First Quarter Building Cost Index Reflects Strong Market Conditions

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The First Quarter 2017 Turner Building Cost Index—which measures costs in the nonresidential building construction market in the United States—has increased to a value of 1,019. This represents a 1.29 percent quarterly increase from the Fourth Quarter 2016 and a 5.05 percent yearly increase from the First Quarter 2016. As the market appears to continue its upward trend, the availability of skilled labor continues to influence the decision making of subcontractors, who are maintaining a selective approach to pursuits so as not to become overburdened. Additionally, while material delivery lead times have been relatively consistent throughout the last few quarters and … Read more

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Dodge Momentum Index Loses Steam in April

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NEW YORK, N.Y. – The Dodge Momentum Index fell 5.1 percent in April to 133.8 (2000=100) from its revised March reading of 140.9. The momentum index is a monthly measure of the first (or initial) report for nonresidential building projects in planning, which have been shown to lead construction spending for nonresidential buildings by a full year. April’s decline was due to a 12 percent drop for the institutional component of the momentum index, while the commercial component rose a meager 1 percent. Since early 2016, the momentum index has gained substantial ground, albeit in a saw-tooth pattern, increasing by … Read more

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Thirty-Nine States Add Construction Jobs Between April 2016, 2017

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Thirty-nine states added construction jobs between April 2016 and April 2017 amid growing demand for construction services, yet more than half the states lost construction jobs between March and April amid tight labor market conditions, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department recently released data. Association officials said firms in many parts of the country are having a hard time finding qualified workers, which is likely holding back broader employment gains in some states. “Demand for construction remains robust, so it is likely that a number of the monthly employment declines are being … Read more

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Construction Input Prices Up in April, Led by Sharp Increases in Energy Prices

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Construction input prices rose for a fifth consecutive month in April, increasing by 0.7 percent on a monthly basis and 4.3 percent on a year-over-year basis, according to analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data released by Associated Builders and Contractors. Nonresidential construction input prices behaved similarly, increasing by .7 percent on a monthly basis and 4.2 percent on a year-ago basis. Prices for final demand goods—the broadest measure supplied by producer price index data —increased by .5 percent in April on a seasonally adjusted basis. Final demand prices are up 2.5 percent on a year-over-year … Read more

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Leasing vs. Renting — How to Know Which Is Right for Your Project

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When you’re a construction superintendent, it’s your job to plan and coordinate a construction site’s operations to ensure a project is done on time and on budget. Although the company owners may make the decision whether to lease or rent equipment, you might be asked for input. Considerations about leasing or renting can have an impact on the successful completion of the project. The decision on whether to lease or rent construction equipment is not a simple one. The nature of the job, the business and the overall economy all play a role. When to consider leasing You should think … Read more

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