Prices for construction materials inched down in December, closing out a year of relatively subdued changes in both materials costs and bid prices, according to an analysis of new federal figures released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said the price decline was likely to be temporary, noting that the vast majority of contractors predict materials prices will rise in 2013. “Moderate price swings for several materials last year gave contractors some breathing room, but future price spikes could push many firms into the red,” said Ken Simonson, chief economist for the construction trade association. “Contractors … Read more

Significantly more construction firms are planning to add new staff than plan to cut staff, while demand for many types of private sector construction projects should increase this year, according to survey results released today by the Associated General Contractors of America and Computer Guidance Corporation. The survey, conducted as part of Tentative Signs of a Recovery: The 2013 Construction Industry Hiring and Business Outlook, provides a generally optimistic outlook for the year even as firms worry about rising costs and declining public sector demand for construction. “While the outlook for the construction industry appears to be heading in the … Read more

Construction spending dipped from October to November, but resolution of the uncertainty regarding federal taxes for 2013 should unleash more private construction investment, according to an analysis of new federal data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials warned, however, that unresolved issues about federal construction spending, including storm relief for northeastern states, will hold down public construction spending. “Preliminary data from the Census Bureau for November shows overall construction spending slipped 0.3 percent from October's total after seven months of steady gains,” said Ken Simonson, the association's chief economist. “The more significant comparison, however, is … Read more