Construction climate - Articles - Page 4

Economic Indicators

Nonresidential Construction Down Again Amid Weakness

Nonresidential construction spending contracted for the third time in the past four months in August and is now down 1.5% year over year

Tanja Kern

November 17, 2025

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ABC reports a drop in construction spending in 10 of 16 categories, with data centers still performing strongly despite high costs and borrowing rates.

Economic Outlook

Economist Warns: U.S. Growth Needs Bold Action

At METALCON 2025, economist Alex Chausovsky warned U.S. leaders to embrace complexity and defend economic dominance.

Tanja Kern

October 30, 2025

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Economist Alex Chausovsky of The Bundy Group took the keynote stage at METALCON 2025 with a clear message: America’s economy is strong, but complacency is its biggest risk.

Construction Data

U.S. Commercial Construction Backlogs Stay Strong Despite Shutdown

Private indicators reveal mixed trends across sectors

Tanja Kern

October 15, 2025

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Commercial construction contractors are ending 2025 with stable backlogs and measured optimism. With the federal shutdown halting official economic data, private indicators point to steady activity but uneven growth across sectors heading into 2026.

Construction Data

Residential Remodeling Confidence Rebounds in Q4

Renovation and remodeling activity surges as contractors close 2025 on a high note, even amid data gaps from the ongoing federal shutdown.

Tanja Kern

October 15, 2025

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Residential construction pros are entering the year’s final quarter with renewed confidence, fueled by a strong rebound in renovation inquiries and project commitments.

Construction Data

Builder Backlog Hits 8.8 Months Despite Challenges

Associated Builders and Contractors survey shows year-over-year growth driven by data center and infrastructure projects

Roofing Contractor Staff

August 12, 2025

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Construction backlog rose to 8.8 months in July, up 0.4 months year-over-year, despite declining contractor confidence in profit margins, ABC reported.

Quarterly Earnings

TopBuild Margins Hold Strong Despite Market Slowdown

Installation segment declines 8.3% while Specialty Distribution grows

Tanja Kern

August 5, 2025

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TopBuild's Q2 shows residential weakness offset by commercial strength, while the Progressive acquisition boosts full-year guidance.

News Analysis

Construction Surge Doesn't Boost Roofing Demand

Despite Dodge data showing $1.33 trillion in construction starts, roofing industry faces declining shipments and cautious distributor sentiment

Tanja Kern

August 4, 2025

One Comment

Construction projects are starting at the fastest pace in months, but roofing suppliers report a demand drop, and distributors are destocking inventory.

May brought modest job gains to construction, but trade policies and rising costs are casting a long shadow

Economic Indicators

Contractors See Modest Job Growth Despite Economic Strain

May brought modest job gains to construction, but trade policies and rising costs are casting a long shadow

Bryan Gottlieb

June 10, 2025

One Comment

U.S. construction added 4,000 jobs in May, marking 13 straight months of gains despite hiring slowdown, tariff hikes and inflation-driven uncertainty across the industry.