Leopardo released its 2016 Construction Economics Report and Outlook, a guide to help business leaders, healthcare administrators and government decision-makers understand the factors that impact construction costs.
This year’s report shows that 2015 was a turning point for commercial real estate construction, as spending reached the highest level since the Great Recession and even the pace of growth accelerated more than in previous years.
By the end of 2015, total spending on U.S. construction grew 10.5% to $1.1 trillion, the largest year-over-year gain since 2007. The most dynamic growth was in the private sector, where construction spending expanded 12.3%, compared to just 5.6% growth in public-sector projects.
"With a steadily growing economy, low national vacancy rates and historically low interest rates, companies are seeing this period as the right time to expand or relocate their facilities to accommodate growth,” said Jim Leopardo, CEO of Leopardo. “We’re seeing healthy construction volume of nearly every property type, both nationally and in the Chicago area.”
Key findings in the report include:
- Multifamily construction has grown by 29.4% annually since 2011, driven by a movement of renters by choice in urban work-live-play areas. In the same period, single-family home construction increased 14.8% annually.
- Office construction spending grew by 22% in 2014, driven by job growth in the tech sector. This growth spurt is expected to scale back to an average 5.9% annual growth rate through 2019.
- Construction jobs grew 7.8% in the Chicago area, outpacing the national average of 4.2% in 2015. In 2014, Chicago’s 3.2% construction job growth lagged the national average of 5.7%.
Related Stories
Market Data | Aug 2, 2022
Nonresidential construction spending falls 0.5% in June, says ABC
National nonresidential construction spending was down by 0.5% in June, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data published today by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Market Data | Jul 28, 2022
The latest Beck Group report sees earlier project collaboration as one way out of the inflation/supply chain malaise
In the first six months of 2022, quarter-to-quarter inflation for construction materials showed signs of easing, but only slightly.
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).