Things are looking good for the construction industry in 2018

All signs and numbers point to a huge year for the construction industry. Even in December, with much of the nation frozen, the construction industry added 30,000 jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

For all of 2017, construction added 210,000 jobs, a 35 percent increase over 2016.

Construction spending is also soaring, rising more than expected in November to a record $1.257 trillion, according to the Commerce Department. That was up 2.4 percent annually. Spending increased across all sectors of real estate, commercial and residential, with particular strength in private construction projects. The only weakness was in government construction spending.

The biggest concern for the industry is the severe shortage of labor. This is slowing what could be a far more robust recovery in the residential housing market, which desperately needs more homes. December’s employment report did show the biggest monthly rise in residential construction jobs of 2017, but homebuilders are still looking for skilled labor. Housing starts are increasing slowly, but they are not even close to meeting the strong demand.

Construction firms are adding jobs, but workers are also leaving the industry, aging out. In 2017, a net 190,000 new workers entered the construction industry, far lower than the prior three-year average of 284,000 annual additions. The National Association of Realtors, which is essentially begging builders for more homes, points to this as a huge problem and is appealing to Congress for new policies to ease the worker shortage.

Read more here.

The latest smartphones have some cool new features, but they come with hefty price tags, and such devices are not necessarily built-to-last. The new iPhone X, for example, recently hit the market at a $1,000 starting price and experts say it’s extremely fragile.

With its all-glass design, you may be wondering if it’s worth the investment. Recent tests conducted by SquareTrade using scientific robots to drop, bend, tumble, and dunk devices, revealed the iPhone X to be one of the most breakable iPhone models ever made, shattering on its first face down drop.

“Without taking a few key precautions, consumers are likely going to spend more than the $1,000 they’ve already invested in their phone over their devices’ lifetime,” says Jason Siciliano, vice president global creative director at SquareTrade.

To protect your investment, whether you have an iPhone X or any another mobile device, Siciliano recommends the following.

-Cover Up

Your new phone may have a sleek design you want to show off, but not using a case is a big mistake. With so many designs on the market, as well as opportunities to customize, there is no reason these days not to better protect your phone. The breakability tests conducted by SquareTrade revealed damage that went beyond cosmetic issues, compromising the device’s operability in a number of ways. Consider what your hobbies include, and find a case durable enough to withstand your lifestyle. A screen protector is also a great idea, guarding against scratches and residue.

-Get Covered

With potential repair costs on the rise, protection plans are becoming more important than ever. For example, the iPhone X has a thinner, costlier OLED screen that’s more expensive to replace, a smaller logic board, multiple cables, and a split battery that’s more difficult to remove. All of which may be why Apple is charging $279 for front screen replacement and $549 for other repairs.

Accidents are often beyond one’s control. So, don’t have a false sense of security regarding drops and spills. However, protection plans can be affordable. For example, those offered by SquareTrade cover old or new devices, for both accidents and common malfunctions such as battery failure and charging port failure. Phones can be repaired at-home, at local repair shops or by mail. And if you have an Apple device, you can simply have your Genius Bar bill reimbursed. For more information on protection plans for today’s most popular smartphones, visit squaretrade.com.

Being a savvy consumer goes beyond making the latest tech purchase. It also means making your purchase last. Take smart steps to protect your smartphone. (Statepoint)

LUFKIN – Mill and inlay operations are scheduled to begin Monday at the intersection of US 69 at FM 1669 in downtown Huntington and will continue through the week.

The work to rehabilitate the roadway will be done in both north and southbound lanes throughout the week with single lane closures, but the intersection work on Monday will require a detour.

“US 69 traffic will be allowed to travel both north and southbound, with only a single lane closure,” said Rhonda Oaks, Lufkin District public information officer. “Motorists wanting to access FM 1669 at the intersection should plan to take alternate routes because of the work.”

The intersection work is expected to be completed on Monday and work crews will continue to work throughout the week in the area. Work is expected to be completed by the end of the week, weather permitting. Motorists are urged to stay alert near workers and moving equipment through the single lane closures. Expect delays or choose alternate routes. Fines double when workers are present.

For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or (936) 633-4395.