2023 Construction Industry Predictions

construction industry predictions

SOSDY: Same old situation; different year. And maybe that’s a good thing because we don’t want nor need another 2020.

Construction starts should be similar to 2022. Dodge Data & Analytics Chief Economist Richard Branch says it may feel like a recession for parts of the construction industry, but nothing like the Great Recession (December 2007-June 2009).

“Inflation will be calling the shots.”

We may avoid a severe recession because the labor and housing shortage will continue in 2023 but our banking system is solid. The lack of workers and rising interest rates could curtail just how many projects construction industry businesses can manage.

Construction industry labor shortages will continue impacting contractors and clients. Increased federal spending in 2023 will escalate the demand for construction workers. But that same initiative could persuade talent that the construction industry is a steady and long-term career commitment and not short-term employment.

High materials costs will continue to be an issue facing the construction industry. “Inflation has plagued the industry and COVID-19 has continued to impact supply chains, causing materials prices to swing wildly,” says Construction Dive editor Julie Strupp. “While lumber and plywood prices were a huge concern at the beginning of the year, that has since eased…cement and diesel costs are now giving contractors grief.”

Ken Simonson, Associated General Contractors of America Chief Economist said, “Cement and concrete products are likely to have continuing shortages as the nation has not added any cement production since 2009.”

Construction industry material price volatility predictions for 2023 are:

MaterialVolatility
 #2 dieselHigh
 Aluminum mill shapesLow
 Concrete productsModerate
 Copper/brass mill shapesHigh
 Flat glassLow
 Gypsum productsHigh
 Insulation materialsLow
 Lumber/plywoodLow
 Plastic productsModerate
 Steel mill productsModerate

Multifamily development may show signs of decline, but it will continue to be a “robust market,” said Branch. In 2022, multifamily construction was at an almost 40-year high and should continue to be strong. Single-family units continue to be expensive and lack availability.

Construction Monitor will continue to offer business-building information based on our own building permit data analyses. Let us explain how you can get what you need to know when you need it in 2023. Contact Construction Monitor.

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