DallasNews tells MHProNews with 29 new multi-family projects beginning and 27 new staff members at Dallas City Hall in the building services department, which is funded solely by permitting and building fees, construction is steadily returning. The high end of single-family construction is improving, as is private sector commercial construction. The number of permits for multi-family projects that were under 50 in 2009 have spiked to over 600 this year alone, increasing in total value from around $50 million three years ago to over $400 million in 2012. Additionally, inspectors will soon have IPads so they can file reports from the field and tell contractors on the spot if they have passed or failed. Interactive computers will allow building inspection staff to alter drawings with contractors, architects, and engineers on site instead of gathering around paper drawings.
