Construction costs, which had been relatively low for much of the past year, are beginning to climb at an increasing rate, signaling the end to the “limited-time” sale for construction, according to a new analysis of the latest producer price index released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The analysis by Ken Simonson, chief economist for the Associated General Contractors of America, found significant upward movements between August and September 2009 in the prices of copper (10 percent increase), aluminum (2 percent increase) and steel (3 percent increase). All three products are essential components for the vast majority of construction projects. Simonson added that since the prices were collected a month ago, copper, aluminum and diesel fuel have moved to multi-month highs.

“The days of construction estimates coming in 20 percent under estimate may soon be coming to an end,” Simonson reports. “These figures serve as an important reminder that governments and developers looking for a good deal on construction should act quickly before having to pay significantly more for their projects.”

Prices for other significant construction materials also rose in September as compared to the previous month. The cost of plastic construction products rose 1.2 percent, the cost of prestressed concrete products by 1.5 percent, and iron and steel pipe and tube by 1.2 percent. Some construction materials prices did continue to decline, such as gypsum (down 1.2 percent) and plywood (down 0.3 percent). 

Simonson said the producer price data serves as a reminder that “private owners and public agencies should accelerate any plans they have for construction to take advantage of materials costs that remain generally below year-ago levels but which are rapidly reversing their slide.”  

Click here for the latest producer price index figures.

Source: AGC