Insights

A look at 1,494 retail construction change orders: what actually drives them, which ones were avoidable, and why AI only helps with the right controls in place.

In a recent Inc. article, Steady Solutions Founder and CEO Fabien Reille describes the moment he realized his company had quietly organized itself around him. Approvals waited in his inbox. Teams paused on decisions they were fully capable of making. A subcontractor, already evaluated and aligned, accepted another job while a contract sat unsigned for a few days. The issue was not incompetence. The issue was structure. Or the absence of it. In business, that is a leadership p

In commercial and industrial construction, managing electrical systems is critical. Among these, low voltage systems play a vital role in ensuring safety, efficiency, and functionality. I want to share a clear, practical guide to understanding these systems, focusing on their design, installation, and management in large-scale projects. This knowledge is essential for project managers overseeing multisite rollouts, especially when working with complex infrastructures. What Ar

The construction industry is evolving rapidly. Among the most transformative tools is lidar technology. It has shifted from niche applications to a core component in modern construction workflows. I have witnessed firsthand how lidar technology uses have revolutionized project delivery, accuracy, and efficiency. This post explores how lidar reshapes construction, offering practical insights for large-scale commercial and industrial projects. Understanding Lidar Technology Use

In a recent Inc. article , Steady Solutions Founder and CEO, Fabien Reille, explains why we are installing systems earlier than we would like. The core idea is simple: The best time to build structure is before you feel ready for it. In construction, waiting has consequences. What Happens When You Wait When companies delay installing systems, growth exposes the gaps. Here are some of the issues that arise: Missed deadlines caused by unclear ownership. Budget surprises due to

Most facilities and construction professionals have lived through the same cycle. A strong first conversation. A confident introduction. Clear assurances that “this won’t be a problem.” And then the work starts. In environments where projects involve multiple trades, tight timelines, operating facilities, and regulatory oversight, trust is not built during the introduction. It is built afterward, through follow-through. This idea was recently explored by Fabien in two arti

Selecting the right commercial contractor is critical for the success of any large-scale project. When managing multisite rollouts for Fortune 500 companies or industrial businesses, the stakes are high. Projects must be delivered on time, within budget, and to exacting standards. Understanding the essential commercial contracting traits can make this process more straightforward and effective. Understanding Commercial Contracting Traits Commercial contracting traits define t

Steady Solutions was recently featured in Inc., where our founder Fabien shared how the company was built profitably without outside investors. While the article was written for Inc.’s audience of entrepreneurs and business owners, the principles behind it directly reflect how Steady approaches design-build construction: disciplined growth, operational control, and long-term accountability. In an industry where speed is often prioritized over structure, Steady has taken a dif

Construction is rarely a solo endeavor. On capital programs and complex commercial projects, multiple stakeholders are involved from start to finish: Owners and asset managers Tenant representatives Architects and engineers General contractors and subcontractors Municipal agencies and inspectors End users and operations teams Each group has its own priorities, pressures, and points of view. Aligning these groups — and keeping them aligned — is critical to delivering projects

Construction has always been a relationship-driven industry. But in today’s environment — shaped by supply chain volatility, labor shortages, tighter budgets, and increasing project complexity — trust and transparency are no longer just nice-to-haves. They are essential. While contracts and scopes define responsibilities, it is the quality of relationships that determines how challenges are navigated, how risks are shared, and how successful outcomes are ultimately achieved.

For many property owners and operators, site infrastructure is often treated as a secondary concern — something to be addressed only when repairs become unavoidable. But as real estate strategies evolve and tenant expectations increase, smart investments in site infrastructure are becoming essential. Whether preparing for growth, improving safety and accessibility, or reducing long-term costs, proactive upgrades to exterior and site features are no longer optional. They’re st

For corporate and institutional owners, construction is often not their core business — but getting it right has major implications. Whether building out a new office, upgrading logistics infrastructure, or executing tenant improvements, construction projects affect operations, brand perception, and the bottom line. That’s why choosing a general contractor (GC) is about much more than price. It’s about selecting a partner who can deliver predictably, professionally, and in al

With post-confinement uncertainties coming up following those few weeks spent far from our usual workplaces, many companies are recommending strategies and approaches to adapt to the \”new normal\”. See below an excerpt we gathered from major commercial real estate services companies and a few consulting firms. Cushman & Wakefield developed a \”Safe Six\” approach highlighting key steps and measures to facilitate employees to come back to work and customers to access safe spa

In commercial construction, delays aren’t just inconvenient — they are costly in ways that are often overlooked. While it’s easy to calculate added labor, equipment rentals, or extended general conditions, the true impact of project delays runs much deeper. For owners and project teams, understanding these hidden costs is essential to running efficient, profitable, and low-risk capital programs. The Unseen Impact of Delays Lost Revenue and Missed Opportunities For businesses,

The economy was a focal point during last November’s elections, and as new federal and state leaders assume office, economic concerns remain at the forefront. Amid the challenges of natural disasters, inflation, and evolving workforce needs, California must address its economic priorities to ensure resilience and growth in 2025 and beyond. SOURCE: https://www.ppic.org/blog/preparing-californias-economy-for-2025-and-beyond/ Author: Sarah Bohn. Navigating Current Challenges Cal

In the dynamic world of construction, mid-size contractors play a crucial role in shaping the industry’s landscape. These companies, often too large to be considered small businesses but not quite the national powerhouses, have a unique position in the market. Understanding the current trends and data surrounding mid-size contractors is essential for those looking to thrive in this competitive environment. Who Are Mid-Size Contractors? Mid-size contractors typically have annu

Construction is a high-risk industry, and ensuring the safety of workers is paramount. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a federal agency in the United States, has established rigorous standards to protect the well-being of construction workers. Here, we discuss the key OSHA standards for construction safety, providing comprehensive insights into the regulations that safeguard the lives of those working in this demanding field. Fall Protection (29 CFR

Source: Peter Slowik, Aaron Isenstadt – https://theicct.org/us-ev-sales-soar-into-24-jan24/U.S. Electric Vehicle Sales Soar into 2024 Is the demand for electric vehicles (EVs) slowing down in the United States? The short answer is no. Data from the Alliance for Automotive Innovation reveals continuous and significant growth in light-duty EV sales in the U.S. from 2021 through the third quarter of 2023. As shown in Figure 1, quarterly sales increased from about 125,000 in Q1 2

For HOA board members in California, understanding and complying with Senate Bill 326 (SB 326) is crucial. Passed on August 30, 2019, SB 326 aims to prevent balcony collapses like the tragic incident in Berkeley, California, in 2015 that resulted in the deaths of six students and injuries to seven others. The law amends Civil Code Section 5551, focusing on the structural stability of decks, balconies, and walkways in condominium complexes and HOAs with at least three attached

Everyone in the trucking industry wants more parking. Even though strides are being made to build new sites for drivers to shut down and rest, there’s still a long way to go to remedy the shortage. Proposed legislation has given hope to many in the industry. Known officially as HR2367, the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act would provide $755 million over three years to expand truck parking capacity. Right now, the act’s fate is unknown. David Heller, senior vice president