flexiblefullpage
billboard
interstitial1
catfish1
Currently Reading

Construction economists optimistic about 2014 growth

Construction economists optimistic about 2014 growth

ABC’s quarterly Construction Backlog Indicator (CBI) will be released Aug. 19.


By Associated Builders and Contractors | August 5, 2014
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Chief Economist Anirban Basu, American Institute of Architects (AIA) Chief Economist Kermit Baker and National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Chief Economist David Crowe provided a collaborative economic forecast combining their expert economic analysis on leading, present and lagging economic indicators.
 
"A combination of low interest rates; wealth effects stemming from a booming stock market and rising home prices; surging energy production; and expanding industrial output has helped position the U.S. economy for more rapid growth during the next several quarters," said ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu. "This will lead to more robust recovery in the U.S. nonresidential construction industry, which has also been aided by stable materials prices and improving commercial real estate fundamentals. ABC predicts 7 percent nominal nonresidential construction growth in 2014, despite ongoing challenges in the public construction segment."
 
"We continue to have an optimistic outlook for the commercial and industrial sectors for the rest of this year and into 2015," said AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. "However, until we see state and local governments ramp up spending for new education, health care and public safety structures there likely won’t be a widespread acceleration in spending for the entire industry."
 
"Economic pick-up in the second quarter was coupled with a return in housing construction," said David Crowe, chief economist for NAHB. "We expect continued modest growth in housing construction as employment rises and more household formations take place. However, continued tight supplies of labor and land will put upward pressure on new home prices."
 
In addition to this forecast, AIA released its latest Architecture Billings Index (ABI) July 23, NAHB released its latest NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI) July 16 and ABC’s quarterly Construction Backlog Indicator (CBI) will be released Aug. 19.

Related Stories

| Apr 10, 2012

THINK [about architecture] Scholarship enters 15th year

Students are invited to submit two-minute creative videos that illustrate how they interact with their school's design and what the space makes possible.

| Apr 10, 2012

Structured Development & Bucksbaum close on new retail site in Chicago

The site is the location of New City, a mixed-use development that will feature 370,000-sf of retail space and 280 residential rental units.

| Apr 10, 2012

Moriarty & Associates selected as GC for Miami’s BrickellHouse Condo

Construction of the 46-story development is schedule to get underway this summer and be completed in 2014.

| Apr 6, 2012

Flat tower green building concept the un-skycraper

A team of French designers unveil the “Flat Tower” design, a second place winner in the 2011 eVolo skyscraper competition.

| Apr 6, 2012

National Association of Women in Construction forum to be hosted in Philadelphia

The April Forum, titled “Declare your Independence!” will feature educational sessions on topics ranging from Managing the Generation Gap and Dealing with Contract language across state borders to Strategic and Succession Planning.

| Apr 6, 2012

Rooftop solar energy program wins critical approval from L.A. city council

Los Angeles Business Council applauds decision allowing LADWP to create new national model for rooftop solar energy

| Apr 6, 2012

Batson-Cook breaks ground on hotel adjacent to Infantry Museum & Fort Benning

The four-story, 65,000-ft property will feature 102 hotel rooms, including 14 studio suites.

| Apr 6, 2012

Perkins Eastman unveils Qatar mixed-use sports complex

Home stadium for Lekhwiya Club a vibrant addition to Doha’s architectural identity.

boombox1
boombox2
native1

More In Category



Great Solutions

41 Great Solutions for architects, engineers, and contractors

AI ChatBots, ambient computing, floating MRIs, low-carbon cement, sunshine on demand, next-generation top-down construction. These and 35 other innovations make up our 2024 Great Solutions Report, which highlights fresh ideas and innovations from leading architecture, engineering, and construction firms.


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