flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

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

Market Data

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

Backlog in the infrastructure segment jumped from 8.7 months in April to 9.3 months in May, and the Northeast and South regions continue to outperform the Middle States and the West.


By ABC. | June 15, 2022
ABC Construction Backlog Indicator
Courtesy Pixabay.

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.

View ABC’s Construction Backlog Indicator and Construction Confidence Index tables for May 2022.

Backlog in the infrastructure segment jumped from 8.7 months in April to 9.3 months in May, and the Northeast and South regions continue to outperform the Middle States and the West. Contractors with more than $100 million in annual revenues enjoyed the highest backlog, at 13.2 months.

ABC’s Construction Confidence Index readings for sales, profit margins and staffing levels declined in May. The indices for sales and staffing remain above the threshold of 50, indicating expectations of growth over the next six months, while the reading for profit margins was exactly 50 for the month.

“It is simply remarkable that contractors continue to add to backlog amidst global strife, rising materials prices and ubiquitous labor force challenges,” said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. “Backlog is up in every segment over the past year, including in the somewhat shaky commercial category. The largest increase in backlog has been registered in the industrial segment. More American companies are committing to place additional supply chain capacity in the United States, with Intel and Ford representing particularly recent and noteworthy examples.

“For contractors, the challenge will continue to be the cost of delivering construction services,” said Basu. “The risk of severe increases in costs and substantial delays in delivery remains elevated given the volatility in input prices, the propensity of the labor force to shift jobs in large numbers and equipment shortages and delays. This ABC survey indicates that the proportion of contractors who expect that profit margins will expand over the next six months is declining, a reflection of lingering, worsening supply chain challenges.”

ABC Construction Backlog Indicator & Construction Confidence Index
Courtesy ABC.

Note: The reference months for the Construction Backlog Indicator and Construction Confidence Index data series were revised on May 12, 2020, to better reflect the survey period. CBI quantifies the previous month’s work under contract based on the latest financials available, while CCI measures contractors’ outlook for the next six months.

Related Stories

| Jun 30, 2014

4 design concepts that remake the urban farmer's market

The American Institute of Architects held a competition to solve the farmer's markets' biggest design dilemma: lightweight, bland canopies that although convenient, does not protect much from the elements.

| Jun 30, 2014

OMA's The Interlace honored as one of the world's most 'community-friendly' high-rises

The 1,040-unit apartment complex in Singapore has won the inaugural Urban Habitat award from the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, which highlights projects that demonstrate a positive contribution to the surrounding environment.

| Jun 30, 2014

Work starts on Jean Nouvel-designed European Patent Office in the Netherlands [slideshow]

With around 80,000 sm and a budget of €205 million self-financed by the EPO, the complex will be one of the biggest office construction sites ever in the Netherlands. 

| Jun 30, 2014

Zaha Hadid's Iraq Parliament complex design marred with controversy

Zaha Hadid's design for the Iraq Parliament was selected, despite placing third in the original RIBA-organized competition.

| Jun 26, 2014

Plans for Britain’s newest landmark brings in international cooperation

Designers of the London Eye will team up with companies from France, the Netherlands and the United States to construct i360 Brighton, the U.K.'s newest observation tower.

| Jun 25, 2014

The best tall buildings of 2014

Four high-rise buildings from multiple continents have been selected as the best of their region. The best worldwide tall building will be announced November 6. 

| Jun 25, 2014

Frank Lloyd Wright’s Spring House, Cincinnati’s Union Terminal among 11 Most Endangered Historic Places for 2014

The National Trust for Historic Preservation released its annual list of 11 Most Endangered Historical Sites in the United States for 2014.

| Jun 24, 2014

Mayor Rahm Emanuel announces plans for a Chicago Architecture Biennial

Chicago's mayor Rahm Emanuel announces plan to hold the Chicago Architecture Biennial in late 2015, intended to rival Venice's Biennale.

| Jun 23, 2014

Gehry's 'glass sail' cultural center for Foundation Louis Vuitton set to open in October

Comissioned by Bernard Arnault, American legendary architect Frank Gehry's newest structure in Paris for Foundation Louis Vuitton will house eleven galleries and an auditorium for performing arts.

| Jun 19, 2014

First Look: 10 Design unveils new luxury apartments plan in Dubai

The Seventh Heaven complex features a stepped form that will offer stunning views of the Dubai skyline.

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