Construction costs rise sharply in U.S., Skanska reports
Building industry cost escalation is expected to outpace overall inflation due to tariffs, rising diesel prices and higher interest rates, according to a 2026 report by Skanska.
Photos: Apprentices’ construction skills tested
Apprentice HVAC and sheet metal workers compete at the Associated Builders and Contractors鈥 Craft Championships
Pacific Northwest firms awarded for HVAC technology
Northwest firms will have a big showing at this year鈥檚 American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers Technology Awards.
Business heating up for ductless systems
Contractor are seeing a pickup in business from a relatively small source: ductless heating and cooling systems. Advocates for ductless units say that the units are less expensive and more energy efficient than traditional forced-air systems.
Washington HVAC company uses innovative sealing product
Leaky air duct systems, both residential and commercial, can be surprisingly costly. Typical systems lose up to 40 percent of heating and cooling energy, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. But a southwest Washington heating and cooling contractor is starting to seal ducts with a new adhesive product that the DOE lauds as 鈥渞evolutionary.鈥
Local HVAC company named contractor of the year
Entek Corporation, a heating and cooling contractor with locations in Vancouver and Longview, Wash., in November won a leadership award from a national HVAC industry organization.
News
- Multnomah County commits up to $101.6M for Moda Center
- Portland code changes to take effect in November
- Los Colibris project approved for Portland’s OMSI District
- Pacific Northwest projects totaling $9.9 million in top bidders | Aug. 7, 2026
- Oregon opens infrastructure grant program
- Ex-TV host claps back at Detroit officials in blight case
- 31-unit multifamily project in Portland land use review intakes | Aug. 3, 2026
- $2.4 million office renovation in Portland building permits | Aug. 3, 2026
- Transportation commission weighs ODOT budget cuts
- Lam Research planning $1.7 billion investment in Tualatin
- Pacific Northwest projects totaling $10.6 million in top bidders | July 31, 2026
- Many Oregon counties struggling to maintain their fairgrounds
Commentary
- Beware of when the debt collector comes calling | Opinion
- Assembly of a future workforce begins with an invitation | Opinion
- Beware of overlooking legal requirements for remote workers | Opinion
- Become a critical thinker and transform a workplace | Opinion
- Managing construction risks with international suppliers | Opinion
- A rally with many engines: the lesson of 2026’s first half | Opinion
- Oregon housing challenges persist despite sound and fury | Opinion
- When does an employee’s bullying become harassment? | Opinion
- Ditch disorganization 鈥 the cost of deferred decisions | Opinion
- Consider 10 common risks for healthcare construction projects | Opinion
- Clarifying the reach of a law regarding prevailing wage | Opinion
- Adjust to legal changes now to ensure compliance later | Opinion









