AGC Recaps New Construction Employment Analysis

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Construction employment expanded in 218 metro areas, declined in 72 and was stagnant in 49 between May 2013 and May 2014, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials warned that job losses could spread to more metros unless policymakers in Washington quickly agree on providing new funding for the federal highway program. “Construction employment continues to rise in about two-thirds of the nation's metro areas,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “However, there are still many areas that have not achieved consistent growth, and very few metros … Read more

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May Construction Retreats 5%

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NEW YORK, N.Y. — At a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $513.4 billion, new construction starts in May dropped 5 percent from the previous month, according to McGraw Hill Construction, a division of McGraw Hill Financial. The reduced pace for total construction starts reflected a moderate loss of momentum for nonresidential building and housing, while the non-building construction sector eased back slightly. The total construction decline followed two months of strengthening activity, although May's level was still above the lackluster volume registered at the outset of 2014. For the first five months of 2014, total construction starts on an unadjusted … Read more

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ARCADIS Report: U.S. Construction Dispute Values Triple to $34.3M in 2013

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HIGHLANDS RANCH, Colo. — In its fourth annual Global Construction Disputes Report, ARCADIS reported that in 2013, the average claimed value of construction disputes in the U.S. tripled over 2012, to an average of $34.3 million. However, the U.S. was still well below average construction dispute values globally, behind Asia and the Middle East. At the same time, construction disputes in the U.S. took 1.8 months longer to resolve than in 2012, averaging 13.7 months. This year's ARCADIS report on the top trends driving the value, duration, causes and resolutions of construction disputes worldwide, "Global Construction Disputes: Getting the Basics … Read more

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Three-Point Jump for Architecture Billings Index

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — On the heels of consecutive months of decreasing demand for design services, the Architecture Billings Index has returned to positive territory. 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 May ABI score was 52.6, up sharply from a mark of 49.6 in April. This score reflects an increase in design activity (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 63.2, up from the reading of 59.1 the … Read more

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Construction Employers Add 6,000 Workers to Payrolls in May, Unemployment Rate Declines

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Construction employers added 6,000 workers to payrolls in May as the industry's unemployment rate dropped to 8.6 percent, its lowest May level in six years, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. However, association officials cautioned that gains remain spotty and that thousands of highway construction jobs are at risk because of a pending halt in federal transportation funding later this summer. “Even with five straight months of construction employment gains, the industry remains vulnerable to sudden shifts in demand,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Should Washington allow federal highway … Read more

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