The TheContractors.news brief

For general contractors and trade businesses — every edition, archived.

• Jun 27, 2026 May starts cratered 15.4% — and materials still climbed Fewer starts, pricier steel. Protect your margin while both sides squeeze.
• Jun 23, 2026 Two-thirds of builders say spring is slow — your inputs didn't get the memo Lumber up 8% in a month, diesel up 83% since December, and surety capacity wide open. Here's what to do.
• Jun 19, 2026 OSHA's $16,550 knock — and a thinner 2026 backlog Inspections ramp, surety tightens, fresh May starts data lands, plus free PM software to pull overhead out of your next bid.
• Jun 16, 2026 Get surety-ready before your next bid — and CA just changed the rules Plus: workers' comp now mandatory for solo CA contractors, lumber at $521 and coiled to spring, and estimating software under $135/month.