Construction employers added 15,000 workers to payrolls in February despite harsh winter working conditions, raising industry employment to the highest level since June 2009, according to an analysis of new government data by AGC of America.  However, association officials noted that as the industry adds jobs many firms report they are already having a hard time finding skilled workers.

After six months of steadily increasing demand for design services, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) paused in November. As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine to twelve month lead time between architecture billings and construction spending. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) reported the November ABI score was 49.8, down from a mark of 51.6 in October. This score reflects a slight decrease in design services (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). The new projects inquiry index was 57.8, down from the reading of 61.5 the previous month.

When it comes to capital improvement projects, healthcare providers across the board are looking to reduce costs and shorten construction schedules while still seeking high-quality design and building materials. While this may seem like a lofty aspiration, modular building systems are stepping in to make it a reality.

Construction firms added jobs in 34 states over the past 12 months, but construction employment declined in 32 states and the District of Columbia between November and December as many parts of the country coped with weather, according to an analysis released today by AGC of America of Labor Department data. Association officials noted that while weather in parts of the country likely contributed to many of the declines, they urged Washington officials to take steps to ensure continued growth for the industry and the economy.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced that it plans to survey general contractors regarding their recent renovation, repair and painting (RRP) activities in public- and private-sector commercial buildings.  EPA has asked for public comment by Feb. 4 on the scope and clarity of the questions included in its draft Information Collection Request (ICR), as well as its underlying assumptions and burden/cost estimates.  EPA is taking these steps because it needs more data on whether or not RRP activities in buildings expose the public to lead-based paint (LBP) dust.  If EPA determines such activities create LBP “hazards,” the agency will write additional rules that will apply to building contractors. 

Many contractors will find more projects to bid on in 2014 than they have in the past five years. Judging by recent producer price indexes, they should be spared most materials price shocks. However, labor availability will become an increasing concern.

AGC is constantly working to provide you with the tools and resources necessary to help your business and advance the interests of the construction industry. Back in 2008, when the economy took a severe hit, construction was one of the most adversely affected industries and, as we all know, it has been a rocky road to recovery. Today, demand is finally starting to pick back up, even if that growth has not been as steady or as robust as any of us would like.

The theme of this year’s 2013 AGC Building Contractors Conference is “Increasing Your Firm’s Productivity Through Industry Innovations”. The event brings together high-level leaders in the building construction industry to share, learn and discuss the issues that are essential to them and their business. This event is quickly approaching and you will not want to miss any of the sessions or networking opportunities.

The Architecture Billings Index (ABI) remained positive again in July with a 52.7 reading, improving on the June score of 51.6.  As a leading economic indicator of construction activity, the ABI reflects the approximate nine to twelve month lag time between architecture billings and construction spending.

Nationwide Survey Finds Most Firms Worry There Are Not Enough Craft Workers Available to Meet Growing Demand for Construction as Officials Call for Immigration and Education Reform to Help Seventy-four percent of construction firms across the country report they are having trouble finding qualified craft workers to fill key spots amid concerns that labor shortages will only get worse according to the results of an industry wide survey released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials called for immigration and education reform measures to help avoid worker shortages.