News & Guides

Practical guides and industry news for GC estimators — covering subcontractor management, bid management, prequalification, and construction communications.

Federal construction contractors gathered at an industry conference to discuss agency priorities and project funding.
News June 4, 2026

AGC Federal Contractors Conference: June 8–10 in DC

The 2026 AGC Federal Contractors Conference runs June 8–10 in Washington, D.C. Here's what federal GCs need to know before the deadline.

Via AGC News

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Aerial view of public infrastructure construction, reflecting the public sector spending gains driving nonresidential market activity in April 2026.
News June 2, 2026

Public Sector Props Up Nonresidential Spending in April

Private nonresidential construction spending fell again in April. Public sector work is carrying the market, here's what that means for GC estimators.

Via Construction Executive

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Wood framing on a single-family residential construction site, reflecting the April 2026 uptick in private residential spending.
News June 2, 2026

Residential Construction Spending Rises 0.8% in April 2026

Private residential construction spending grew 0.8% in April, led by single-family and home improvement. What the trend means for GC estimators watching the residential pipeline.

Via NAHB Eye on Housing

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A veteran construction foreman reviewing plans with a younger apprentice on a job site, representing the knowledge transfer challenge facing GC estimating teams.
News June 1, 2026

AI as Apprentice: Preserving Construction Knowledge Before It Walks Out

AI isn't just a productivity tool, it may be the best answer to the construction industry's institutional knowledge problem. Here's what that means for GCs.

Via Construction Executive

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A GC estimator reviewing historical bid records and cost data to calibrate a new project estimate.
Guide May 29, 2026

How GCs Use Historical Bid Data to Improve Their Estimates

Most GC estimators start every bid from scratch. Here's how the best firms mine past bid data for unit costs, patterns, and sharper numbers.

By Zachary Norman

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Architect and general contractor reviewing project drawings during a preconstruction coordination meeting.
News May 28, 2026

AGC and AIA Release Joint Framework for Better GC-Architect Collaboration

AGC and AIA published a joint framework to improve collaboration between architects and contractors. Here's what it means for GC preconstruction teams.

Via AGC News

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Labor relations professionals at a construction industry training session reviewing collective bargaining agreements.
News May 27, 2026

AGC Collective Bargaining Training Opens for October 2026

AGC's October collective bargaining course in Chicago is worth a look for any GC doing union work. Here's what's on the table and why it matters now.

Via AGC News

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Construction labor attorneys and industry professionals gathered at an annual legal symposium covering employment law developments.
News May 27, 2026

Construction Labor Law Symposium: Key Takeaways for GCs

AGC's 41st Labor Law Symposium covered the legal and regulatory shifts hitting union contractors now. What GC estimators and PMs need to know.

Via AGC News

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A GC estimator reviewing AI-assisted bid data on a tablet at a construction project office.
Guide May 27, 2026

What AI Can and Cannot Do for GC Estimators Right Now

AI tools are everywhere in construction estimating. Here's an honest breakdown of what actually works today and where AI still falls short for GCs.

By Zachary Norman

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A GC preconstruction team reviewing a project budget and draw schedule with a developer before construction begins.
Guide May 25, 2026

How GC Preconstruction Quality Affects Your Loan Draw Schedule

Poor GC preconstruction work costs developers more than budget overruns. See how budget accuracy and schedule reliability directly affect draw timing.

By Zachary Norman

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Construction workers in hard hats at a job site, representing workforce safety and development leadership in the industry.
News May 22, 2026

ABC Names New VP of Safety and Workforce: Joel Thames Steps In

ABC taps Joel Thames of Performance Contractors as VP of safety and workforce development. Here's what the appointment signals for the industry.

Via Construction Executive

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Aerial view of an urban construction site with cranes, representing mid-2026 market uncertainty for GC estimators.
News May 22, 2026

May 2026 Construction Economic Roundup: What the Data Shows

Volatile mid-year economic signals are putting GC estimators on edge. Here's what the May 2026 data means for your bid pipeline and cost assumptions.

Via Construction Executive

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