Malaysian state to blacklist builders hiring foreign workers
Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia's opposition-ruled northern state of Penang announced Monday that builders hiring foreign workers over local applicants would be blacklisted from receiving state contracts. Contractors and developers awarded contracts would on...

The online home of Papua New Guinea's No.1 daily newspaper.
SEA PARK: The pier leading to the underwater observatory at the former Ela Beach sea park site is being renovated. Workers from Lae Builders and Contractors were busy yesterday replanking the pier. Pictured is Eric Henini spreading soil over the rocks which make up part of the pier.

Malaysian state to blacklist builders hiring foreign workers
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia?s opposition-ruled northern state of Penang announced yesterday that builders hiring foreign workers over local applicants would be blacklisted from receiving state contracts.

Steel Industry Looks for a Piece of the Stimulus-Plan Pie
After a roller-coaster 2008 of record highs to devastating lows, domestic steelmakers are now turning to government for orders that, until the September collapse, had come from manufacturers and builders.

About the House: Talkin? Jack
Every few days I pass a house perched ten or fifteen feet up in the air, waiting for a new set of roots to climb up and bolster its weight. There?s something very strange (and for me, fun) about an entire house; some one or two hundred-thousand pounds perched blithely on stacks of railroad ties.

A billion here, a billion there...
As construction spending nationwide continues to decline, many builders are hoping for a big boost thanks to the economic stimulus package being drafted in Congress. Details of the massive package ? likely to total $750 billion or more ? haven?t been fleshed out, but billions no doubt will be included to fund construction of new homes, offices, roads [...]

Builders say $1.3B Dubai race course deal nixed
Companies building the centerpiece of a prominent Dubai race course said Tuesday the original $1.25 billion contract has been canceled, putting the fate of the future site of the Middle East's premier horse race in doubt. The project's developer, Meydan LLC,...

Builders say $1.3B Dubai race course deal nixed
(AP:DUBAI, United Arab Emirates) Companies building the centerpiece of a prominent Dubai race course said Tuesday the original $1.25 billion contract has been canceled, putting the fate of the future site of the Middle East's premier horse race in doubt.

Builders say $1.3B Dubai race course deal nixed
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) ? Companies building the centerpiece of a prominent Dubai race course said Tuesday the original $1.25 billion contract has been canceled, raising questions about the future site of the Middle East's premier horse race.

Pre-licensing course open to builders
A 60-hour pre-licensing course required for builders and contractors to become licensed in Michigan is available through the Builders License Training Institute based in Williamsburg.

Dubai's $1.3b race course deal nixed: builders
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates - Companies building the centerpiece of a prominent Dubai race course said on Tuesday that the original $1.25 billion contract has been cancelled, putting the fate of the future site of the Middle East?s premier horse race in doubt.

More gvt contracts for builders?
Registered builders could be considered for larger government contracts this year as upper limits have been increased, but some say the adjustments are "far too low".

Small contractors still 'know nothing' about silicosis
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has vowed to step up its "Clear the Air!" campaign warning workers against the dangers of silicosis after it concluded that smaller companies still know very little about the condition and its causes.

Web site tracks bad contractors
Since Jan. 1, 2007, the New York state Attorney General's Office has mediated more than 1,550 complaints against contractors resulting in restitution of more than $800,000 to consumers. Check on your contractor and complaints across New York State

Nine practical home-renovation projects for '09
Experts suggest home renovations that make sense in these tough economic times.

Tennessee shifts to online accounting system
With the start of the new year, Tennessee state government begins the next phase of a massive, $134 million reorganization of the state's accounting system, flipping the switch to move toward a new online process for procurement, bidding and payment for state contractors.

Area cities honor building design
n Orinda, Walnut Creek want to encourage beauty, and demystify the planning process

ON THE MOVE
The Association of Pool and Spa Professionals honored Paragon Pools with International Awards of Excellence. The Nine Lives Associates , the alumni group of the Executive Protection Institute, awarded William Cage , owner of Cage & Associates, its Award for Outstanding Professional Achievement in 2008.

New Contractors Association chief sees home prices rising
Shlomi Ben-Ezri: Housing prices will rise 5% in 2009.

Jobs, property face bleak year
AUSTRALIAN bosses say job prospects are at a 10-year low, while Queensland homebuyers are fleeing the market, fuelling fears of a slump in 2009.