flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator rebounds in August

Market Data

ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator rebounds in August

The primary issue for most contractors is not a lack of demand, but an ongoing and worsening shortage of skilled workers available to meet contractual requirements.


By ABC | October 23, 2019

Associated Builders and Contractors reported today that its Construction Backlog Indicator climbed to nine months in August 2019, up 0.5 months or 5.4% from July 2019, when CBI stood at 8.5 months.

“Despite some other leading indicators suggesting weakening in nonresidential construction spending, our most recent backlog readings show that contractors are still experiencing significant demand for construction services” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “The primary issue for most contractors is not a lack of demand, but an ongoing and worsening shortage of skilled workers available to meet contractual requirements. 

“Though this month’s report was generally positive, softening activity in the nation’s manufacturing sector is becoming more apparent in construction data,” said Basu. “Specifically, backlog in the heavy industrial category slipped to 7.7 months in August, a decline of 12%. A number of key manufacturing indicators have been weakening of late, including capacity utilization and the Institute for Supply Management’s index for manufacturing. It appears that the slowdown in factory activity is now being reflected in construction spending data.

“By contrast, backlog for those involved in heavy highway projects or other forms of infrastructure reached 10.4 months, an increase of nearly 13%,” said Basu. “The implication is that state and local governments are leveraging stronger fiscal positions and lower borrowing costs to move forward with more infrastructure projects. Not only is this a source of strength for the U.S. economy, it is helping to support overall nonresidential construction spending. Growing contractual volume in the infrastructure category helped to push backlog among Middle States contractors up to 8.8 months, a 1.8-month gain. Overall, backlog continues to be lengthiest in the South and West.” 

 

 

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