Signs of Confidence Sprouting in the Construction Industry

The recent construction industry mantra of “Wait until next year” may be coming to fruition in 2011, according to a recent survey conducted by ENR.  The 1^st quarter of 2011 Construction Industry Confidence Index (CICI) survey soared to 51 on a scale of 100, a significant increase from the 43 percent reported in the 4^th quarter of 2010.  The rise marks the first time the CICI has risen above 50 since March of 2009 and provides hints of a market that is stabilizing.  The survey of 679 construction and design executives suggests that the market has hit bottom and should improve throughout the year.

The uptick in market confidence is in step with the most recent CONFIN-DEX survey conducted by the Construction Financial Management Association.  This survey of contractors, general contractors and civil contractors spiked to 131 from 117 on a scale of 200, said Mike Verbanic, the organization’s director of marketing.  The most encouraging statistic is the increase that measures current business conditions, which rose to 145 from 129, again on a scale of 200.  “What makes these indices doubly reassuring is that our members are not wild gamblers, so their responses are measured and based on conditions they see,” according to Verbanic.  CFMA’s survey found some bad news in the financial conditions index, which rose to 116 from 105.  “These indices show that CFMA members expect demand to increase, but that credit and project financing may lag,” said Anirban Basu, CEO of Sage Policy Group, Inc., an economic consulting firm.

Although relatively few survey respondents plan to start office construction projects anytime soon, the strongest sectors are hospitals and healthcare facilities; distribution centers and warehouses; multi-family residential; retail; hotels and hospitality; and entertainment.  Fully 27.6 percent of respondents said client access to credit is an ongoing problem, while 51.8 percent said that access to credit is easier now than just a few months ago.  An additional 20.7 percent believe that access to credit is easing.

Construction companies are concerned about the price of materials.  A significant 80.3 percent of respondents said they are experiencing pressure on the cost of materials and equipment.  The cost of steel, copper and gas were mentioned most often.  According to Basu, the Producer Price Index has shown substantial price pressure recently.  “The dollar has been softening recently and there is evidence that commodity speculators have become more active in the metals markets,” he said.