The AIA Consensus Construction Forecast projects annual growth in the 3.5 percent to 4.0 percent range for the remainder of 2017 as well as for 2018, with a slower growing commercial/industrial market, and an institutional sector facing several challenges. While some slowdown in the commercial sector was anticipated for 2017 and 2018, it was expected to be offset by acceleration in the institutional sector. However, year-to date growth in spending for institutional buildings is at only 3%, well below expectations when the year began.
“Despite billings at architecture firms performing quite well this year, the larger construction industry is facing a range of issues,” says AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. “The somewhat weaker outlook is driven by several factors, some dealing with the broader U.S. economy, some dealing with general construction industry fundamentals, and some dealing with weakness in specific construction sectors.”
Learn more about the AIA Consensus Construction Forecast.
Related Stories
Market Data | Feb 10, 2016
Nonresidential building starts and spending should see solid gains in 2016: Gilbane report
But finding skilled workers continues to be a problem and could inflate a project's costs.
Market Data | Feb 9, 2016
Cushman & Wakefield is bullish on U.S. economy and its property markets
Sees positive signs for construction and investment growth in warehouses, offices, and retail
Market Data | Feb 5, 2016
CMD/Oxford forecast: Nonresidential building growth will recover modestly in 2016
Increased government spending on infrastructure projects should help.
Market Data | Feb 4, 2016
Mortenson: Nonresidential construction costs expected to increase in six major metros
The Construction Cost Index, from Mortenson Construction, indicated rises between 3 and 4% on average.
Contractors | Feb 1, 2016
ABC: Tepid GDP growth a sign construction spending may sputter
Though the economy did not have a strong ending to 2015, the data does not suggest that nonresidential construction spending is set to decline.
Data Centers | Jan 28, 2016
Top 10 markets for data center construction
JLL’s latest outlook foresees a maturation in certain metros.
Market Data | Jan 20, 2016
Nonresidential building starts sag in 2015
CDM Research finds only a few positive signs among the leading sectors.
Market Data | Jan 20, 2016
Architecture Billings Index ends year on positive note
While volatility persists, architecture firms reported healthy performance for 2015.
Market Data | Jan 15, 2016
ABC: Construction material prices continue free fall in December
In December, construction material prices fell for the sixth consecutive month. Prices have declined 7.2% since peaking in August 2014.
Market Data | Jan 13, 2016
Morgan Stanley bucks gloom and doom, thinks U.S. economy has legs through 2020
Strong job growth and dwindling consumer debt give rise to hope.
