ABC: Backlog, Profit Margin Expectations Improve in April Despite Tariff Impacts

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Associated Builders and Contractors reported that its Construction Backlog Indicator rose to a 20-month high of 8.7 months in April, according to an ABC member survey conducted April 22 to May 6. The reading is up 0.3 months since April 2024. Backlog has increased significantly over the past year for contractors with greater than $100 million in annual revenues. While backlog has also risen modestly for the smallest contractors, it is down on an annual basis for those with $30 million to $100 million in annual revenues. ABC’s Construction Confidence Index reading for profit margins improved in April, while the … Read more

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Associated Builders and Contractors Releases Latest Construction Spending Analysis

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National nonresidential construction spending decreased .5% in March, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors’ analysis of data published by the U.S. Census Bureau. On a seasonally adjusted annualized basis, nonresidential spending totaled $1.25 trillion. Spending was down on a monthly basis in 11 of the 16 nonresidential subcategories. Private nonresidential spending fell .8%, while public nonresidential construction spending was down .2% in March. “Nonresidential construction spending fell sharply in March, with declines spread across virtually every private subsector,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “Data center investments, which accounted for more than 70% of the increase in private nonresidential … Read more

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Dodge Momentum Index Declines 7% in March

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The Dodge Momentum Index, issued by Dodge Construction Network, receded 6.9% in March to 205.6 (2000=100) from the revised February reading of 220.9. Over the month, commercial planning declined 7.8% while institutional planning fell 5%. “Increased uncertainty around material prices and fiscal policies may have begun to factor into planning decisions throughout March,” stated Sarah Martin, associate director of forecasting at Dodge Construction Network. “While planning data has weakened across most nonresidential sectors this month, activity remains considerably higher than year-ago levels and still suggests steady construction activity in mid-2026.” On the commercial side, weaker planning activity for warehouses, data … Read more

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The Softwood Lumber Board 2024 Annual Report Now Available

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The Softwood Lumber Board has published its 2024 Annual Report, which details the organization’s impact generating more softwood lumber demand by expanding new and emerging markets and protecting existing markets. In 2024, the SLB continued to target investments across its key program areas of codes, communications, conversions and education through its funded programs, partnerships and initiatives. Key accomplishments include: Every $100 the SLB invests in programs leverages $96 in additional outside funding on average since 2021. The AWC’s 2027 IBC change priority would create $360,000 in savings per building, making wood construction more cost-competitive by reducing sealant/adhesive requirements when adopted. … Read more

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Turner Construction Releases First Quarter 2025 Building Cost Index

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The First Quarter 2025 Turner Building Cost Index — which measures costs in the non-residential building construction market in the United States — had increased to the value of 1459. This represents a 1.18% quarterly increase from the Fourth Quarter 2024 and a 3.62% yearly increase from the First Quarter 2024. “The fundamentals of the construction market remain strong. Large projects in the advanced technology market continue to create upward pressure on specific material and equipment costs and on labor availability in some local markets. Our SourceBlue, preconstruction, and procurement teams are working with our project teams and clients to mitigate tariff … Read more

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