Commerce lowers duties on Canadian softwood lumber to 24.75% combined for most mills
Commerce cut duties on most Canadian softwood lumber to a combined 24.75%, effective Oct. 19. What builders should ask their lumber yard about quotes now.
Issue 004 ·
Lumber duties hit, and your Nov. 20 HazCom deadline
Market & Money
CRH Wraps Up $8.5 Billion Arcosa Deal, Getting Even Bigger in U.S. Aggregates
CRH closed its $8.5 billion Arcosa buy on Oct. 23, adding 109 quarries and yards in TX, NJ, AZ, FL and TN. Here's what local contractors should watch for.
Fencing, Railing, Roof Board and Foam Board Prices Climb in November
Ameristar fencing rises 15%, AFCO railing 7.5% and CMI fiberboard 6-8% as November price increases hit. Here's what's changing and when it takes effect.
Steel Studs, Corner Bead and Ceiling Grid Prices Go Up in November
ClarkDietrich, AMICO and Telling raise steel framing prices Nov. 1-2, CertainTeed corner bead jumps up to 20%, and Armstrong grid rises 12%. What to know.
Duties on Chinese Diamond Sawblades Stay Put After Third Federal Review
The ITC kept antidumping duties on Chinese diamond sawblades in place after a third sunset review. What it means for concrete, masonry and tile crews.
Code & Policy
New Federal Task Force Takes Aim at Red Tape for Factory-Built Homes
A new federal task force led by HUD and FHFA has 180 days to recommend ways to speed approvals and standardize permitting for factory-built and modular homes.
Treasury Spells Out Big-Investor Home Purchase Ban, With Carve-Outs for Build-to-Rent and Rehab Work
Treasury's proposed rule limits big investors buying single-family homes from Jan. 7, 2027, with build-to-rent and rehab exceptions. What builders should know.
Running the Business
Procore Opens an Agent Marketplace for Partner-Built AI Tools
Procore launched an Agent Marketplace with 15 partner-built AI agents for safety, scheduling, payroll and insurance checks, available on its top AI plans.
SBA Plan Would Redraw Who Counts as a Small Contractor, and the Comment Window Closes Nov. 20
The SBA wants to overhaul small-business size standards, and ABC says 14,000 more construction firms would qualify. Comments are due to the SBA by Nov. 20.
JobNimbus Puts Homeowner Financing Right on the Roofing Estimate
JobNimbus now lets roofers offer Wisetack homeowner financing on the estimate itself, with a 3.9% merchant fee and payouts in one to three business days.
Field & Products
Trane's New Cold-Climate Heat Pumps Hold Full Heat at 5°F. Here's What Installers Should Know
Trane's first cold-climate heat pumps keep full heating capacity at 5°F and run down to -20°F. Here's what builders, remodelers and HVAC subs should check before speccing them.
Knauf and Manson raise commercial and mechanical insulation prices up to 10% on Jan. 22
Knauf and Manson will raise commercial and mechanical insulation prices 6% to 10% on Jan. 22, 2027. What HVAC and mechanical subs should build into 2027 bids.
Lithonia recalls about 11,500 RSX area lights because tilt-arm mounts can break
Lithonia is recalling about 11,532 RSX outdoor LED lights on tilt-arm mounts that can break and drop the fixture. Here is what installers should check.
TAMKO raises its freight surcharge to $500 on shipments starting Oct. 26
TAMKO is raising its freight surcharge to $500 on shipments starting Oct. 26 as Owens Corning and Gibraltar add fuel charges. What roofers should check on bids.
CPSC Says Stop Using PowRyte Pressure Washers Over Electrocution Risk
The CPSC says stop using PowRyte electric pressure washers sold on Amazon and eBay. They lack a GFCI, creating a shock hazard, and there is no recall yet.
James Hardie Puts Hardie, TimberTech, AZEK and StruXure Under One 'Resilient' Banner
James Hardie rolled Hardie, TimberTech, AZEK and StruXure into one masterbrand, pitching fire-resistant exteriors. Here's what it means for exterior crews.