017 Collaborative Commer- cial Project of the Year award. The SAIA project award was based on the innovative scaffolding and con- struction hoist installation at the Basilica Church in Washington, D.C., the largest Catholic church in North America, done with 30,000 man- hours of work with zero safety inci- dents. Scaffolding Solutions employs in- house safety managers as well as in- dependent safety consultants to constantly review best practices and audit worker safety. One best-practice example is the company has adopted the use of self-retractable dual lanyards at all work sites. The lanyards have a much shorter stopping time and are much safer than standard ones, Jet- ton said. For more information see https://scaffoldingsolutions.com/nor th-carolina. $IBSMPUUF
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QSBDUJDFE 14 — Winter 2018 — The North Carolina Construction News PROJECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES Charlotte approves $110 million for convention center expansion Charlotte City Council has ap- proved a $110-million plan to expand and renovate the Charlotte Conven- tion Center, the Charlotte Observer has reported. The project will add 93,000 sq. ft. of space along Stonewall St. Plans include 15 new meeting spaces with movable walls and a pedestrian bridge across Stonewall St. connect- ing the center to the Novel apart- ment and retail development, as well as the Blue Line light-rail station and the 700-room Westin Hotel. Holder-Edison Foard-Leeper Co. has been selected as construction manager for the project, while TVS North Carolina will provide architec- tural services. Construction is expected to start next year and would run through 2020. Construction on the new four story, 145,000-sq. ft. structure is set to start in spring 2019 at the corner of Blue Ridge and Macon Pond roads. The cancer center should open in late 2020. "We believe our new cancer cen- ter will create a hub for oncology care for patients from across Wake County and Eastern North Carolina,” UNC Rex president Steve Burriss said in a statement. “This center will provide a new home to care for more people who rely on us for treatment and support during a can- cer diagnosis." The four-story building is more than double the space currently ded- icated to cancer care on the Rex Hospital campus, officials said. Developers plan $30 million north Charlotte project with five-story hotel, commercial space Construction on a $30 million pro- ject in north Charlotte should start in the first quarter of 2019, the Char- lotte Business Journal reports. 2018-2019 edition UNC Rex Healthcare to build $65 million Raleigh cancer center UNC Rex Healthcare has an- nounced a $65 million project to build a new cancer center next to the main hospital in Raleigh. The North Carolina Construction News — Winter 2018 — 15 PROJECTS AND OPPORTUNITIES That project will meld retail and hospitality, with plans calling for a five-story, 125-room hotel and 29,600 sq. ft. of commercial space for retail and fast-casual restaurants, says Trent Gustafson, president of Gustafson Partners Commercial Real Estate. The project achieved rezoning ap- proval in November. “We’ve been pursuing this tract of land for a number of years,” Gustafson says. “That intersection is ground zero for the Northlake Mall trade area.” Frank L. Blum starts work on Salemtowne retirement community With $39 million in state-approved revenue bonds, Frank L. Blum Con- struction has started work on The Woodlands, a new residential living retirement community in Salem- towne. There will be two four-floor build- ings including 56 one- and two-bed- room villas ranging from 1,215- to 1,875-sq. ft. Each building will have seven residences per floor and an underground parking deck, The Win- ston-Salem Journal has reported. The average cost for an apart- ment is $325,000 and the project should be completed by late 2019 or early 2020. EGGER breaks ground for new manufacturing plant in Linwood EGGER, one of the world’s lead- ing wood-based materials suppliers for the furniture, wood construction and flooring industries, has started construction on its first U.S. manu- facturing plant at the I-85 Corporate Center in Linwood. Construction on the production facility began after the North Car- olina Department of Environmental Quality issued an air quality permit, The Dispatch says. In July 2017, Austrian-based com- pany, announced it was putting its first North American facility in David- son County, promising a $700 million investment and 770 jobs. 16 — Winter 2018 — The North Carolina Construction News the North Hills mixed-use develop- ment. The building will have office ac- commodations above an eight-story as well as will feature 880-space parking deck and around 8,200 sq. ft. of ground-level retail space. This ultramodern particleboard manufacturing plant is estimated to open in 2020 and will enable EGGER to better serve its customers in North America, improving access for architects, designers, wholesalers and furniture industry customers to EGGER’s wide range of wood-based products and designs. ADW wins contract to design new Aberdeen police facility The Town of Aberdeen has ap- proved a $368,000 contract with Charlotte-based architectural firm ADW to provide design services, prepare the bid documents and over- see construction administration for the new police facility. The new facility is expected to cost $4.2 million, while the construc- tion of the building would take up to 12 months, The Pilot reports. The new almost 13,000-sq. ft. building would house all the conven- tional police operations, including a detention area, evidence room, inter- view rooms and holding cells, a con- ference room, and offices. Plans call for the existing 5,230- sq. ft. building to be used for things such as locker and shower rooms, a fitness room, a training room that could be available to outside groups and general storage. Kane Realty to build 20-story office building in Raleigh Kane Realty Corp. is preparing to begin construction of a 20-story of- fice building in Raleigh’s Midtown district. The company has secured about an $84.7 million construction loan to build the building, Tower IV. The 326,600-sq. ft. office project will rise 18 stories at 4000 Front St. within Adjacent will be a 570,000-sq. ft. residential tower rising 32 stories. The building will have 10 levels of boutique hotel rooms and 22 levels of luxury apartments. Construction is expected to be completed in summer 2020. Lane Construction wins $346 million road construction contract Lane Construction Corp., a sub- sidiary of Salini Impregilo Group, has won a $346-million design-build con- tract in Wake County to make im- provements to I-440/US 1 from south of Walnut St. to north of Wade Ave. Improvements to the interstate, referred to locally as the Raleigh Beltline, will widen 6.5 miles of the roadway from four lanes to six, en- hancing traffic flow, access, and effi- ciency to the widely traveled roadway which is forecast to in- crease in traffic volume in the future. The work involves replacing pave- ment and bridges and upgrading in- terchanges and is expected to start in early 2019 and be completed by mid-2023. ASSOCIATION NEWS PHCCNC installs 2019 board Linda Burkett retires after 30 years with ASAC The Plumbing Heating Cooling Contractors of North Carolina (PHC- CNC) recently installed its 2019 board of officers and directors. They are: Don Hilderbrand, direc- tor; Rob McClintock, president; Jeff Voss, vice-president; Thomas Bar- bour, director; Isiah Oxford, director; Rick Whitaker, treasurer; Lauren Acosta Huckleberry, director and Brooks Jester, associate director. Dale Dawson issued the oath to new board members. Linda Burkett says she will be re- tiring Dec. 31 after three decades of service with the American Subcon- tractors Association of the Carolinas (ASAC). NC Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry to speak at NCSA's Jan. 17 meeting in Charlotte Cherie Berry, North Carolina's Commissioner of Labor, will be the guest speaker at the North Car- olina Subcon- tractors Alliance (NCSA) meeting on Jan. 17 in Charlotte. “Berry will be discussing safety and laws governing the construction industry,” the NCSA says in its event announcement. There will also be display tables from safety and insur- ance company representatives. The event will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Char- lotte Executive Park, 5700 Westpark Dr. Tickets include two drink tickets, dinner and speaker, There is and op- tion to order a full table of eight and individual tickets. For more informa- tion and to register, visit the registra- tion page here. If you are interested in being a safety sponsor, call Michelle Frankum at (704) 965-7370. In her retirement letter, she de- scribed several of her contributions to the association. “In June, 2019 ASAC will cele- brate “Fifty Years” of service to the construction industry,” she wrote. “I consider it a privilege to have served 30 of those 50 years and it has most definitely ben an honor to serve as your executive director. Thank you for your valued support and friend- ship.” Sewage spillage in Raleigh's streams and tributaries underscores need for more public infrastructure funding: CAGC More than seven million gallons of sewage spilled into Raleigh's streams and tributaries in mid- November. This chilling occurrence underscores the need for more pub- lic funding to adequately address the importance of keeping pace with water, sewer and other infrastructure needs throughout the Carolinas, ac- cording to Carolinas Associated Gen- eral Contractors (CAGC). "More focus needs to be placed on repairing our water and sewer lines, as well as all public infrastruc- ture needs, at a time when they are not being adequately addressed throughout the Carolinas and our na- tion," said Dave Simpson, the associ- ation's president and CEO. "These in- cidents unfortunately will not go away if we do not keep pace with maintaining and improving all of our infrastructure needs." According to news reports, the City of Raleigh repaired only 17 miles of sewer and water pipe last fiscal year. The Public Utilities De- partment requested a 3 percent in- crease in water and sewer rates to help repair 24 miles of pipe. The City Council voted to raise rates by 1.6 percent. With 7 million gallons of sewage spilling into four Raleigh streams and tributaries, including nearly 5 million gallons of sewage spilling into Marsh Creek, more needs to be invested in the water and sewer system. AGC of America Utility Infrastruc- ture Division director Allen Gray said in a statement: “This is an unfortu- nate but telling example of how im- portant investing in our deteriorating water/waste water infrastructure is. The problem is national, but espe- cially critical in areas experiencing the growth seen in Raleigh and throughout the Carolinas. It is imper- ative to our health, environment and business development to fully fund safe, adequate and dependable water/waste water infrastructure.” AIA Charlotte announces 2018 Design and Service award winners AIA Charlotte recently hosted the 2018 Design & Service Awards Gala at the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art. Fourteen projects received awards. Design projects were se- lected by a jury of architects from Tennessee, chaired by John L. Sanders, FAIA, of Sanders Pace Ar- chitecture. Service award recipients were nominated by their peers and selected by a jury of local AIA Char- lotte architects. For the list of winners, visit https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.aiacha rlotte.org/resource/resmgr/design_a wards/2018/2018_design_awards_wi nners_a.pdf The North Carolina Construction News — Winter 2018 — 17 An invitation: Current safety updates and trends North Carolina’s labor commissioner Cherri Berry is the featured speaker at the upcoming North Carolina Subcontractors Alliance (NCSA) meeting in Charlotte on Jan. 17. She will speak about her greatest priority – safety – and update members and guests about current safety updates and trends. Tickets are available at http://ncsubcontractors.com/events/ Thursday, Jan. 15, 2019, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Crowne Plaza Executive Park Hotel 5700 Westpark Dr., Charlotte, NC North Carolina Subcontractors Alliance, Inc. City of Columbia’s Project Name: Lake Katherine Sewer Line Capacity Enhancement City of Columbia CIP Project #SS7261 Bid Date – 01/11/2019 Prime Contractor: Stutts & Williams, LLC Areas of work available for subcontracting: Traffic Control, Landscaping, Retaining Wall Construction, Tree Removal and Disposal, Sewer Line CCTV, Asphalt Paving/Patching, Concrete Work Contact Person’s Name and Phone Number: Cindy McMahan, 803-814-3753 Additional Information: Stutts & Williams, LLC will provide links to plans and specifications based on inquiries. Subcontract values greater than $500,000 may require bonding unless subcontractor can provide adequate past experience and financial information to waive bonding requirement. Stutts & Williams, LLC requests pricing be submitted to us by COB, January 3, 2019. Questions & proposals can be sent to joey@stuttswilliams.com. Attention General Contractors Go Online Now The NC Licensing Board for GC’s announces NC Contractors Licensing Central (NCCLiC) for online license renewals. It’s fast, easy and secure. Visit NCCLiC.org to get started. 1. CLiC the orange button to begin 2. CLiC to register your existing license number 3. Enter the requested information: • your license number • a password of your choosing • con rm your password • an email address • con rm the email • tax ID for corporations/LLCs or Social Security number for sole proprietors CLiC “I agree” to con 5. CLiC “register” 4. rm the terms 6. Look for an email to con rm your account 7. CLiC the red button in the email Get your 2019 license application in your NCCLiC account Call us at 919.571.4183 if you have any questions or need assistance IMPORTANT: License renewal applications will not be mailed. Construction & Surety Lawyers For Every Step of Your Critical Path. Every day, the construction and surety lawyers at Lewis & Roberts help their clients manage commercial construction risk through careful contract drafting, thoughtful project counseling and zealous claims 919.981.0191 resolution. Contact Jim Roberts, 3700 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 410 Matt Bouchard and Ben Buskirk Raleigh, North Carolina 27612 today, and allow our knowledge, www.lewis-roberts.com experience and sound judgment mattbouchard@lewis-roberts.com guide you at every step of your critical path. Serving all of North Carolina For more, visit Matt ‘s blog, “N.C. Construction Law, Policy & News,” at www.nc-construction-law.com