CONSTRUCTION IN THE U.S.A.
December 2017
Caroline Devine
Flanders Investment & Trade
720 Rusk Street. Ste. 200
Houston, TX 77002
United States of America
1
TABLE OF CONTENT
1 GENERAL OVERVIEW 2
1.1 Construction by region and type 2
2 TRENDS & OPPORTUNTIES 2
2.1 Rebuilding the Gulf Coast after Hurricanes 2
2.2 High growth regions 3
2.3 Sustainable materials 3
2.4 Energy & infrastructure 4
3 ADVICE FOR FLEMISH COMPANIES 4
3.1 Regulatory bodies 4
3.2 Licenses & Partnering with Locals 6
3.3 Certifications 6
3.4 Trade Associations 7
4 SOURCES CONSULTED 9
2
1 GENERAL OVERVIEW
1.1 CONSTRUCTION BY REGION AND TYPE
The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that during the first 10 months of 2017, total construction
spending amounted to $1,029.6 billion, an increase of 4.1 percent above the first 10 months of
2016.1
In 2015, construction spending on new starts in the U.S. hit $469.5 billion, with most growth in
spending on residential construction led by multi-family units2. While single-family homes
remain popular in the U.S., with growth at 14% in 2015, multi-family residential construction
grew at 18% the same year. New York spent the most on new construction starts in 2015, with
$46.6 billion, followed by Dallas with $17.8 billion, Houston with $16.7 billion and Los Angeles with
$11.7 billion.
2 TRENDS & OPPORTUNTIES
2.1 REBUILDING THE GULF COAST AFTER HURRICANES
One significant trend impacting the construction sector in the U.S. is the necessity of rebuilding
areas impacted by major hurricanes and preventing future flood damage to areas that have
seen record rainfall. According to Time Magazine, the 2017 hurricane season was the second
deadliest hurricane season for the U.S. since 1900 and generated an estimated $200 billion in
damage3.
After hurricanes there is an immediate need for temporary shelters, mold remediation and
prevention after water damage, foundation systems that raise buildings off flood plains and
technologies that prevent and control flooding of major infrastructure like hospitals, roadways
and airports.
1 U.S. Census Bureau Monthly Construction Spending, October 2017 https://www.census.gov/construction/c30/pdf/release.pdf 6 Dec. 2017
2 Forbes Building Boom Towns: The Metro Areas with the Most New Construction https://www.forbes.com/sites/erincarlyle/2016/02/10/building-boom-towns-the-metro-areas-with-the-most-new-construction/#13d8233c718b 6 Dec. 2017
3 Time Is This The Worst Hurricane Season Ever? Here’s How it Compares http://time.com/4952628/hurricane-season-harvey-irma-jose-maria/ 6 Dec. 2017.
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Opportunities exist along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico from Texas to Florida and Puerto Rico
for building materials and technologies that address water and wind damage from flooding,
rain and 100mph+ winds.
2.2 HIGH GROWTH REGIONS
Seattle, Washington, has had the most cranes of any city in the U.S. for the second year in a
row.4 Other cities with higher-than-average numbers of construction cranes for high-rise
buildings are Portland, Chicago, Denver, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Austin, Washington D.C. and
New York according to The Seattle Times. The apartments, condos, office buildings and hotels
being built in these high-growth cities provide opportunities for Flemish building material
manufacturers that can provide materials suitable for use in skyscrapers and high-density living.
The U.S. Census Bureau reports that The South of the United States is home to 10 of the 15
fastest-growing large cities of 2016. 5 Four of the top five fastest growing cities in the U.S. by
percentage of population are in Texas, including Conroe (part of the Houston greater
metropolitan area), Frisco and McKinney (both part of the Dallas Metropolitan area), and
Georgetown (part of the Austin metropolitan area). Five of the top 10 cities on the U.S. Census
list of cities with the largest numeric increases in population are from Texas, as well, including
San Antonio, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and Austin. While California and the East Coast are
traditionally thought of as large construction markets, building and construction companies are
advised to take note of opportunities in Texas, Washington, Florida and the Southern United
States in general as high growth regions to sell products and services.
2.3 SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS
The percentage of commercial office space certified by LEED or Energy Star as “green” or
“efficient” has risen to 38 percent from less than 5 percent in 2005, according to a study
published by CBRE in partnership with Maastricht University6. The top three markets for green
building adoption by percentage of square footage are Chicago, San Francisco and Atlanta.
4 The Seattle Times Seattle has most cranes in the country for 2nd year in a row – and lead is growing https://www.seattletimes.com/business/real-estate/seattle-has-most-cranes-in-the-country-for-2nd-year-in-a-row-and-lead-is-growing/ 6 Dec. 2017.
5 U.S. Census Bureau The South is Home to 10 of the 15 Fastest-Growing Large Cities https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2017/cb17-81-population-estimates-subcounty.html 6 Dec. 2017.
6 U.S. Green Building Council 2017 Naitonal Building Adoption Index releases data on growth https://www.usgbc.org/articles/2017-national-green-building-adoption-index-releases-data-growth 6 Dec. 2017.
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The huge increase in green building certifications as either a means for energy savings or a
selling point for environmentally-conscious companies and consumers in the United States is an
opportunity for sustainable and eco-friendly building companies from Flanders. There is
significant market interest in both materials for new buildings and remodeling old buildings to
meet new standards. The adoption of sustainable building practices in the U.S. has largely been
driven by the private sector, with an emphasis on cost savings more than carbon emissions.
2.4 ENERGY & INFRASTRUCTURE
The U.S. presents significant opportunities for companies experienced in building materials or
construction of large scale renewable energy projects and infrastructure projects.
Wind electricity generation capacity was 82 gigawatts by the end of 2016, according to the U.S.
Energy Information Administration7. The forecast for the end of 2017 is to bring the total wind
capacity to 88 gigawatts and 96 by 2018. Solar energy generating capacity has enjoyed similar
growth since 2016 growing from 22 gigawatts to a projected 31 by the end of 2018.
As Flanders already generates a large amount of solar and wind energy, Flemish building
companies with prior experience designing and building solar and wind farms are encouraged
to take advantage of this U.S. energy trend. The trend toward wind, solar and sustainable energy
also presents opportunities for residential and commercial building material products that
incorporate photovoltaics or generate energy. Use of these materials is currently uncommon in
the U.S. but expected to grow along with generation capacity.
3 ADVICE FOR FLEMISH COMPANIES
3.1 REGULATORY BODIES
Construction projects and construction materials are regulated by agencies at several levels of
government in the United States. In addition to federal regulations your product or services may
be subject to regulations from the state, city and other levels of local government. For this
reason, and because the U.S.A. is a litigious society, we encourage you to consult regulatory
agencies and meet with lawyers experienced with similar products or on similar projects early in
your plans.
The list below includes some of the agencies whose regulations you will need to comply with.
This list is not comprehensive and regulations vary significantly by state:
7 U.S. Energy Information Administration Short Term Energy Outlook http://www.eia.gov/outlooks/steo/report/renew_co2.cfm 6 Dec. 2017.
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United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
EPA Construction Sector regulatory information:
https://www.epa.gov/regulatory-information-sector/construction-sector-naics-23
Clean Construction: https://www.epa.gov/cleandiesel/construction-and-agriculture
United States Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA)
OSHA Safety and Health Regualtions for Construction:
https://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owastand.display_standard_group?p_toc_level=1&p_part_nu
mber=1926
United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
CBP Importing into the United States Guide for Commercial Importers:
https://www.cbp.gov/sites/default/files/documents/Importing%20into%20the%20U.S.pdf
CBP Tips for New Importers and Exporers:
https://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-export/importer-exporter-tips
CBP Basic Importing & Exporting:
https://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-export
CBP Determining Duty Rates:
https://www.cbp.gov/trade/programs-administration/determining-duty-rates
United States Department of Justice Civil Rights Division
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards for Accessible Design:
https://www.ada.gov/2010ADAstandards_index.htm
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
NFPA Codes & Standards: http://www.nfpa.org/Codes-and-Standards
Health and Environmental Agencies of U.S. States and Territories
The U.S. EPA maintains an online list of health and environmental agencies of U.S. states and
territories:
https://www.epa.gov/home/health-and-environmental-agencies-us-states-and-territories
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3.2 LICENSES & PARTNERING WITH LOCALS
Construction projects in the United States typically need to be carried out by contractors
licensed at the state or local level. Information on which agencies oversee licensing in each state
can be found on the Contractor’s License Reference Site at http://www.contractors-license.org/.
State licensing agencies and lawyers experienced in similar projects will be able to give
companies the most up-to-date advice about acquiring a license and what type of additional
permits may be required for construction projects in that state.
There are certain restrictions on projects carried out for the U.S. Government or in ports,
limiting the type of activities that may be performed by non-U.S. citizens or non-U.S. companies.
These restrictions include the Buy American Act and Buy America Act, which require the U.S.
Government and Federal Transit Administration to prefer U.S. made products, and the Jones Act,
which limits certain activities in U.S. Ports to U.S. flagged ships and crew.
Because of these regulations, you may choose seek to a partnership with a U.S. company that is
already equipped with the appropriate licenses to carry out actual construction or installation
work.
Flemish companies are encouraged to consult a lawyer early when partnering with U.S.
companies on projects, as the U.S. is a litigious society. Any contracts should be reviewed by a
lawyer before they are signed.
3.3 CERTIFICATIONS
In addition to obtaining contractor’s licenses before carrying out construction work in the
United States, Flemish companies may obtain certifications to give their products or services a
competitive edge in the relatively large U.S. market.
Below is a list that includes a few, but not all, of the certifications companies may pursue:
United States Green Building Council
LEED Certification or Rating: https://new.usgbc.org/leed#how-leed-works
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Getting Ceritifed by the EPA: https://www.epa.gov/home/getting-certified-epa
Lead-Safe Certification: https://www.epa.gov/lead/getcertified
Comparison of Green Building Standards:
https://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/comparison-green-building-standards
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Underwriters Laboratries Environment (UL Environment)
Greenguard product certification: http://greenguard.org/en/manufacturers.aspx
American Concrete Institute
Certifications: https://www.concrete.org/certification.aspx
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International
Certification Programs: https://www.astm.org/CERTIFICATION/index.html
3.4 TRADE ASSOCIATIONS
Trade associations may provide contacts and information, in addition to hosting networking
events. Here are just a few of the many trade associations in the U.S.A. for building materials
and construction services:
Associated General Contractors of America
https://www.agc.org/
2300 Wilson Blvd. Suite 300
Arlington, VA 22201
Phone: +1-703-548-3118
American Concrete Institute
https://www.concrete.org/
38800 Country Club Dr.
Farmington Hills, MI
Phone: +1-248-848-3800
American Society of Concrete Contractors
https://www.ascconline.org/
2025, S. Brentwood Blvd.
Suite 105
St. Louis, MO 63144
Phone: +1-314-962-0210
Associated Builders and Contractors
http://www.abc.org/
440 1st St., N.W., Ste. 200
8
Washington D.C. 20001
Phone: +1-202-595-1505
American Institute of Constructors
http://www.professionalconstructor.org/
19 Mantua Road
Mount Royal, NJ 08061
Phone: 703-683-499
American Subcontractors Association
https://www.asaonline.com/eweb/
1004 Duke St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone: +1-703-684-3450
Mason Contractors Association of America
https://www.masoncontractors.org/
1481 Merchant Drive
Algonquin, IL 60102
Phone: +1-224-678-9709
Metal Construction Association
http://www.metalconstruction.org/
8735 W. Higgins Rd. Suite 300
Chicago, IL 60631
Phone: +1-847-375-4718
National Association of Homebuilders
https://www.nahb.org/
1201 15th Street NW
Washington, DC 20005
Phone: 1-800-368-5242
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Pipe Line Contractors Association
http://www.plca.org/
1700 Pacific Avenue, Suite 4100
Dallas, TX 75201-4675
Phone: +1-214-969-2700
American Iron and Steel Institute
http://www.steel.org/
25 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Suite 800
Washington, D.C. 20001
Phone: 202-452-7100
American Welding Society
https://www.aws.org/
8660 NW 36 Street #130
Miami, FL 33166-6672
Phone: +1-305-443-9353
4 SOURCES CONSULTED
Carlyle, E. (2016, February 10). Building Boom Towns: The Metro Areas with the Most New Construction. Retrieved from Forbes Business: https://www.forbes.com/sites/erincarlyle/2016/02/10/building-boom-towns-the-metro-areas-with-the-most-new-construction/#13d8233c718b
Contractor's License Reference Site. (2017). Retrieved from Contractor's License Reference Site: www.contractors-license.org
Gunby, J. (2017, July 20). 2017 National Green Building Adoption Index releases data on growth. Retrieved from U.S. Green Building Council: https://www.usgbc.org/articles/2017-national-green-building-adoption-index-releases-data-growth
Johnson, D. (2017, September 24). Is This the Worst Hurricane Season Ever? Here's How it Compares. Retrieved from Time Magazine: http://time.com/4952628/hurricane-season-harvey-irma-jose-maria/
Rosenberg, M. (2017, July 11). Seattle has most cranes in the country for 2nd year in a row -- and lead is growing. Retrieved from The Seattle Times: https://www.seattletimes.com/business/real-estate/seattle-has-most-cranes-in-the-country-for-2nd-year-in-a-row-and-lead-is-growing/
U.S. Census Bureau. (2017, May 25). The South is Home to 10 of the 15 Fastest-Growing Large Cities. Retrieved from United States Census Bureau: https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2017/cb17-81-population-estimates-subcounty.html
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U.S. Department of Commerce Economics and Statistics Administration U.S. Census Bureau. (2017, December 1). Monthly Construction Spending October 2017. Retrieved from U.S. Census Bureau: https://www.census.gov/construction/c30/pdf/release.pdf
Carlyle, E. (2016, February 10). Building Boom Towns: The Metro Areas with the Most New Construction. Retrieved from Forbes Business: https://www.forbes.com/sites/erincarlyle/2016/02/10/building-boom-towns-the-metro-areas-with-the-most-new-construction/#13d8233c718b
Contractor's License Reference Site. (2017). Retrieved from Contractor's License Reference Site: www.contractors-license.org
Gunby, J. (2017, July 20). 2017 National Green Building Adoption Index releases data on growth. Retrieved from U.S. Green Building Council: https://www.usgbc.org/articles/2017-national-green-building-adoption-index-releases-data-growth
Johnson, D. (2017, September 24). Is This the Worst Hurricane Season Ever? Here's How it Compares. Retrieved from Time Magazine: http://time.com/4952628/hurricane-season-harvey-irma-jose-maria/
Rosenberg, M. (2017, July 11). Seattle has most cranes in the country for 2nd year in a row -- and lead is growing. Retrieved from The Seattle Times: https://www.seattletimes.com/business/real-estate/seattle-has-most-cranes-in-the-country-for-2nd-year-in-a-row-and-lead-is-growing/
U.S. Census Bureau. (2017, May 25). The South is Home to 10 of the 15 Fastest-Growing Large Cities. Retrieved from United States Census Bureau: https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2017/cb17-81-population-estimates-subcounty.html
U.S. Department of Commerce Economics and Statistics Administration U.S. Census Bureau. (2017, December 1). Monthly Construction Spending October 2017. Retrieved from U.S. Census Bureau: https://www.census.gov/construction/c30/pdf/release.pdf
U.S. Energy Information Administration. (2017, November 7). Short-Term Energy Outlook: Renewables and Carbon Dioxide Emissions. Retrieved from U.S. EIA Short-Term Energy Outlook: https://www.eia.gov/outlooks/steo/report/renew_co2.cfm
United States Customs and Border Protection. (2017). Retrieved from CBP: https://www.cbp.gov
United States Department of Justice Civil Rights Division. (2017). Americans with Disabilities Act Standards for Accesible Design. Retrieved from ADA: https//www.ada.gov
United States Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (2017). OSHA Safety and Health Regulations for Construction. Retrieved from OSHA: https://www.osha.gov
United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2017). Retrieved from US EPA: https://www.epa.gov
United States Green Building Council. (2017). How Leed Works. Retrieved from LEED: https://new.usgbc.org/leed#how-leed-works
The information in this publication is provided for background information that should enable you to get a picture of the subject treated in this document. It is collected with the greatest care based on all data and documentation available at the moment of publication. Thus this publication was never intended to be the perfect and correct answer to your specific situation. Consequently it can never be considered a legal, financial or other specialized advice. Flanders Investment & Trade (FIT) accepts no liability for any errors, omissions or incompleteness, and no warranty is given or responsibility accepted as to the standing of any individual, firm, company or other organization mentioned. Date of publication: December 2017