Contractors: Are you optimistic for 2025?
How optimistic are you for 2025? A recent survey of contractors shows that most have a positive outlook for the year ahead. We'll explore more today, and also learn firsthand how Precision Construction Services in Paso Robles, Calif. built a new, highly energy efficient concrete tilt-up for Justin Vineyards and Winery. But first: Can this 3D technology improve home construction efficiency?
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Here's a peek at what's in today's issue:
// How contractors are feeling about the year ahead
// Where to find grants and other business funding
// What you need to know about the Corporate Transparency Act
// Who's constructing a huge snow fort in Colorado

>> Who we're following: Matt Risinger (@builddshow). Check out this Austin-based builder's YouTube channel for posts about construction best practices, craftsmanship and building science.
>> What we're listening to: The Construction Life Podcast, Episode #678. In this installment of the Safety Corner, host Manny Neves dives deep into job site safety and compliance.
>> What we're reading: Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout (Portfolio). Best-selling author Cal Newport's latest book focuses on achieving meaningful accomplishments without getting overwhelmed and burned out.
>> What's happening soon: World of Concrete (Jan. 20-25, 2025). The largest concrete and masonry event convenes in Las Vegas for educational sessions and demos of the latest technologies and trends.
>> Just for fun: Snow fort! Follow along as the Snow & Ice Carving crew builds a giant snow fort at Keystone Resort in Colorado.


Tilt-up wine facility uses robotic stacking technology
Justin Vineyards & Winery’s newest building is a massive 125,000-square-foot, insulated concrete tilt-up in Paso Robles, Calif. It includes 15,000 square feet of luxury offices spanning two floors and a warehouse with a state-of-the-art robotic racking system that stores 575,000 cases of wine.
The facility was built by Precision Construction Services of San Luis Obispo, the project’s prime contractor. It is one of few concrete tilt-ups in the region (most are pre-engineered metal structures). Its 64 concrete panels — each approximately 50 feet high and 200,000 pounds – are the largest possible panels of this type. Each contains a 7-inch core of polystyrene board insulation; the roof contains two, 3-inch layers of polystyrene. The result is a building that is far more energy efficient: Essentially, it is a gigantic cooler.
Precision lifted all panels into place with an 825-ton crane over a span of just four days, with zero damage or need to patch the surface of the panels.
Other environmentally efficient features include four bio-retention ponds, which collect surface water runoff to replenish the water table, and a wastewater treatment system, which processes used water for irrigation. The site’s three mature oaks were preserved at grade level and the parking area includes EV charging stations.
“The building, the first of its kind in Paso, was meticulously designed to push the boundaries of innovation, efficiency, and sustainability,” says Molly Scott, Justin’s senior director of grower and community relations. “It helps to reinforce Paso Robles as one of the great winemaking regions.”
The project is now in its second phase, which will install a crush pad and other features to allow winemaking on the premises. —Michalene Busico

Contractor Confidence: Optimism amid unchanging backlogs
Despite the steady state of the nation's construction backlog, a new survey from the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) indicates that contractors are feeling positive heading into 2025.
The ABC's Construction Backlog Indicator showed a tiny year-to-date dip (0.1 months) to 8.4 months. The South has the longest average backlog (9.4 months); the Midwest has the shortest (7.7 months).
Even so, more than half of ABC members reported that they anticipate a small increase in sales (51.6%) and foresee growing profit margins (60%). Conversely, 23% predict no sales change and 44% no margin growth. On the staffing front, half of members surveyed plan to increase staffing levels a little, while just over one-third (35%) won't change headcount at all.
Why it matters: "This sudden improvement in confidence reflects increased policy certainty in the wake of November’s presidential election, and contractors are optimistic about the prospect of falling borrowing costs over the next several quarters," notes ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu in a news release. “Though backlog contracted in the commercial and institutional and heavy industry categories last month, contractors expect increased activity in privately financed segments during the next six months.” (GlobeSt)

>> Material Matters: Clemson helps build a future for brick
>> Building Boom: Thirst for soccer fuels stadium construction
>> New Names: NIBS Digital Technology Council elects new members
>> Trade Troubles: Impacts of China’s export tax rebate

Money Matters: Free grants and programs available
If securing a cash infusion is one of your New Year's resolutions, check out the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's comprehensive list of national and state funding opportunities, including grants, loans and programs. (A list of federal grant funding is available at Grants.gov.) Updated weekly, it's a helpful tool for uncovering financial resources.
Why it matters: "Whether you’re starting a new small business or looking to grow the one you already own, finding funding can be a challenge for businesses of all sizes," the Chamber notes. Leveraging various funding sources is a smart move that can increase sustainability, innovation and competitiveness.

Reporting Requirements: Court case impacts CTA filings
If your company was formed or registered before Jan. 1, 2024, a recent nationwide preliminary injunction means you may not need to comply with the Corporate Transparency Act's beneficial ownership information reporting deadline. The case was brought by the National Federation of Independent Business.
However (and this is crucial), "A preliminary injunction is not a final decision. It provides temporary relief from compliance of the regulation until the court can decide on the merits of the case," according to an advisory from the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB). That's why the trade group recommends you closely follow developments in the Texas case and parallel ones pending in the 9th, 4th and 11th circuits.
Why it matters: Although NAHB does not provide legal advice, it believes entities incorporated between Jan. 1, 2024, and Dec. 31, 2024, with CTA reporting obligations, "should continue to meet their beneficial ownership information filing obligations with FinCEN within 90 calendar days of the date the entity was formed." (NAHB)
Disclaimer: This information is not intended as a substitute for professional legal consultation; it is provided “as is” without any representations or warranties, express or implied. Always consult professionals when you have specific questions about any financial matter.

- Manage disputes like a pro Get the scoop on what you need to know about communication, mediation, arbitration and litigation in this Dec. 18 webinar from SuperLegal.
- Listen and learn Check out this recap of the best advice and practices from top leaders in the built environment from FMI's Built-In podcast.
- Get ahead Discover the unspoken workplace rules that influence career success in this Jan. 13 webinar with organizational psychologist Ella Washington.
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The Level is written by Margot Lester and edited by Katie Parsons.