Mortenson Raises Estimate for 2017 Chicago Construction Cost Increases to 4.5%

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CHICAGO, Ill. – With supplies of some key materials, equipment and labor tightening, Mortenson Construction has raised its estimate for nonresidential construction cost increases in Chicago, Illinois, for 2017 from 4 percent to 4.5 percent, the highest among the major markets that the national builder and developer tracks. This year’s increase follows a 2016 jump of 4.3 percent in Chicago, according to the Mortenson Construction Cost Index. “Chicago construction activity initially lagged other markets in recovering after the 2008 recession, but it has gradually caught up and is strong now,” said Dennis McGreal, chief estimator for Mortenson Construction’s Chicago office. … Read more

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ABC Reports Construction Input Prices Plod Higher, Energy Prices Down

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Construction input prices increased .3 percent in July and are up 3 percent on a year-over-year basis, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Nonresidential construction input prices were in line with overall industry dynamics, increasing 0.3 percent for the month and 2.7 percent for the year. Eight of 11 key construction input prices rose in July. Among the inputs experiencing declines in prices were crude petroleum (down 8 percent) and natural gas (down 7 percent). Natural gas prices have fallen during four of the past six … Read more

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Construction Input Prices Flat, Crude Petroleum Prices Plummet, ABC Says

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Construction input prices remained unchanged in May, ending five consecutive months of price expansion, according to analysis of  Bureau of Labor Statistics data released by Associated Builders and Contractors. Construction input prices expanded 3.4 percent on a year-over-year basis. Nonresidential construction input prices also remained unchanged on a monthly basis but increased by 3.1 percent on a yearly basis. Only crude petroleum prices experienced a significant month-over-month change in May, with prices falling 19.6 percent from April’s level. Natural gas prices remain significantly higher—up 66 percent—from the same time one year ago. “Since March 2016, construction input … Read more

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The Austin Company Receives Safety Award from Liberty Mutual

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CLEVELAND, Ohio –– The Austin Company was again recognized by Liberty Mutual with a Silver Safety Award for working over 1.3 million man-hours without a lost time accident. In addition, Austin was recognized for being 60 percent below industry Bureau of Labor Statistics for 2016. This is another major safety milestone for The Austin Company and reflects the firm’s commitment to uncompromised safety and quality and safety on every job performed. Excellent safety performance not only enables everyone to go home at the end of the day without injury, but it also reflects a discipline on the job site that … Read more

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Construction Input Prices Surge to Start 2017, ABC Says Energy Prices Remain on the Ascent

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Construction input prices collectively rose by 1 percent on a monthly basis and 3.8 percent on a year-over-year basis, according to analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data released by Associated Builders and Contractors. This represents the fastest year-over-year rate of materials price inflation since the beginning of 2012. Nonresidential input prices rose 0.9 percent for the month and are up 4 percent year over year. The rise in input prices is largely attributable to natural gas prices, which expanded 23.6 percent for the month and are up 81.8 percent year over year. Crude petroleum prices … Read more

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