Positive Trend Continues for Architecture Billings Index

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Architecture Billings Index saw a jump of more than a full point last month, indicating acceleration in the growth of design activity nationally.   As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine- to 12-month lead time between architecture billings and construction spending.   The American Institute of Architects reported the July ABI score was 52.7, up from a mark of 51.6 in June.   This score reflects an increase in demand for design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings).   The new projects inquiry index was … Read more

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ABC Construction Economic Update: Nonresidential Fixed Investment in Structures Expands 4.6%

Nonresidential fixed investment in structures expanded 4.6 percent on an annualized basis during the second quarter of 2013, according to the July 31 gross domestic product report by the U.S. Commerce Department. This increase followed a 4.6 percent decline in the first quarter of the year. Fixed investment in equipment rose 4.1 percent in the second quarter and overall investment in structures expanded 6.8 percent. Residential fixed investment increased 13.4 percent following 12.5 percent expansion in the first quarter. Fixed investment in the nation's residential sector has been growing at a double-digit clip since the third quarter of 2012. Personal … Read more

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Economic Report Predicts Non-Residential Construction Growth

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Gilbane Building Company announces the publication of the Summer 2013 edition of Construction Economics — Market Conditions in Construction. Based on an array of economic data, construction starts and material cost trends, the data continues to show positive growth for the industry. “Supported by overall positive growth trends for year 2013, I expect margins and overall escalation to climb more rapidly than we"ve seen in five years,” says Ed Zarenski, the report's author and a 40-year veteran of the construction industry. “Rates will continue to rise and borrowing costs will add potential cost to future funding of … Read more

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Construction Unemployment Hits 9.1%

The unemployment rate for construction workers fell to the lowest July level in five years last month, even though employment has stagnated in the past four months, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials urged Washington leaders to act on stalled infrastructure funding measures to help jump start construction hiring. “Although the unemployment rate for experienced construction workers came down to 9.1 percent in July, many of those workers have left the industry for other jobs, school or training programs, or retirement,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “While … Read more

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AGC Reports on June Construction Spending

Total construction spending cooled in June as residential building hit the pause button, while private nonresidential and public construction also declined, according to an analysis of new census bureau data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials urged lawmakers in Washington to make infrastructure investment a top federal priority for the fiscal year beginning in October. “New single-family and multifamily construction both had rare slowdowns in June, while private nonresidential construction remained stuck in neutral as it has all year and the long slump in public construction worsened,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “For the rest … Read more

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