​De Soto, Kan. - Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd., a Panasonic Group company, began construction on a new lithium-ion battery manufacturing facility in De Soto, KS, following the approval by Panasonic Holdings Corporation Board of Directors. The project will drive significant economic activity and opportunities for the local Kansas economy making the state a key player in the domestic electric vehicle (EV) industry. 
Facility construction is focused on rapidly ramping up manufacture of "2170" cylindrical Li-ion batteries to meet surging domestic EV battery demand. Panasonic Energy plans to begin mass production in Kansas by March 2025. Upon completion of the facility, it will maintain annual total production capacity of approximately 30 GWh to supply EV manufacturers across the United States. 
“This groundbreaking in Kansas is an important step towards expanding our production capacity in North America to meet the rapidly growing demand for lithium-ion batteries,” said Kazuo Tadanobu, President, CEO of Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd. “With our leading technology, proven expertise, and the state of Kansas as a critical partner, we will continue driving the industry forward while pursuing a more prosperous and sustainable future for our society.”
The facility will be located at the Astra Enterprise Park site and will once again make the location a key economic driver for the region. Two contractors from the local Kansas City area, Emery Sapp & Sons Inc., and Kissick Construction Co. Inc., have been awarded contracts for site preparation, with Panasonic Energy expecting to onboard additional firms in the coming months.
“The Kansas City region, just as it has over the past century, is cementing its rightful place as a leader where transit innovation is occurring," said Tim Cowden, president and CEO, Kansas City Area Development Council. "We are incredibly proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Panasonic as they revolutionize the global transportation industry from the center of the most dynamic economy in the world."
Kansas’s skilled manufacturing workforce, reliable infrastructure, and central location in North America makes it an ideal location for this facility. The facility is expected to create up to 4,000 jobs. Recruitment for the first positions is expected to begin mid-2023 and individuals interested in applying can visit https://na.panasonic.com/us/panasonic-energy. 
“Panasonic deeply values the strong relationships we build with the local communities where we live and work,” said Megan Myungwon Lee, Chairwoman and CEO, Panasonic Corporation of North America. “This factory will open new career opportunities for De Soto residents in one of the most exciting industries in our modern economy. We hope it will also serve as a source of inspiration for the community’s young people, who will become the innovators creating a more vibrant and sustainable future, and we are committed to helping them achieve their goals.”
Panasonic has a long track record of supporting the communities where it operates, including investing in local education, talent development, mentorship, volunteerism and environmental initiatives. As a first step in the company’s new commitment to Kansas and the De Soto community, Panasonic is making a $25,000 donation to Unified School District No. 232 to support educational opportunities for students. 
"The City of De Soto is thrilled to work with Panasonic and welcome them to our amazing community," said Mayor Rick Walker. "De Soto has a rich history of supporting critical manufacturing facilities and we have been planning for this growth and the return of advanced manufacturing jobs to this area for years. We're especially excited for the opportunity to invest in the renewable energy industry and provide strong jobs for generations to come."  
Panasonic Energy is a global leader in lithium-ion batteries, with a nearly 100-year history of innovation in batteries spanning both battery cell technology and battery business operations. The company continues to strengthen its lineup of automotive lithium-ion batteries and expand its production capacity, currently developing the new “4680” high-capacity lithium-ion battery in Japan. Panasonic Energy’s facility in Sparks, Nevada, is now one of the world’s largest lithium-ion battery factories, surpassing six billion EV battery cells shipped. The expansion in Kansas builds on its proven success as the North American market leader in EV lithium-ion batteries and long-term commitment to advancing the EV industry in the United States. 
“Expanding production capacity in Kansas will enable us to continue delivering the highest quality batteries for our automotive partners as demand grows,” said Kris Takamoto, Executive Vice President of Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd., Head of EV Battery Business. “We are already producing more than five million battery cells a day in North America, and the new facility in Kansas will further grow our capacity, efficiency and economies of scale which are critical to a net-zero emissions future.”
The new battery manufacturing facility will also support the company’s commitment to contribute to society by reducing global carbon emissions. The factory is a demonstration of Panasonic’s Green IMPACT initiative, which is aimed at reducing the company’s own CO2 emission to virtually net-zero by 2030 and contributing to 300 million tons in avoided emissions by 2050. 
About Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd.
Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd., established in April 2022 as part of the Panasonic Group's switch to an operating company system, provides innovative battery technology-based products and solutions globally. Through its automotive lithium-ion batteries, storage battery systems and dry batteries, the company brings safe, reliable, and convenient power to a broad range of business areas, from mobility and social infrastructure to medical and consumer products. Panasonic Energy is committed to contributing to a society that realizes happiness and environmental sustainability, and through its business activities the Company aims to address societal issues while taking the lead on environmental initiatives. For more details, please visit https://www.panasonic.com/global/energy/
About the Panasonic Group
A global leader in developing innovative technologies and solutions for wide-ranging applications in the consumer electronics, housing, automotive, industry, communications, and energy sectors worldwide, the Panasonic Group switched to an operating company system on April 1, 2022 with Panasonic Holdings Corporation serving as a holding company and eight companies positioned under its umbrella. Founded in 1918, the Group is committed to enhancing the well-being of people and society and conducts its businesses based on founding principles applied to generate new value and offer sustainable solutions for today’s world. The Group reported consolidated net sales of 7,388.8 billion yen for the year ended March 31, 2022. Devoted to improving the well-being of people, the Panasonic Group is united in providing superior products and services to help you Live Your Best. To learn more about the Panasonic Group, please visit: https://holdings.panasonic/global/

While worries regarding the COVID-19 crisis persist, construction is on the road to recovery, according to analysts.
“Construction activity continues to dig itself out of one of the deepest and shortest recessions in U.S. history,” says Richard Branch, chief economist at Dodge Data & Analytics. Still, he warns, “it will be a long road back. Through eight months, the value of total construction starts is 14% below 2019.”
Non-residential starts are down 24% on a year-to-date basis, with declines across the board, according to Dodge data. Branch notes that warehouse construction continues to be the one strong spot, as the popularity of online shopping continues. Non-building construction is down 20% overall, despite growth in the streets and bridges sector. The largest projects that broke ground in recent months include the $1-billion Facebook data center in Gallatin, Tenn.; a $740-million Texas Instruments fabrication facility in Richardson, Texas; and a $1.3-billion wastewater pollution control plant in San Francisco.
Residential construction has remained fairly strong, down less than 1% year-to-date. “Strength in single family starts is offsetting weakness in multifamily construction,” says Branch.
As for the future, Branch points to the end of government programs as a stumbling block for the industry. “The expiration of enhanced unemployment insurance benefits and small business loans that were provided in the CARES Act, the budget crises facing state and local governments and the impending expiration of the FAST Act on Sept. 30 will all have a dampening effect on starts in the months to come,” he says.
David Burstein, senior principal of AEC consulting firm PSMJ Resources, agrees. While PSMJ’s Quarterly Market Forecast (QMF) survey reported that fewer than 15% of respondents had major project delays or cancellations as of August of this year, federal funding will be necessary for this trend to continue.
“The question for 2021 is whether the feds will step up to fund the tax shortfalls experienced by state and local agencies,” says Burstein. “My guess is that they will, but it’s not a certainty. If the feds don’t step up, 2021 will be a rough year for A/E/C firms that serve the state and local markets.”
Fewer than 5% of respondents to the QMF survey reported significant staff reductions, which Burstein credits in part to the Paycheck Protection loan program.
“The AEC Industry has fared much better than most industries during the COVID-19 pandemic,” he added.

Lumber Prices Rising

In the commodities sector, the big story is lumber prices, which have risen 250% since bottoming out in April, according to IHS Markit.
“We have definitely seen some extraordinary increases on lumber prices, specifically softwood lumber prices, here in North America,” says Deni Koenhemsi, senior economist at IHS Markit. 
In its third quarter forecast, IHS Markit is predicting a 19.1% increase in softwood lumber prices for 2020, a huge  turnaround from the second quarter forecast, which predicted a 0.7% drop in prices for the year. Plywood prices are now expected to be up 4.5% for the year, after a 3.3% decline was predicted in the second-quarter forecast.
Koenhemsi attributes the rising prices to a “classic case of mismatched supply and demand.”
“When the pandemic reached the U.S., producers in the U.S. and Canada both decided to cut production, thinking that housing construction will slow considerably,” she says. But demand quickly rebounded. “We have seen a V-shaped recovery for housing starts and permits.”

Labor TrendsThe latest Construction Labor Research Council report on union labor trends shows that the Northwest region received the highest wage increase in 2020, at 3.9%, up from 3.4% in 2019. The Northwest region includes Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington.
The South Central region, which includes Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas, recorded the lowest wage increase for 2020, at 1.8%.

American Union Services is a contractor based in Lawrence KS.  AUS provides services in light gauge steel stud framing, sound and thermal insulation, drywall, drywall finishing, acoustical ceiling, installation of doors, frames and hardware,  fire and corridor shaft-wall systems and general contracting.  AUS serves Lawrence, Topeka and Kansas City KS areas.  You can reach American Union Services at 785-840-4040 or [email protected]  based out of Lawrence KS.  Framing contractor, Lawrence, Shawnee, Lenexa, Olathe, and Topeka KS.  Drywall contractor, Lawrence, Shawnee, Lenexa, Olathe, and Topeka KS.  General contractor, Lawrence, Shawnee, Lenexa, Olathe, and Topeka KS.

When home owners take on a remodeling project, they’re often far more focused on choosing glistening fixtures for a new bathroom or debating the type of granite to use on a kitchen counter top than, say, navigating the intricacies of the building permit process. That could be a huge mistake, however, and it may not even come to light until the house is put up for sale. Ignoring local approval requirements not only poses safety and legal problems but also can potentially derail an otherwise smooth sale.
Home owners using licensed contractors for remodeling work typically don’t have to get involved with permitting. Most licensed contractors will handle the cumbersome process for them—filling out the paperwork with the municipality, collecting fees, and being present for the required inspections, says Michael Hydeck, president of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. But when home owners tackle do-it-yourself projects or use unlicensed contractors, they risk problems later.
The permit process varies widely from city to city and state to state). But the purpose of the document is the same everywhere: It offers ­assurance by a municipal building department that the work being done meets all safety codes.

Ask Sellers Before You List Home owners may be asked about permits in the process of selling a home. At closing, they may have to disclose any remodeling work they did and verify permits. A home inspector evaluating a property for a buyer may want to know whether a permit was obtained. Furthermore, the buyer’s appraiser may want to see permit records to check the legality of any home renovations.
“If no permits are found and it’s obvious the home has been renovated, the bank will likely refuse to make the loan,” according to the American Bar Association’s book Legal Guide to Home Renovation(Random House Reference, 2006). If the permitless work isn’t discovered until after closing, the home’s value could even be subject to a lawsuit, such as in cases when an addition added extra square footage to the home’s value but the construction wasn’t done legally with a permit.
That’s why contractors and legal experts say real estate practitioners are well advised to ask sellers before they take on a listing for a renovated home: “Did you get a permit for that?”
Remodeling contractor John Price in Merced, Calif., has been called in to help home owners after permit problems have been uncovered. He once worked with a home owner who installed siding by himself, but added it too far down along the wall of the house, so it rubbed up against dirt and picked up moisture. Eventually the poor installation led to mold growing in the drywall throughout the inside of the house.
Some home owners, however, are tempted to sidestep the permit process not wanting to pay the fees (municipalities generally charge a minimum issuing fee—such as $25—as well as an additional fee—sometimes 1 percent—of total construction costs), or they might not want to risk delaying a project or a sale by waiting for city inspections (obtaining permits can take anywhere from a day to six weeks or more).
“People have strong incentives to cheat, and some of that lays squarely on the feet of policymakers who have sometimes created a system that is time-consuming and frustrating,” Price says.
But caught without a permit during resale, home owners may face big consequences. They may have to pay fines (possibly up to quadruple the original permit cost) or may have to tear the project down and redo it.

Virtually No Job Is Too Small Home owners making any changes to the structures of a home will likely need a permit—and you may need more than one, Price says.
While kitchen and bathroom remodels and housing additions are obvious permit candidates, people may not realize they might also need one for such projects as installing a window, adding a new light switch, or replacing a shower. “There are not too many jobs you don’t need a permit for,” Hydeck adds. “It’s better to be safe than sorry.”

​American Union Services is a contractor based in Lawrence KS.  AUS provides services in light gauge steel stud framing, sound and thermal insulation, drywall, drywall finishing, acoustical ceiling, installation of doors, frames and hardware,  fire and corridor shaft-wall systems and general contracting.  AUS serves Lawrence, Topeka and Kansas City KS areas.  You can reach American Union Services at 785-840-4040 or [email protected]  based out of Lawrence KS.  Framing contractor, Lawrence, Shawnee, Lenexa, Olathe, and Topeka KS.  Drywall contractor, Lawrence, Shawnee, Lenexa, Olathe, and Topeka KS.  General contractor, Lawrence, Shawnee, Lenexa, Olathe, and Topeka KS.

It’s no secret that construction can be very slow when it comes to change. Nevertheless, the advent of new technologies has dramatically contributed toward the modernization of the whole industry. A general need for change has emerged as a result of the serious productivity problems that are noticed in big markets like the United States and the United Kingdom.
Some changes are apparent today and a further readjustment of the whole sector is anticipated in the near future. For that reason, we decided to do our research and present to you five of the most noteworthy changes which are about to come in construction:
1. Construction Software and Full IntegrationFirst things first, construction software is expected to change our industry once and for all. In fact, it has already done that. More specifically, it has managed to empower the whole construction process by ameliorating the communication between the different parties involved in a project. One of the elements that have made construction software so indispensable has to do with the fact that it allows for the real-time exchange of information between the various project agents. This means a significant decrease of budget miscalculations and task delays.
What we described in the previous paragraph is the present. But the new era in construction will truly have arrived if we manage to make full integration the rule. The United Kingdom made some very brave steps toward that direction through the BIM Level 2 Mandate. Despite the fact that there still are many complaints on how the British government has handled the issue until today, it can be proved to be a game changer for construction globally.
2. Augmented and Virtual RealityAs a continuation of the first point above, augmented and virtual reality are gaining more and more space in construction. AR and VR can truly take the construction processes to the next level. Thanks to this cutting-edge technology, construction managers can now have a detailed overview of the whole project and plan ahead.
On top of that, this virtual projection of the structure’s final form can help in preventing costly mistakes and allow for fewer delays. What is more, the better the planning the less the waste of resources given the fact that you will be in a position to know beforehand the exact needs of your construction project.
Furthermore, it also is a big advantage in terms of safety. It's currently very expensive and dangerous to put humans underwater or below ground to work on highly technical tasks requiring precious hand tools. The concept of robotic underwater welders or pipe-fitting robots is currently in use but sparsely. Well before the AI (artificial intelligence) is good enough, VR headsets will allow us to see everything in the field of machines view and control arms and tools to get them done. There will come a day that a crane operator will have the same type of helmet as a modern-day Apache helicopter pilot. This will allow crane operators to get far more precise movements and see all angles of the crane as it swings from one point to another. Again, the price of this modern equipment is currently cost-prohibitive, but the technology for this type of work is already in existence today.
Well before the AI (artificial intelligence) is good enough, VR headsets will allow us to see everything in the field of machines view and control arms and tools to get them done. There will come a day that a crane operator will have the same type of helmet as a modern-day Apache helicopter pilot. This will allow crane operators to get far more precise movements and see all angles of the crane as it swings from one point to another. Again, the price of this modern equipment is currently cost-prohibitive, but the technology for this type of work is already in existence today.
3. Next Generation ToolsThere are always going to be better and more powerful tools. This has been the case for thousands of years. But the next generation of tools are different. These devices and robots come with their own software, that's a different story. The software comes with updates and eventually machine learning. This means the average low-level worker is potentially replaceable in 20 years. But we have to keep in mind that emerging technology takes the form of software and hardware. A great example of extraordinary hardware technology undoubtedly is exoskeletons.
Exoskeletons are devices that allow workers to get more efficiency out of all movements while also being able to lift, carry, and pull more. They can reduce daily strain and provide an additional element of safety on site. However, these robots are still far too expensive for the benefit they provide at the moment. They're much more likely to be seen after 10 or more years when the software is flawless, batteries are improved, and the price drops.
4. New Workforce TypeBy now, it’s clear that construction is rapidly changing and that a new reality for the whole sector will emerge in the near future (if it hasn’t already). This will, of course, have a strong impact on the profile of the industry and by extension on its workforce type. Construction has a unique opportunity to attract skillful and educated young professionals. The advent of new technologies in combination with the extensive use of software has started transforming construction to a promising career field.
If we also take into account the serious construction labor shortage that the industry has to undergo at the moment, this is great news! As our sector changes, it becomes obvious that construction can finally provide long-term career options for a new technological savvy workforce. To get a clearer understanding of what this means, think about it like this; In 2017, there are still construction companies working on pen and paper to complete most of their projects. There is a younger generation that’s more comfortable with technology rising quickly. When this generation gets into leadership roles in the top construction companies, there will be an expedited shift towards futuristic solutions.
To get a clearer understanding of what this means, think about it like this; In 2017, there are still construction companies working on pen and paper to complete most of their projects. There is a younger generation that’s more comfortable with technology rising quickly. When this generation gets into leadership roles in the top construction companies, there will be an expedited shift towards futuristic solutions.
5. Green ConstructionLast but certainly not least, green construction! The amelioration of the construction process in conjunction with the productivity increase allows for a ‘greener’ construction process to arise. The ultimate goal, in this case, is the establishment of sustainable building as the prevailing construction procedure. It goes without saying that, it requires tons of work and effort before this ambition comes to life on a greater scale.
In short, green construction can have some great benefits not only for our industry but for our environment and everyday lives. More specifically, it can help in reducing energy waste, increasing productivity and establishing higher living and aesthetic standards. There still are many who are reluctant toward green construction due to the higher cost during the construction process. Nonetheless, this is not correct if we consider the full living cycle of the building. A sustainable building structure can be much more beneficial in the long run. That is why green building is an option that has to be thoroughly explored in the near future.
ConclusionAll in all, it becomes apparent that many things are about to change within the construction industry. A new era is approaching thanks to cutting-edge technology. Construction software has surely played a crucial role in this change and for many, it is expected to be the basis on which the rest of the changes in construction will eventually be established.

American Union Services is a contractor based in Lawrence KS.  AUS provides services in light gauge steel stud framing, sound and thermal insulation, drywall, drywall finishing, acoustical ceiling, installation of doors, frames and hardware,  fire and corridor shaft-wall systems and general contracting.  AUS serves Lawrence, Topeka and Kansas City KS areas.  You can reach American Union Services at 785-840-4040 or [email protected]  based out of Lawrence KS.  Framing contractor, Lawrence, Shawnee, Lenexa, Olathe, and Topeka KS.  Drywall contractor, Lawrence, Shawnee, Lenexa, Olathe, and Topeka KS.  General contractor, Lawrence, Shawnee, Lenexa, Olathe, and Topeka KS. 

Builders and contractors want to keep up with the latest construction industry trends so that they can stay ahead of the competition. Here are nine trends that could affect how you conduct business in 2019.

Better Construction Management Software Construction management software has steadily improved over the last few years, and many affordable packages are now available that bundle together software for bidding and estimating, project management, change orders, scheduling, human resources, billing, accounting and more. 2019 will see more large and small companies making use of affordable integrated software solutions.

Use of Drones Continuing into 2019 will be one of the hottest trends of recent years: the use of drones. Drones, unmanned aerial vehicles, are here to stay. Drones equipped wih cameras and other electronics can access remote locations, collect data, complete safety inspections, capture project progress and so much more. Surveyors use them to create 3d mapping or images that later can be used to depict an area. You can expect rules on usage of drones to begin clarifying as the FFA begins to refine regulations.

American Union Services is a contractor based in Lawrence KS.  AUS provides services in light gauge steel stud framing, sound and thermal insulation, drywall, drywall finishing, acoustical ceiling, installation of doors, frames and hardware,  fire and corridor shaft-wall systems and general contracting.  AUS serves Lawrence, Topeka and Kansas City KS areas.  You can reach American Union Services at 785-840-4040 or [email protected]  based out of Lawrence KS.

With costs of quality drones falling, usage will expand in 2019.

Green Design and Construction Technology Also continuing into 2019 is the trend toward green design and technology in construction. Every construction project is expected to increase their participation through green design aiming towards the LEED certification. This trend, which started some years ago, will continue to rise in 2019. The essence of green design and construction is the effort to create resource-efficient and environmentally responsible construction projects. It includes every aspect of construction, including planning and design, demolition, and cleanup.

With 20 percent of global emissions directly attributable to the construction industry, green building practices can go a long way toward supporting, rather than harming, the environment—especially at a time when aging buildings make new construction so critical.

As was true in 2018, 2019 will also see more local aimed at fostering the green building trend.

Sustainability Closely related to green technology, sustainability can be defined as a broader policy of using methods and business models that make the world a better place. While "green" building practices are really focused mostly on reducing the carbon footprint of a particular construction project, sustainability has broader goals. Among the elements of sustainable construction practice:

• Preservation of the natural environment
• Efficient use of resources
• Promoting social progress and culture

For example, a sustainable construction project may feature building designs aimed at bringing natural light into the center of a building, thereby reducing electrical costs. Or, a building can be designed to reuse drain water from sinks to flush toilets. Some sustainable projects look to integrate existing structures into a new project, or to make use of recycled or repurposed building materials.


Increasing interest in sustainability by millennial consumers and clients will require forward-thinking construction companies to accommodate this trend in 2019.


Growing Material Costs Costs of building materials will continue to increase into 2019, a trend that began in December 2017, leading to a 9 percent increase over the course of 2018. Largest cost increases will be seen in iron, steel, manufactured steel products, and softwood construction lumber. The impact of newly initiated import tariffs will increasingly be felt in 2019 through increased costs of materials.

Reduced Labor Force With U.S. unemployment rates low and construction activity remaining relatively high, a shortage of skilled construction labor will continue to be a problem in 2019. The problem will only get worse with expected reductions in immigrant labor. Builders will find it necessary to invest in training to equip existing workers with the skills necessary, and they will need to invest in the tools and higher wages necessary to keep those workers satisfied and productive. Training and development will need to be an integral part of every construction company's policy in 2019.

The labor shortage is so severe in all segments of the building trades that you can expect to see work slow-downs and scheduling delays become routine in 2019.

Better Safety Equipment 2019 will see a push toward better safety equipment to counter the higher number of construction-related accidents and fatalities seen in recent years. For example, there are now "smart" work boots available with GPS transmitters that will allow supervisors to spot workers who have fallen or have slowed down due to fatigue. This technology will become increasingly common in 2019. The quality of moisture-wicking fabrics and cooling vests is also improving. Drones and other robotic surveying equipment will make it easier to spot problems on a job site.

You may also see increased regulatory enforcement aimed at reducing the increased incidence of job site accidents.
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​American Union Services is a contractor based in Lawrence KS.  AUS provides services in light gauge steel stud framing, sound and thermal insulation, drywall, drywall finishing, acoustical ceiling, installation of doors, frames and hardware,  fire and corridor shaft-wall systems and general contracting.  AUS serves Lawrence, Topeka and Kansas City KS areas.  You can reach American Union Services at 785-840-4040 or [email protected]  based out of Lawrence KS.
​
American Union Services is a contractor based in Lawrence KS.  AUS provides services in light gauge steel stud framing, sound and thermal insulation, drywall, drywall finishing, acoustical ceiling, installation of doors, frames and hardware,  fire and corridor shaft-wall systems and general contracting.  AUS serves Lawrence, Topeka and Kansas City KS areas.  You can reach American Union Services at 785-840-4040 or [email protected]  based out of Lawrence KS.  Framing contractor, Lawrence, Shawnee, Lenexa, Olathe, and Topeka KS.  Drywall contractor, Lawrence, Shawnee, Lenexa, Olathe, and Topeka KS.  General contractor, Lawrence, Shawnee, Lenexa, Olathe, and Topeka KS. 

Which is the right type of drywall for your project? There are many types of drywall depending on the activity and the place where it will be installed. One important detail that drywall offers is that the presence of tapered edges on the long edges of drywall sheets. These tapered edges, when joined together, will form a shallow recess for drywall tape and joint compound that allows for invisible finished joints.
There are other options but not quite as common as the previous ones. There is an ECO board made out of recycled material using waste fibers creating a drywall that looks like concrete. It can be made out of up to 20 different byproducts and one of the most important advantages is that, due to its composition, prevents mold and termites.  Don't get confused by the names as drywall can also be called by these commercial names: 
In the next sections, you will learn the differences and applications for white, blue, green, paperless, paper, Type X and soundproof drywall.

• •  Drywall
  •  Sheetrock® (USG Product)
  •  Gyp Board
  •  Gypsum Board
  •  Plaster Board
  •  Wallboard
• 01
  Regular Drywall or White Board
  Regular drywall is normally white on one side and brown on the other side. It probably is the most economic drywall type and comes in different sizes ranging in thickness from 3/8 inch to 1 inch. This is the most common one used and normally is available in 4 x 8 panels.
  
• 02
  Green Board Drywall Flickr
  Green board drywall is also known as moisture resistant drywall. It has a green covering that makes it more resistant to moisture than regular drywall. It is somewhat more expensive than regular drywall, but be aware that it is not waterproof, so don’t use it if it’s going to be in contact with water. Also used as a tile backer in limited wet areas, e.g., bathroom and basement walls, plus kitchens, and laundry and utility rooms.
  
• 03
  Blue Board Drywall Rbertsreno.blogspot.com
  Blue board drywall is also known as plaster baseboard. Blue board is used for veneer plastering, and the surface paper has special absorption qualities. It has a high water and mold resistance and there are fewer steps involved in veneer plastering. Blue board drywall is not made for mud, tape, and paint and works extremely well in bathrooms or places with a lot of moisture. Additionally, this type of board helps reduce noise and offers low emissions. Good choice for overall performance.
  
• 04
  Paperless Drywall 
  Paperless drywall has been replacing paper drywall over the last years. This type of drywall is covered with fiberglass instead of paper, which protects the gypsum board from rot and offers even greater resistance to mold and mildew. The quality of the board is a little tougher than regular drywall, however, some construction pros find it easier to cut. Remember that you need to take extra steps when dealing with fiberglass materials. Paperless drywall has some ​slight textures that will require applying joint compound to achieve a smooth clean finish drywall level.
  
• 05
  Purple Drywall
  Purple drywall is an improved moisture resistant product that offers the same advantages of regular drywall, but only with superior moisture and mold resistant characteristics. It might be installed on all wall and ceiling applications and is ideally suited where enhanced moisture and mold resistance is desired. If it is going to be in contact with water, this is the one to use.
  
• 06
  Type X Drywall Walllumberco.com
  This one is the so-called fire-resistant drywall. Several thicknesses can be used in layers to achieve higher fire rating. It is harder to cut and work than regular drywall and normally is used in garages, rooms and apartment buildings, as it is required by several building codes. Type X drywall is made with special noncombustible fibers. It normally comes in 5/8 thickness and its extra thickness can also improve its soundproofing characteristics. To receive the "Type X" designation under ASTM C 36, a gypsum board product must be shown to achieve not less than a one-hour fire resistance rating for 5/8" board or a 3/4-hour fire resistance rating for 1/2" board applied in a single layer, nailed on each face of load-bearing wood framing members. Used when the fire rating is beyond 20 minutes.
  
• 07
  Sound Proof Drywall 
  Soundproof drywall is composed of laminated drywall made with a mix of wood fibers, gypsum and polymers increasing the STC (sound transmission class). This drywall is denser than regular drywall so it might be a little harder to cut than other types of drywall. Due to its soundproofing characteristics, it is used in areas where noise is a problem or when silence is required in a room. This one might be used in your family room walls or if you are a musician, it might help you in your music room.
• American Union Services provides an expert union workforce for light gauge steel stud framing, sound and thermal insulation, drywall, drywall finishing, acoustical ceilings, installation of doors, frames, and hardware, EIFS, stucco, fire and corridor shaft-wall systems and general contracting.  AUS serves Lawrence, Topeka and Kansas City KS areas.  AUS also provides our services on the residential side in framing, drywall, drywall finishing, and acoustical ceilings.  You can reach American Union Services at 785-840-4040 or [email protected]  based out of Lawrence KS.
  

This feature is a part of "The Dotted Line" series, which takes an in-depth look at the complex legal landscape of the construction industry. To view the entire series, click here.


American Union Services is a contractor based in Lawrence KS.  AUS provides services in light gauge steel stud framing, sound and thermal insulation, drywall, drywall finishing, acoustical ceiling, installation of doors, frames and hardware,  fire and corridor shaft-wall systems and general contracting.  AUS serves Lawrence, Topeka and Kansas City KS areas. 
Closeout for a general contractor encompasses several tasks, including the gathering of warranties for work and materials; providing to the owner operation manuals, as-built plans and other information necessary for maintenance and repair of the property; completing punch list items and making sure all change orders have been booked and submitted to the owner.
Subcontractors play a major part in this process as they’re the ones typically performing punch work, generating change orders and amassing the assorted paperwork and documents the general contractor will eventually hand over to the owner.
So how can contractors ensure a smoother closeout process? As it turns out, the time to start closing out a job is well before the owner wants to take possession and certainly before the last equipment and finishes are installed.
“The end starts at the beginning,” said Jason Mehlhaff, senior project manager at Layton Construction in Sandy, Utah.
Managing expectationsCloseout is more than just paperwork and punch out, though. It’s important, Mehlhaff said, for the general contractor, subcontractors and other project stakeholders to have the same level of expectations from the outset, not only as it pertains to documentation and organization but to performance as well.
This is especially true for the owner who might have something other than the actual finished product in mind and could be in for disappointment if the reality doesn’t align with what he or she has imagined. “The architect has communicated a vision to the client in what they’ve drawn,” Mehlhaff said.
Layton tries to bridge that potential gap — and avoid disappointment —  via good communication early on and then with transparency throughout the project, he said, so clients understand exactly what they’re getting. As part of this effort, it’s also essential that subcontractors and the general contractor be thoroughly familiar with all the job details themselves so that they can communicate correct information about the project.
Final paperworkOf course, documentation still is a major element of the closeout process. One way general contractors and subcontractors can start early preparations for the administrative aspects of closeout, said Adam Shihadeh, a project manager for Bullseye Builders in Orange County, California, is to amass what they can along the way rather than waiting until the job is near its end. For Bullseye, this means a robust and pointed system of communication with subcontractors.
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Email: Sign up By signing up you agree to our privacy policy. You can opt out anytime. “Education is the best way,” Shihadeh said. Bullseye uses email to send subcontractors a series of notices, starting with an explanation of how closeout for the project will work and that no retainage — a percentage of the contract amount held back to ensure 100% performance — will be released until they fulfill their obligations to the project.
The takeaway? Start gathering documents sooner rather than later. Otherwise, he said, subcontractors might become concerned with what information they need to provide only when they want their retainage payments, typically near the end of the project.
Read the contractContractors and subcontractors can start forming their understanding of expectations with a careful read-through of their contracts. However, Shihadeh said he can “guarantee” that many subcontractors skip this step. Bullseye uses an electronic signature system for its subcontracts, and Shihadeh said it often takes just a few minutes for them to be signed and returned via email, which is typically not enough time for an in-depth review of the documents. When that happens, he said Bullseye contacts the subcontractor and advises them to take another look.
This is all part of the contractor’s mission to plan every aspect of the project, even if subcontractors don’t. “We’re supposed to be the brain of the plan,” Shihadeh said. “It’s on [us] to make sure we have that plan."
Reading the contract is especially important for subcontractors, said attorney Quinn Murphy with Sandberg Phoenix & Von Gontard in St. Louis, when it comes to punch work. Otherwise, he said, some might end up paying for work or repairs of items that weren’t supposed to be part of their contracts in the first place.
“Punch is difficult to define in a contract,” Murphy said. In order not to get stuck paying for things outside the scope of their work, subcontractors should:

• Make sure their scope of work is as specific as possible and included as part of the contract.
• Communicate with the general contractor or construction manager verbally on the job and in writing about any issues that arise dealing with possible interference or damage to their work by other trades.
• Take photographs of put-in-place work immediately upon completion to prove the work was done correctly. This is especially true for finish trades like drywall and painting because oftentimes, Murphy said, they find their work smudged, scuffed or otherwise damaged as other trades complete their own scopes of work.

Making sure punch items are resolved is also important because retainage is often that little piece — or big piece — of leverage used by the owner or general contractor in order to make sure companies return to complete the punch phase. Depending on the project, a typical 5% to 10% retention can even surpass a contractor's estimated profit on the job.
The amount of punch out is also one of those areas, Shihadeh said, that can be reduced by quality control throughout the project. To that end, Bullseye holds two-week look-ahead meetings with subcontractors every week in an effort to help avoid work conflicts between trades and to assess the current state of the job. The aggressive approach, he said, sometimes makes subcontractors feel as if they’re being “hounded” by superintendents, but it’s all part of ensuring that the punch list is kept to a minimum. Their goal is a zero-item punch list, Shihadeh said.
But general contractors are only justified in taking that stern approach when they're starting off with a fair request. “I can't tell you how many subcontractor clients absolutely have a list of general contractors they'll bend over backwards for but also general contractors that have been unfair and asked them to perform work [not within their original scope],” Murphy said. “It gets back to construction being one of the most heavily trust-based professions.”
And when that trust is violated, closeout can become a showdown that sees the subcontractor withholding documentation like warranties and manuals until they receive final payment, and the general contractor insisting on getting that information in their hands before forking over the last check.
“Everybody [in those situations] is worried that the other side is going to renege on their deal the second they finally deliver,” Murphy said. “They do the best they can to make sure everybody walks away at the same time." It could also pay off, Shihadeh said, to take a look back at the end of the project and reevaluate processes and policies that maybe didn’t work as anticipated. Along these same lines, Mehlhaff said, Layton does a "360-degree review" of each project upon completion as well, looking for the great and not-so-great things that happened.
Bullseye even takes the opportunity to share some of that information with the owner as a way to show how proactive the company is when it comes to problem-solving.
“We try to have as much transparency as possible,” he said. “There’s nothing wrong with letting them know how we’re trying to improve our operations. 
American Union Services is a contractor based in Lawrence KS.  AUS provides services in light gauge steel stud framing, sound and thermal insulation, drywall, drywall finishing, acoustical ceiling, installation of doors, frames and hardware,  fire and corridor shaft-wall systems and general contracting.  AUS serves Lawrence, Topeka and Kansas City KS areas.  You can reach American Union Services at 785-840-4040 or [email protected]  based out of Lawrence KS.

Commercial Construction Trends to Watch

After another successful trip around the sun, it’s time to dust off the old crystal ball and take a look at the top trends to keep an eye on for the commercial construction industry in 2018. In 2017, we saw construction spending hit an all-time high in November and the industry is expected to carry that momentum into 2018.
Here are the top 5 commercial construction trends worth keeping an eye on in 2018:
American Union Services is a contractor based in Lawrence KS.  AUS provides services in light gauge steel stud framing, sound and thermal insulation, drywall, drywall finishing, acoustical ceiling, installation of doors, frames and hardware,  fire and corridor shaft-wall systems and general contracting.  AUS serves Lawrence, Topeka and Kansas City KS areas. 
Continued Labor Shortages
Ever since the construction industry started recovering from the Great Recession, it has dealt with labor shortages throughout areas of the country. This is expected to continue in 2018 as firms struggle to find enough skilled craft workers to meet the growing demand in order to keep pace with the increase in construction spending and starts expected this year.
The construction industry added 210,000 jobs in 2017, with 30,000 of those, mostly specialty trade contractors, being added in December. This is up from the 155,000 added in 2016 but still down from the 336,000 added back in 2015.
A recent survey by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) shows that 75% of firms surveyed are planning to add headcount in 2018. That’s good news, except when you consider that 78% of firms are currently having a hard time filling skilled labor positions and 82% of firms expect it to remain difficult or become harder to do so.
With the recent reduction in the corporate tax rate, it will be interesting to see if construction firms invest those savings into creating training programs to lure more workers to the industry or by increasing wages to attract more workers.
Offsite Construction
Offsite construction, both modular and prefabrication, is a construction method that got a lot of hype a few years ago but interest appeared to be waning. That doesn’t seem to be the case anymore as a renewed interest in both prefab and modular construction is growing.
For most clients of offsite construction, the big draw is the condensed construction schedule. Building in a controlled environment in an assembly-line fashion means no weather delays and creates a safer environment for workers since it eliminates having workers at height, eliminating many of the fall hazards common on traditional construction sites.
Last year, hotel giant Marriott committed to having 13% of their hotels built this year using modular construction. That means that 50 of the hotel deals Marriott expects to sign this year will be built with prefabricated modular guestrooms or bathrooms.
Another great example of the renewed interest in offsite construction is Katerra, a start-up formed in 2015 and already valued at over $1 billion. They handle design, material sourcing and supply, prefabrication and onsite construction of a project.
Technology to Address Labor, Safety and Productivity Issues
While the industry as a whole continues to be slow to adopt and underinvest in technology, those firms that do are reaping the benefits. Construction technology is going to continue to make inroads to solving some of the industry’s major problems: safety, productivity and labor shortages.
We are seeing robots, drones and autonomous construction equipment hitting jobsites. They are performing tasks that previously required skilled workers and are helping reduce the number of workers being placed in dangerous conditions. Drones are conducting site surveys and inspecting bridges. Autonomous equipment is being used for earthmoving and site work operations. Robots are handling monotonous, repetitive tasks like laying bricks and tying rebar.
Building Information Modeling (BIM) and other construction software are being integrated with virtual and augmented reality to help visualize projects, perform clash detections prior to construction, increase productivity and improve communication and collaboration. VR simulators are also being used to train construction workers on heavy equipment.
Wearables for monitoring workers in order to keep them safe as well as track movement to improve productivity is another tech trend to keep an eye on in 2018.
Sustainability
We’ve almost reached a point where almost all construction projects these days incorporates some sustainable or green elements into them. Whether it’s a completely net-zero building or just a few green components, sustainability will continue to be a major trend in 2018.
One major trend to keep an eye on is mass timber construction. Real estate developer Hines, which completed the 220,000-SF mass timber T3 in Minneapolis in 2016, has plans for two more mass timber buildings, one in Chicago and one in Atlanta. Other mass timber projects being planned or under construction include a new residence dormitory at the University of Arkansas and a new basketball arena for the University of Idaho.
Recycling construction waste is another sustainable measure gaining traction. Waste from demolition and renovation projects are being diverted from landfills and recycled. For example, concrete can be crushed up and used as an aggregate base for roads.
With all the hurricanes, flooding and wildfires we saw in 2017, this year may be the year that we start talking about sustainability and resiliency together. Not only building to reduce our environmental impact, but also designing more resiliently to protect buildings and infrastructure from being completely destroyed by natural disasters.
Subdued Growth
Construction spending and starts are expected to remain strong in 2018, but again the amount of growth is forecast to be a bit more subdued.
ConstructConnect’s construction starts forecast for 2018 is a 4.8% increase to $773.1 billion. Commercial construction (offices, parking garages and transportation terminals) is expected to have a 12.4% increase in starts next year with conservative growth out through 2021.
Industrial, which includes manufacturing facilities and warehouses, is expected to see a 5.6% decrease in starts in 2018 after seeing a 22.8% increase in 2017. Retail construction starts are expected to decline another 2.8% in 2018 after experiencing a 16.5% drop in 2017.
ConstructConnect’s forecast for total construction spending is expected to increase 5.6% to $1,301.3 billion in 2018. Total nonresidential construction is expected to grow 3.9% to $737.2 billion and total residential is forecast to increase 7.8% to $564.1 billion.

American Union Services provides an expert union workforce for light gauge steel stud framing, sound and thermal insulation, drywall, drywall finishing, acoustical ceilings, installation of doors, frames, and hardware, EIFS, stucco, fire and corridor shaft-wall systems and general contracting.  AUS serves Lawrence, Topeka and Kansas City KS areas.  AUS also provides our services on the residential side in framing, drywall, drywall finishing, acoustical ceilings.  You can reach American Union Services at 785-840-4040 or [email protected]  based out of Lawrence KS.