"The Dotted Line" series: Schedule considerations — April 11

In the latest installment of our monthly series, we'll explore one key to successful projects: managing the schedule. On Tuesday, April 11, experts will discuss steps to planning for timely completion, the biggest threats to a schedule, ways to bounce back from a delay and the legal consequences of missing deadlines.

How online tools are helping move homes faster  — April 12

From mobile apps to Snapchat, builders and real estate agents are turning to common digital technology to help reach more potential buyers in an already competitive market. On Wednesday, April 12, we'll dig deeper into how companies new and old are raising the game for home listings by going digital.

Construction material price report — April 13

The monthly Producer Price Index from the Bureau of Labor Statistics will be released on Thursday, April 13. That afternoon, the Associated Builders and Contractors will offer its take on the data, and we'll cover both reports in a combined story.

Last month, the BLS reported that construction material prices rose 0.3% in February, marking the third-consecutive month of price increases. Material prices year-over-year were up 4.8% — the largest annual rise in more than five years.

While construction economists have forecast that material prices would rise this year, most aren't concerned about a severe spike. Will Thursday's report mark the fourth-straight month of price growth, or will costs start to inch lower?

Preparing post-secondary students for a construction career — April 13

Students in college and university programs are trained in the theory of the industry, but instructors must also prepare them to succeed in practice. In our feature article on Thursday, April 13, we'll find out how schools are molding future industry leaders, and how construction companies are giving them a hand.