Strong demand for construction projects fueled job growth in November in 38 states compared to October and in all but six states over the past 12 months, according to an analysis of Labor Department data recently released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said, however, that the shortage of available workers was likely keeping firms from expanding headcounts even more rapidly in many parts of the country. “In nearly every state, contractors are busier now than a year ago,” said Ken Simonson, chief economist for the association. “Employment is up, but the industry would be expanding even … Read more

ATLANTA, Ga. — Construction companies are growing more optimistic about their risk exposure as they round out 2015, with respondents reporting in a new survey that their “risk sentiment” has dropped to 4.4 on a scale of 1-10 on (down from 5.2 earlier this year). The latest “Sterling Risk Advisors Risk Sentiment Index” shows that while profit margins continue to improve, companies are more concerned than ever about staffing, with access to adequate numbers of employees deepening its hold as the No. 1 risk to businesses. “Sterling’s Risk Sentiment Index clearly shows that most construction contractors continue to see a significant … Read more

NEW YORK, N.Y. — New construction starts in October advanced 13 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $591.1 billion, according to Dodge Data & Analytics. The increase follows the lackluster performance for construction starts during August and September, when activity fell to the lowest levels reported so far in 2015. Much of October’s gain for total construction was due to a sharp rebound by nonresidential building, with additional support coming from a moderate upturn for housing as the result of further strengthening by multifamily housing. At the same time, the non-building construction sector (public works and electric utilities/gas plants) … Read more