flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

ABC’s Construction Backlog inches higher in May

Market Data

ABC’s Construction Backlog inches higher in May

Materials and labor shortages suppress contractor confidence.


By ABC | June 15, 2021

Associated Builders and Contractors reports today that its Construction Backlog Indicator rose to 8.0 months in May, according to an ABC member survey conducted from May 20 to June 2, 0.1 months higher than in April 2021 and May 2020.

 

 

While ABC’s Construction Confidence Index readings for sales increased modestly in May, confidence regarding profit margins and staffing levels slipped. All three indices remain above the threshold of 50, indicating expectations of growth over the next six months.

 

 

“Nonresidential construction backlog continues to edge higher, consistent with expectations that sales, profit margins and staffing will expand over the next six months,” said ABC chief economist Anirban Basu. “For at least four reasons, this represents an extraordinary set of findings.

“First, materials prices have risen significantly over the past year and labor costs are also on the rise,” said Basu. “All things equal, one might think this would suppress profit margin growth. Apparently, demand for construction services is strong enough to generate sufficient pricing power to more than fully countervail those factors. Second, skills shortages continue to impact the construction industry and many other segments. Despite that, the average nonresidential contractor expects to expand their teams during the months ahead.

“Third, conventional wisdom suggests that commercial real estate fundamentals are weak in the context of remote working, online shopping and sluggish business travel,” said Basu. “Nonetheless, backlog in the commercial category remains stable. Fourth and finally, while there has been much talk about a federal infrastructure plan, it remains elusive. Nonetheless, backlog in the infrastructure category rose significantly in May, perhaps a reflection of stronger state and local government balance sheets and associated increases in infrastructure outlays. In sum, contractors can expect healthy growth in activity through the balance of 2021.”

Related Stories

Hotel Facilities | Jul 28, 2022

As travel returns, U.S. hotel construction pipeline growth follows

According to the recently released United States Construction Pipeline Trend Report from Lodging Econometrics (LE), the total U.S. construction pipeline stands at 5,220 projects/621,268 rooms at the close of 2022’s second quarter, up 9% Year-Over-Year (YOY) by projects and 4% YOY by rooms.

Codes and Standards | Jul 22, 2022

Hurricane-resistant construction may be greatly undervalued

  New research led by an MIT graduate student at the school’s Concrete Sustainability Hub suggests that the value of buildings constructed to resist wind damage in hurricanes may be significantly underestimated.

Market Data | Jul 21, 2022

Architecture Billings Index continues to stabilize but remains healthy

Architecture firms reported increasing demand for design services in June, according to a new report today from The American Institute of Architects (AIA).

Market Data | Jul 21, 2022

Despite deteriorating economic conditions, nonresidential construction spending projected to increase through 2023

Construction spending on buildings is projected to increase just over nine percent this year and another six percent in 2023, according to a new report from the American Institute of Architects (AIA). 

Building Team | Jul 18, 2022

Understanding the growing design-build market

FMI’s new analysis of the design-build market forecast for the next fives years shows that this delivery method will continue to grow, despite challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Market Data | Jul 1, 2022

Nonresidential construction spending slightly dips in May, says ABC

National nonresidential construction spending was down by 0.6% in May, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data published today by the U.S. Census Bureau.

Market Data | Jun 30, 2022

Yardi Matrix releases new national rent growth forecast

Rents in most American cities continue to rise slightly each month, but are not duplicating the rapid escalation rates exhibited in 2021.

Market Data | Jun 22, 2022

Architecture Billings Index slows but remains strong

Architecture firms reported increasing demand for design services in May, according to a new report today from The American Institute of Architects (AIA).

Building Team | Jun 17, 2022

Data analytics in design and construction: from confusion to clarity and the data-driven future

Data helps virtual design and construction (VDC) teams predict project risks and navigate change, which is especially vital in today’s fluctuating construction environment.

Market Data | Jun 15, 2022

ABC’s construction backlog rises in May; contractor confidence falters

Associated Builders and Contractors reports today that its Construction Backlog Indicator increased to nine months in May from 8.8 months in April, according to an ABC member survey conducted May 17 to June 3. The reading is up one month from May 2021.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category




halfpage1

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021