Private projects stall even as public construction spending jumps

Although infrastructure dollars are flowing, “private developer-driven activity appears to be drying up,” said ABC’s chief economist.

By Sebastian Obando • Aug. 2, 2023

Turner’s cost index continues to rise

Though improving supply chains have helped ease the pace of increases, labor rates pressure contractors.

By Joe Bousquin • July 31, 2023

Recessionary conditions likely in next year

Weakening global and national economies, mixed with high borrowing costs and excess inflation, are poking holes in construction’s outlook, said Associated Builders and Contractors’ chief economist.

By Sebastian Obando • July 27, 2023

Spending likely to slump in rest of year

AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker talked about private construction activity, nonresidential spending and financial headwinds.

By Sebastian Obando • July 25, 2023

Construction starts continue volatile ride, ‘up one month and down the next’

Choppy conditions will persist due to high interest rates and tightening lending standards, said Richard Branch, chief economist for Dodge Construction Network.

By Sebastian Obando • July 24, 2023

Skanska reports record backlog, Q2 profit drop

On the back of infrastructure jobs, Skanska has added to its contracted work even as it weathers a weaker leasing market.

By Zachary Phillips • July 21, 2023

Rent growth drops to lowest non-pandemic rate since 2011

Asking rents are still on the rise, both for conventional multifamily and for single-family build-to-rent properties, according to a new report.

By Mary Salmonsen • July 21, 2023

Canadian wildfires raised air pollution. Lumber prices could be next.

Historic fires are blazing through the provinces of Alberta and Quebec, dealing a blow to the country’s softwood lumber production.

By Sebastian Obando • July 17, 2023

Readers Respond: How contractors deal with sticker shock

Respondents to a recent Construction Dive survey said they are combating the high price of building materials with a variety of tactics.

By Jennifer Goodman • July 14, 2023

ABC members pour $1.5B into upskilling

2022 continued an investment trend in training and education, but the employer group said there’s more work to be done.

By Zachary Phillips • July 14, 2023

Inflation cools, but material prices remain high

Despite easing conditions, headwinds still hamper construction activity, according to a new report.

By Sebastian Obando • July 14, 2023

Construction planning falls for fourth straight month

While commercial activity saw an uptick due to data center and hotel projects, a decline in education and healthcare proposals dragged a key index down.

By Sebastian Obando • July 12, 2023

Construction backlog holds steady on infrastructure tailwinds

While pending projects in the commercial and industrial sectors dropped, upcoming civil works jobs hit their highest level in two years. 

By Joe Bousquin • July 12, 2023

5 factors that can make your construction risk register obsolete

Contractors should recalibrate risk to account for today’s challenges in order to mitigate disputes and potential litigation.

By James Gallagher • July 11, 2023

Nonresidential construction spending shrinks for first time in 11 months

While year-over-year spending remains positive, segments such as commercial construction and infrastructure posted declines in May.

By Sebastian Obando • July 5, 2023

Construction expert predicts flat material prices for second half of year

Labor shortages, a manufacturing boom and infrastructure work are keeping the industry from returning to pre-pandemic price levels.

By Sebastian Obando • June 29, 2023

Midyear check-in: How’s your construction firm doing?

At the halfway point of 2023, UBS financial advisor Jason Lowy says that construction leaders should assess their year-end goals.

By Jason Lowy • June 29, 2023

Industrial construction is ‘cooling in some markets’

Kyle Roberts, executive managing director at Newmark, talks with Construction Dive about an industrial construction slowdown.

By Sebastian Obando • June 21, 2023

Public projects surge, private starts falter

Commercial and apartment construction are feeling the weight of higher interest rates, tighter lending and lower demand, as jobs tied to public funding jumped, Dodge said.

By Sebastian Obando • June 21, 2023

How 5 new Texas laws will impact construction

These bills from the latest legislative session nix water breaks for workers, allow third-party permitting and fund water infrastructure.

By Julie Strupp • June 20, 2023

Construction prices fall for third straight month, but inflation persists

Despite pricing declines for some materials, megaprojects in progress across the country will keep the costs of key construction supplies elevated, an economist said.

By Sebastian Obando • June 15, 2023

Amazon to demolish 9 Virginia office buildings to make way for data centers

The tech giant and other firms are evaluating ways to transform vacant office space for new uses.

By Sebastian Obando • June 14, 2023

S&P raises alarms on CRE financing

Though owners throughout the commercial real estate space are being affected by recent financial headwinds, the office sector is facing the most intense pressure right now, a new report says.

By Leslie Shaver • June 13, 2023

Canadian wildfires prompt Northeast contractors to send workers home

Neither the Environmental Protection Agency nor OSHA have mandates on when outdoor work should cease due to hazardous air quality.

By Sebastian Obando • June 8, 2023

Weak office, hotel sectors continue to drag on construction planning

While office and hotel planning continue to drop, healthcare and education projects posted a 5.6% jump in May, according to Dodge Construction Network.

By Sebastian Obando • June 8, 2023