Construction Spending Increases, Residential and Public Gains Offset Drop in Private Nonresidential Projects

Construction spending was mixed in October as a rebound in residential and public categories outweighed a downturn in most private nonresidential segments, according to a recent analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted, however, that public investments in infrastructure remain down compared to last year while private-sector demand should remain robust amid continued economic growth. “It’s encouraging to see a rebound in public construction in recent months, but most infrastructure categories are down substantially over the past year,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Meanwhile, private nonresidential construction still appears to have good prospects, assuming … Read more

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National Construction Spending Reaches Cyclical Highs in Q3 2016

CHICAGO, Ill. – According to JLL’s latest report on United States construction activity, construction spending in 2016 has continued to hit cyclical highs, reaching $317 billion in the third quarter, a one percent growth increase year-over-year. While this may be the highest point this cycle, compared to past third quarter growth averages of 7-10 percent year-over-year, the small increase could indicate an impending slowdown. A robust construction pipeline combined with rising building and materials costs and a shrinking labor pool could explain the lackluster growth. Materials costs have reached a 2.2 percent growth rate year-over-year, a five-year high, largely due … Read more

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Rider Levett Bucknall Releases Q3 USA Construction Report

PHOENIX, Ariz. – In its latest quarterly survey of U.S. construction costs, international property and construction cost-consultant firm Rider Levett Bucknall reports that construction spending in the United States is on track to increase approximately 6 percent in 2016. Overall, the national average increase in construction costs for the quarter was approximately 1.5 percent. While spending is falling short of the robust 20 percent growth seen by select segments of the industry in 2015, the outlook for the construction field is reasonably favorable, notes the report. Continued low interest rates, rising consumer confidence and healthy job growth also contribute to … Read more

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Construction Spending Remains Steady in July, Up by 5.6% for First Seven Months of 2016

Construction spending remained steady in July compared to June but is up by 5.6 percent for the first seven months of the year compared to same period in 2015, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said the growth in construction spending is occurring as most construction firms report they are having a hard time finding skilled craft workers to keep pace with demand. “On balance, there is still strong demand for construction, especially for multifamily and private nonresidential structures, while home building continues an uneven recovery,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. … Read more

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Architecture Billings Index Moderates Slightly, Remains Positive

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Architecture Billings Index was positive in July for the sixth consecutive month, and tenth out of the last twelve months as demand across all project types continued to increase. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate 9-12-month lead time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects reported the July ABI score was 51.5, down from the mark of 52.6 in the previous month. This score still reflects an increase in design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index … Read more

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