The price of materials and services used in nonresidential construction fell 1.3% last month, while contractors’ bid prices rose 5.4%, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data released today. Association officials noted that, despite the monthly decline, materials prices remain high and the availability of certain key materials is erratic.

Construction employment fell in 61 and was unchanged in another 51 out of 358 metro areas between June 2021 and June 2022, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new government employment data. Association officials noted that employment was falling or stagnant in nearly one-third of metro areas at a time when many construction firms are struggling to find enough qualified workers to hire and cope with supply chain challenges and rising materials prices.

Total construction spending fell by 1.1% in June as spending on new housing and nonresidential projects declined compared to May, according to an analysis the Associated General Contractors of America released today of federal spending data. Association officials said that the construction spending figures are being impacted as materials and labor shortages are slowing schedules and increasing the cost of construction.

Wall and ceiling professionals today face numerous challenges: a global pandemic, the affects it has had on the global supply chain, and how they respond to customers, prospects and the public using the latest communications tools.

Builders are looking for alternative products and construction methods to reduce their reliance on wood and help mitigate material costs and supply-chain disruptions for wood-framed homes and other construction.

Construction starts are once again increasing after a slowdown in the fourth quarter of 2021. But labor shortages continue, and after a brief decline, materials prices are again climbing, caused partially by the war in Ukraine. 

Construction executives have cooled their expectations about the foreseeable future of construction.