Total construction spending edged up 0.1 percent in December and rose by a modest 4.8 percent for all of 2013, as a robust market for apartments and single-family houses outweighed downturns in private nonresidential and public projects, according to an analysis of new Census Bureau data by the Associated General Contractors of America.   Association officials added that swift congressional action on vital highway and water infrastructure measures would give a needed boost to public-sector demand. “Residential construction ended on a strong note in 2013 and should remain positive for at least the next several months,” said Ken Simonson, the … Read more

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Healthy fundamentals in the commercial property market combined with the international economy returning to more traditional growth levels are factoring into a projected increase in growth for the design and construction industry.   Led by the hotel and retail project categories, the commercial sector looks to see the biggest gains in construction spending, with demand for institutional projects increasing at a more moderate level.   The American Institute of Architects" semi-annual Consensus Construction Forecast, a survey of the nation's leading construction forecasters, is projecting that spending will see a 5.8 percent increase in 2014, with next year's … Read more

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Following consistently increasing demand for design services throughout most of 2013, the Architecture Billings Index has posted its first consecutive months of contraction since May and June of 2012.   As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine- to twelve-month lead time between architecture billings and construction spending.   The American Institute of Architects reported the December ABI score was 48.5, down from a mark of 49.8 in November.   This score reflects a decrease in design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings).   The new projects … Read more