Colorado, September 23, 2025
News Summary
Contractors are increasingly adopting subscription-based construction software and hardware bundles to lower upfront costs, standardize processes, and keep pace with rapid technology advances. Subscription models convert capital expenses to predictable operational costs, support consistent software versions across crews, and boost productivity. At the same time, a Colorado regulatory probe found falsified lab data at hundreds of oil-and-gas locations, prompting corrective actions and scrutiny of third-party consultants. New Colorado legislation proposing a contractor warranty program and an Oregon bill to ease condo liability pressures could further influence builder risk, insurance and development decisions.
Construction tech shifts to subscriptions as Colorado probes falsified oil-and-gas lab data and states consider condo liability reforms
Construction firms are increasingly turning to subscription-based technology to lower upfront costs, keep software and hardware current, and standardize operations, while separate state-level developments in Colorado and Oregon are drawing attention to environmental data integrity and condominium liability rules.
Key developments — top of the story
Contractors are leveraging subscription models to cut technology adoption costs and remain ahead of the technology curve. At the same time, the Energy and Carbon Management Commission announced that two environmental consultants submitted falsified laboratory data reports affecting soil, groundwater, and inorganic and organic contaminant data for 404 oil and gas locations in Weld County. Lawmakers in Colorado sent a bill to the governor that would create an optional warranty program for new multifamily projects and require third-party inspections, and a separate Oregon bill that passed its House aims to shorten lawsuit timeframes for condo claims.
Why subscriptions are spreading in construction
Subscription-based models are an alternative to one-time purchases or perpetual licenses and are becoming more common in both professional and personal settings. Consumers are increasingly drawn to the flexibility and convenience that subscriptions provide. In construction, software and hardware subscriptions offer advantages in cost, predictability, scalability and convenience. Subscriptions bundle hardware and software, maintenance, protection plans, field-to-office integration and cellular connectivity into a single monthly payment (or manageable payment).
Shifting payments from a large capital expense to ongoing operational costs helps contractors manage cash flow, control costs and scale technology across fleets and crews. Subscriptions also simplify upgrades and reduce compatibility issues from buying different versions over time. Contractors with subscriptions receive upgraded capabilities automatically at no additional cost, and subscriptions make it easier to keep all employees and equipment operating on the same updated technology version, aiding standardization of processes, training and support.
Global Market Insights valued the global construction software-as-a-service market at $13.3 billion in 2023. That research group also projects the market to grow at a compound annual growth rate of over 10.8% between 2024 and 2032, reflecting steady demand for cloud-based and subscription offerings in construction.
On-the-ground benefits and examples
One civil contractor based in Colorado uses technology subscription services to run its business more efficiently and effectively. The contractor reported that machine control solutions provided real benefits but the initial capital investment to outfit all machines with 3D grade control was daunting. Under a subscription model, the contractor was able to do more work in less time with greater accuracy while keeping indirect expenses the same or lower. The contractor reported it can do more with a smaller crew after adopting subscriptions and that jobsites are more efficient and productive since moving to a technology subscription. The contractor reported it was able to run seven jobs daily five years ago and today can run 15 jobs daily.
Subscriptions also support modern equipment features such as cutting-edge Global Navigation Satellite System technology to maintain connectivity in challenging conditions, and maintenance software that automates preventive maintenance tasks. Tiered subscription offerings exist, allowing companies to buy hardware outright or bring their own hardware and subscribe to chosen levels of software, protection plans and hardware services. The subscription model provides customers with flexible terms, peace of mind and fosters collaborative partnerships between technology providers and contractors.
Colorado lab data probe — scope and responses
The Energy and Carbon Management Commission announced that two environmental consultants submitted falsified laboratory data reports affecting soil, groundwater, and inorganic and organic contaminant data for 404 oil and gas locations in Weld County. The ECMC issued a Notice of Alleged Violation to seven operators, including Civitas. Two environmental consultants named in the ECMC announcement are Eagle Environmental Consulting, INC. and Tasman Geosciences.
One operator that hired an implicated consultant has been the focus of a nearby neighborhood group trying to oppose a proposed drilling site. That group has been preparing outreach ahead of an upcoming approval hearing for the well that would be closest to a local reservoir and is using the state investigation as part of its campaign. One of the environmental consultants implicated stated it discovered altered data associated with a single client in August 2024, advised the client, and worked with the client to self-report the altered data to the state. The consultant said its investigation indicates the data alterations were perpetrated by a single former employee acting contrary to the consultant’s procedures, and that it is taking legal action against that former employee to recover monetary damages caused by the misconduct.
Other operators that received notices are reviewing the details and said they are cooperating with regulators, reviewing potentially impacted sites and increasing audits and oversight of third-party consultants and laboratory reports. Some operators reported they were shocked to learn of intentional data falsification and have added personnel and review processes to prevent repeat incidents.
Condo liability reforms under consideration in Colorado and Oregon
New legislation was sent to Colorado Governor Jared Polis for signature after passage before the state legislative session ended May 7. The legislation seeks to incentivize builders to build multifamily housing by making construction defect liability insurance more attractive through lower premiums and by creating a warranty program that contractors can opt into. The warranty program would cover defects at no cost to the homeowner for a minimum of one year for work quality and materials, two years for plumbing and electrical work, and six years for major structural components. The law would require a third-party inspection during construction that will result in a certificate of occupancy and would provide for various remedies if a defect is discovered.
In Oregon, legislation pending in the state also seeks to address low condo inventory. House Bill 3746A passed the Oregon House with bipartisan support and was awaiting further action in the Oregon Senate Housing and Development Committee.
What comes next
Contractors deciding on technology purchase paths will weigh subscription flexibility, standardized platforms and reduced upfront costs against long-term terms and vendor relationships. Regulators and operators in Colorado will continue investigating alleged data falsification and require corrective action where necessary. If the Colorado bill becomes law, it could take years before its effect on multifamily housing supply becomes visible, and Oregon’s pending reforms may shift developer risk calculations if approved.
FAQ
Q: What are contractors leveraging to cut technology adoption costs?
A: Contractors are leveraging subscription models to cut technology adoption costs and remain ahead of the technology curve.
Q: What did the Energy and Carbon Management Commission announce?
A: The Energy and Carbon Management Commission announced that two environmental consultants submitted falsified laboratory data reports affecting soil, groundwater, and inorganic and organic contaminant data for 404 oil and gas locations in Weld County.
Q: How do subscriptions bundle services for contractors?
A: Subscriptions bundle hardware and software, maintenance, protection plans, field-to-office integration and cellular connectivity into a single monthly payment (or manageable payment).
Q: What valuation was given for the global construction software-as-a-service market?
A: Global Market Insights valued the global construction software-as-a-service market at $13.3 billion in 2023.
Q: What action was taken by Colorado lawmakers on condo liability?
A: New legislation was sent to Colorado Governor Jared Polis for signature after passage before the state legislative session ended May 7.
Q: What happened in the Oregon legislature on condo reform?
A: House Bill 3746A passed the Oregon House with bipartisan support.
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Key features at a glance
| Topic | Feature | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription Technology | Cost predictability, scalability, bundled hardware & software | Nationwide / Global market context |
| Market Size | Global Market Insights valuation: $13.3 billion in 2023; 10.8% CAGR projection 2024–2032 | Global |
| Colorado Oil-and-Gas Probe | 404 oil and gas locations in Weld County affected by falsified lab data; ECMC issued Notices of Alleged Violation to seven operators | State-level (Colorado) |
| Colorado Construction Reform | Optional warranty program, third-party inspection requirement, sent to governor after session ended May 7 | State-level (Colorado) |
| Oregon Legislation | House Bill 3746A passed the House with bipartisan support, pending Senate committee action | State-level (Oregon) |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Additional Resources
- Denver7: To Catch a Contractor — Colorado customers raise concerns about lack of protections
- Wikipedia: Consumer protection
- Equipment World: Colorado contractor turned a passion into a $10 million business
- Google Search: construction subscription software
- CBS News Colorado: Officials say contractors falsified data at over 400 oil-and-gas sites
- Encyclopedia Britannica: environmental monitoring
- Engineering News-Record: Aiming to jumpstart condo construction — Colorado measure provides incentives for builders
- Google Scholar: construction defect law Colorado
- MileHighCRE: 5 trends shaping Colorado’s construction workforce in 2025
- Google News: Colorado construction workforce 2025
Author: Construction TX News
TEXAS STAFF WRITER The TEXAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at constructiontxnews.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Texas and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Texas Construction Expo, major infrastructure unveilings, and advancements in construction technology showcases. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Associated General Contractors of Texas and the Texas Building Branch, plus leading businesses in construction and real estate that power the local economy such as Austin Commercial and CMiC Global. As part of the broader network, including constructioncanews.com, constructionnynews.com, and constructionflnews.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic construction landscape across multiple states.
