Construction Spending Slips in January

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Construction spending slipped from December to January but increased modestly from a year ago, as private construction grew solidly but public infrastructure outlays tumbled, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said the January data indicates the need for new public investments in infrastructure along the lines of the trillion dollar proposal President Trump outlined during his Congressional address last night. “These numbers suggest that demand for residential and private nonresidential structures remain strong but all levels of government are struggling to fund needed projects,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “It appears … Read more

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Pinnacle Winners Enhance The Carolinas Construction Industry

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Carolinas AGC recently bestowed the 2016 Pinnacle Awards to four construction projects which enhance their communities, and the “Build with the Best” Pinnacle Award to an individual whose partnership with the construction industry helped pull South Carolina out of mass turmoil. Pinnacle entries are judged on unique aspects and challenges, special values, project management, budget and schedule and safety performance. Pinnacle winners enhance the Carolinas and advance the construction industry. For detailed information and photos, visit the CAGC Pinnacle Awards page here. Best Building Project $5 Million and Over Duke University Chapel Restoration, Durham, North Carolina General Contractor: Romeo Guest Associates The Chapel at Duke University is a unique sight … Read more

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Construction Employment in January Reaches Highest Level Since 2008

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Construction employment increased by 36,000 jobs in January to the highest level since November 2008 as employers increased pay in an effort to address a chronic worker shortage, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. The association urged public officials to strengthen training and education programs to prepare more workers for careers in the high-paying construction field. “This report aligns with what contractors have been telling the association—that the construction industry is still eager to add workers,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “The employment gains would be even larger if … Read more

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Construction Firms Getting Squeezed by Increasing Materials, Labor Costs

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The cost of materials used in construction rose markedly faster than the price of completed buildings, according to a new analysis of federal producer price data recently released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials cautioned that potential restrictions on the use of imported construction materials threaten to drive up the price of infrastructure, buildings and new homes and apartments. “Steep price hikes have hit a wide range of key materials used in construction in the past few months, and contractors have received numerous letters from vendors announcing large additional increases in the next month or two,” said … Read more

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Thirty-Two States Add Construction Jobs in 2016

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Thirty-two states added construction jobs in 2016 as a dearth of experienced workers kept contractors in many states from hiring as many employees as they would have preferred, according to data in a recently released analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department and the association’s own survey. Association officials said the new Trump administration could help by including workforce development measures as part of its promised new infrastructure program. “Although the number of states reporting construction employment increases has dwindled, contractors are more upbeat than ever about the construction market and intend to hire more workers … Read more

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