A small increase in total construction spending in September masked a widening gap between declines in most nonresidential segments and robust gains in residential construction, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data released today. Association officials warned nonresidential construction is headed for an even steeper slump unless officials in Washington enact relief promptly, noting that their latest industry survey found three out of four respondents had experienced a postponed or cancelled project since the start of the pandemic.
“The September spending report shows the gulf between housing and nonresidential markets is growing steadily wider,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “In our October survey, 75% of respondents reported a postponed or cancelled project, up from 60% in August and 32% in June.”
Construction spending in September totaled $1.41 trillion at a seasonally adjusted annual rate, an increase of 0.3% from the pace in August and 1.5% higher than in September 2019. Private and public nonresidential spending slumped by a combined 1.6% since August and 4.4% from a year earlier, while private residential spending climbed by 2.8% for the month and 9.9% year-over-year.
Private nonresidential construction spending declined for the third consecutive month, falling 1.5% from August to September, with decreases in nine out of 11 categories. The largest private nonresidential segment, power construction, declined 2.2% for the month. Among the other large private nonresidential project types, commercial construction—comprising retail, warehouse and farm structures—slid 1.9%, manufacturing construction declined 2.1%, and office construction rose 0.3%. Simonson noted that the office figure was likely inflated by inclusion of data centers, a segment that appears to have held up well.
Public construction spending fell 1.7%Â in September, the fourth monthly decline in a row. The largest public category, highway and street construction, tumbled 5.4% for the month. Among other large public segments, educational construction increased 2.0% for the month, while transportation construction dipped 0.3%.
Private residential construction spending increased for the fourth-straight month, rising 2.8% in September. Single-family homebuilding soared 5.7%Â for the month, while multifamily construction spending rose 1.2%Â and residential improvements declined 0.4%.
Association officials noted that the coronavirus was having a significant, negative impact on most commercial construction firms. In addition to widespread project delays and cancellations, the association’s recent survey found most contractors do not expect to expand their headcount during the next 12 months because of the pandemic. Many contractors report they are looking to Washington to enact new infrastructure investments and liability reforms to offset the ongoing impacts of the coronavirus.
“The pandemic is suppressing demand for new office buildings, hotels and shopping centers even while it inspires many people to build bigger homes,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer. “Without new federal investments in infrastructure and other needed relief measures, commercial firms will have a hard time retaining staff or investing in new equipment and supplies.”
Related Stories
Market Data | Aug 18, 2020
Nonresidential construction industry won’t start growing again until next year’s third quarter
But labor and materials costs are already coming down, according to latest JLL report.
Market Data | Aug 18, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: August 18, 2020
The world's first AI-driven facade system and LA's Greek Theatre restoriation completes.
Market Data | Aug 17, 2020
5 must reads for the AEC industry today: August 17, 2020
5 strategies for creating safer hotel experiences and how to manage multifamily assets when residents no longer leave.
Market Data | Aug 14, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: August 14, 2020
The largest single sloped solar array in the country and renewing the healing role of public parks.
Market Data | Aug 13, 2020
5 must reads for the AEC industry today: August 13, 2020
Apple Central World opens in Bangkok and 7-Eleven to buy Speedway.
Market Data | Aug 12, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: August 12, 2020
UC Davis's new dining commons and the pandemic is revolutionizing healthcare benefits.
Market Data | Aug 11, 2020
6 must reads for the AEC industry today: August 11, 2020
Elevators can be a 100% touch-free experience and the construction industry adds 20,000 employees in July.
Market Data | Aug 10, 2020
Dodge Momentum Index increases in July
This month’s increase in the Dodge Momentum Index was the first in all of 2020.
Market Data | Aug 10, 2020
Construction industry adds 20,000 employees in July but nonresidential employment dips
Association warns skid will worsen without new relief.
Market Data | Aug 10, 2020
5 must reads for the AEC industry today: August 10, 2020
Private student housing owners reap the benefits as campus housing de-densifies and race for COVID vaccine boosts real estate in life sciences hubs.