Articles from Dodge Construction Network

Total construction starts fell 15% in November, dropping to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $927 billion, according to Dodge Construction Network. Nonresidential building starts fell 29% during the month, residential starts lost 6%, and nonbuilding starts dropped 2%.

New research from Dodge Construction Network and Projectmates reveals construction business owners can improve their processes and projects by using project management information systems (PMIS) beyond core functions. In the report, Building Better With Technology: How Owners Are Leveraging Software to Improve Project Management SmartMarket Brief, it is clear that most PMIS users experience many benefits. However, more owners who expand their use of PMIS compared to those with limited utilization rate their experience of those benefits at a very high level, including:

Research findings released today indicate construction contractors continue to make progress responding to issues affecting worker safety and health, such as heat and mental health, but many areas for improvement remain.

Total construction starts fell 6% in September to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1.2 trillion, according to Dodge Construction Network. Nonresidential starts lost 4%, residential starts declined 6%, and nonbuilding starts fell 9%.

The Dodge Momentum Index (DMI), issued by Dodge Construction Network, improved 3% in September to 182.5 (2000=100) from the revised August reading of 178.0. Over the month, the commercial component of the DMI fell 1%, while the institutional component increased 9%.

Total construction starts rose 6% in August to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1.3 trillion, according to Dodge Construction Network. Nonresidential starts rose 40% thanks to a large pickup in manufacturing and transportation buildings. Residential and nonbuilding starts fell 1% and 14%, respectively.

It is widely known that general contractors face persistent schedule, quality, safety and profitability challenges on their projects. A new study from Dodge Construction Network (Dodge) and Versatile® reveals that greater use of site data as an analytical tool allows contractors to surmount those challenges.

Architects, engineers and contractors are facing a heightened risk environment currently, with challenges ranging from not being able to find qualified employees, to supply chain challenges, to the constant pressure of staying competitive in a transforming digital landscape to the risk of cyberattacks. A new study from Dodge Construction Network (DCN), published in partnership with Egnyte, reveals that data resiliency is key to handling these challenges.

The Dodge Momentum Index (DMI), issued by Dodge Construction Network, declined 6.5% in August to 178.0 (2000=100) from the revised July reading of 190.3. Over the month, the commercial component of the DMI fell 1.6%, while the institutional component fell 14.8%.

A new report from Dodge Construction Network in partnership with Smartapp.com™ found that 53% of general contractors do not utilize a technology solution for the majority of their processes. The report, “Optimizing Digital Project Management SmartMarket Brief,” reveals that the digital maturity of general contractors varies widely across their core project management processes.

Total construction starts rose 17% in July to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1.2 trillion, according to Dodge Construction Network. Nonbuilding starts drove the increase, rising 38%, due to the start of a singular large LNG facility. Residential starts rose 20%, while nonresidential building starts lost 6%.

New data published today by Dodge Construction Network, in partnership with Motive Inc., reveals that contractors still see significant impacts to their projects and businesses due to the operation and maintenance of their fleets of vehicles and equipment. The data comes from “The Safety on the Move: Automated Fleet Management and the Future of Safety for Contractors” e-book, available now.

New data from Dodge Construction Network found that the value of commercial and multifamily construction starts across the top 10 metropolitan areas of the U.S. fell 10% in the first half of 2023, relative to that of 2022. Nationally, commercial and multifamily construction starts fell 14% on a year-to-date basis through June.

A new study from Dodge Construction Network, in partnership with GCPay, reveals that currently, only one in three (34%) of general contractors automate fewer than half of their subcontractor management processes. The report details data-based benefits of greater automation and digital transformation by general contractors, including increased productivity, profitability and cost performance.

Since building project owners fund, own and operate the completed assets, they can have a major influence on driving key project delivery trends in the construction industry. A new Dodge Construction Network study of large organizations (with annual construction projects totaling $100M or more) reveals that these owners are rapidly embracing digital tools and processes and are increasingly requiring their project teams to use them throughout design and construction.

The latest edition of The Civil Quarterly (TCQ) from Dodge Construction Network shows that despite ongoing labor issues, business conditions are still very strong for civil contractors, with 77% optimistic about the market continuing to be robust for the remainder of 2023, and 46% expecting to see their profit margins increase in the next six months.

Total construction starts increased 19% in March to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1.09 trillion, according to Dodge Construction Network. During the month, nonresidential starts rose 33%, nonbuilding starts increased 17%, and residential starts moved 5% higher.

In 2022, the value of commercial and multifamily construction starts in the top 10 metropolitan areas of the U.S. increased 37% from 2021, according to Dodge Construction Network. Nationally, commercial and multifamily construction starts increased 25%.

The latest edition of The Civil Quarterly (TCQ) from Dodge Construction Network features new data on how civil construction companies are attempting to address mental health.

The ability to share digital data effectively is a critical factor that impacts the success of digital transformation in the design and construction industry. This includes both the ability to share data within different departments in the same company or across multiple companies involved in the same project. New research from Dodge Construction Network, together with Trimble, published in the Connected Construction SmartMarket Brief series, reveals that owners, architects, engineers, general contractors and specialty trades are utilizing digital workflows to share project information.

The latest edition of The Civil Quarterly (TCQ) from Dodge Construction Network reveals that contractors continue to expect an increase in revenue and profit margins, but notably less since last quarter, potentially due to acute supply chain issues and potential economic downturn.

Dodge Construction Network today announced that it will host a virtual event for its 84th annual Construction Industry OUTLOOK conference on Nov. 15, 2022, 1pm – 5pm ET.

Dodge Construction Network today announced its new platform Dodge Construction Central 2.0, the industry's most comprehensive construction data solution. The new product integrates the critical construction industry content within Dodge Data & Analytics, The Blue Book Network, IMS and Sweets into one platform and interface.

Dodge Construction Network, in partnership with Procore Technologies, Inc. (NYSEPCOR), today released its most recent study on how economic, workforce and technology trends are transforming the global construction industry.

Dodge Construction Network (“Dodge” or the “Company”), backed by affiliates of Clearlake Capital Group and Symphony Technology Group, today announced the acquisition of Principia Consulting (“Principia”), a data, research and consulting firm. With this announcement, the Company expands its Dodge Advisory Services suite to bring new consultative and research capabilities to the market, providing clients new tools to improve their growth and profitability.

New research released today by Dodge Construction Network reveals that the building industry is actively seeking to reduce the carbon footprint of concrete construction. The data shows that 81% of structural engineers and 69% of contractors working with concrete are tracking the embodied carbon on their projects, and about one third are already actively reducing it.

A new study from Dodge Construction Network and Versatile®, a construction technology pioneer using artificial intelligence (AI) and the internet of things (IoT) to optimize construction processes, found using data-backed measurements and benchmarks is the most effective way to enhance site organization efforts.

The latest edition of The Civil Quarterly (TCQ) from Dodge Construction Network reveals that increasing resilience of U.S. infrastructure is a priority across the industry. The findings show 82% of civil contractors and 92% of civil engineers affirmed that they have worked on projects that prioritize resilience.

The Dodge Momentum Index (DMI) increased less than one percentage point in June to 173.6 (2000=100) from the revised May reading of 173.1, pushing the measure to a 14-year high.

Total construction starts rose 4% in May to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $979.5 billion, according to Dodge Construction Network. Nonresidential building starts rose 20%, while residential starts fell by 4% and nonbuilding lost 2% during the month.

The Dodge Momentum Index (DMI) jumped 7% in May to 176.2 (2000=100), up from the revised April reading of 165.2. The Momentum Index, issued by Dodge Construction Network, is a monthly measure of the initial report for nonresidential building projects in planning shown to lead construction spending for nonresidential buildings by a full year. In May, the institutional component of the Momentum Index rose 9%, and the commercial component increased 6%.

Total construction starts rose 3% in April to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $945.8 billion, according to Dodge Construction Network. Nonresidential building starts rose 6% and residential starts increased by 4%, while nonbuilding starts fell 4%.

The Dodge Momentum Index (DMI) moved 6% higher in April to 164.8 (2000=100), up from the revised March reading of 155.0. The Momentum Index, issued by Dodge Construction Network, is a monthly measure of the initial report for nonresidential building projects in planning shown to lead construction spending for nonresidential buildings by a full year. In April, the commercial component of the Momentum Index rose 9%, while the institutional component moved 2% higher.

Total construction starts fell 12% in March to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $903.8 billion, according to Dodge Construction Network. Nonresidential building starts lost 29%, in part due to the start of three large manufacturing facilities in the prior month. When those three large projects are removed, nonresidential starts in March would have risen 10%. Residential starts also fell 3%, and nonbuilding starts lost 2%.

The Dodge Momentum Index moved 4% higher in March to 166.9 (2000=100), up from the revised February reading of 160.3. The Momentum Index, issued by Dodge Construction Network, is a monthly measure of the initial report for nonresidential building projects in planning, which have been shown to lead construction spending for nonresidential buildings by a full year. In March, the commercial component of the Momentum Index rose 7%, while the institutional component fell by less than one percent.

Total construction starts rose 9% in February to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1.013 trillion, according to Dodge Construction Network. Nonresidential building starts swelled 32% due to the start of three large manufacturing facilities. By contrast, residential starts fell 3%, and nonbuilding starts fell by less than 1%. Without the three large manufacturing projects, total construction would have declined 6% in February.

Dodge Construction Network, in partnership with Trimble, today released a Dodge SmartMarket Brief based on a comprehensive study of owners, architects, engineers and contractors. The study and resulting report evaluate the use and benefits of digital workflows in the construction industry. This report is the first in a series based on the study findings and entitled Connected Construction: The Owners' Perspective.

Total construction starts increased 4% in January to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $923.4 billion, according to Dodge Construction Network. Nonresidential building starts increased 4%, and nonbuilding starts rose 18%. Residential starts fell 1%.

The Dodge Momentum Index declined 7% in January to a four-month low of 152.9 (2000=100), from the revised December reading of 163.7. The Momentum Index, issued by Dodge Construction Network, is a monthly measure of the initial report for nonresidential building projects in planning, which have been shown to lead construction spending for nonresidential buildings by a full year. In January, commercial planning fell 9%, and institutional planning slipped 1%.

The value of commercial and multifamily construction starts in the top 20 metropolitan areas of the U.S. increased 18% from 2020 to 2021, according to Dodge Construction Network. Nationally, commercial and multifamily construction starts increased 16% in 2021. In the leading half (the top 10 metro areas), commercial and multifamily starts rose 18% in 2021, with two metro areas, Washington, DC, and Los Angeles, CA, posting a decline. In the lesser half of metro areas (those ranked 11 through 20), commercial and multifamily starts rose 17% in 2021, with Chicago, IL, and Nashville, TN, losing ground from 2020.

The latest issue of the Civil Quarterly (TCQ) reveals that civil contractors are more optimistic about the construction economy in their sector in 2022. However, the study also shows that worker shortages will have a major impact on construction and civil contractors going forward.

Total construction starts were flat in December with a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $879.3 billion, according to Dodge Construction Network. Residential construction starts gained 4% in December 2021, while nonresidential building starts improved by 3%. Nonbuilding starts, however, declined 12%.

A new study by Dodge Construction Network and Versatile, a construction technology pioneer using artificial intelligence (AI) and the internet of things (IoT) to optimize construction processes, found that unexpected overtime is predictable and controllable through regular jobsite activity measurement. According to the study, overtime is predictable at an 88% confidence level if proper measurement is utilized.

The Dodge Momentum Index fell 3% in December to 166.4 (2000=100), down from the revised November reading of 170.7. The Momentum Index, issued by Dodge Construction Network, is a monthly measure of the initial report for nonresidential building projects in planning, which have been shown to lead construction spending for nonresidential buildings by a full year. In December, commercial planning fell 4%, and institutional planning slipped 1%.

Total construction starts fell 14% in November to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $867.8 billion, according to Dodge Construction Network. Nonbuilding and nonresidential building starts bore the brunt of the decline, falling 30% and 21% respectively after seeing sharp increases in October as three large projects broke ground. Residential starts gained a modest 3%. Without October’s large projects, total construction starts in November would have increased by 5%.

The Dodge Momentum Index fell 4% in November to 171.7 (2000=100) — down from the revised October reading of 178.1. The Momentum Index, issued by Dodge Construction Network, is a monthly measure of the initial report for nonresidential building projects in planning, which have been shown to lead construction spending for nonresidential buildings by a full year. In November, commercial planning fell 8% while institutional planning moved 5% higher.

Total construction starts pushed 16% higher in October to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1.01 trillion, according to Dodge Construction Network. Nonresidential building starts gained 29% and nonbuilding moved 52% higher in October, while residential starts lost 8%. The month’s large gains resulted from the start of three large projects: two massive manufacturing plants and an LNG export facility. Without these projects, total construction starts would have fallen 6% in October.

Released today, the fourth edition of the World Green Building Trends SmartMarket Report makes a clear case that the design and construction industry is committed to building green. This seminal study of the drivers and business benefits of green building spans 79 countries across the globe. Sponsored since 2012 by founding partner Carrier, with major support for this edition from premier partner Autodesk and additional contributions from the American Institute of Architects and the U.S. Green Building Council, the report continues to show how green building provides powerful financial benefits in addition to social and environmental improvements.

The Dodge Momentum Index increased 10% in October to 181.2 (2000=100), from the revised September reading of 164.6. The Momentum Index, issued by Dodge Construction Network, is a monthly measure of the initial report for nonresidential building projects in planning, which have been shown to lead construction spending for nonresidential buildings by a full year. In October, commercial planning rose 14% and institutional gained 3%.

Digital tools and access to reliable, timely, accurate data have the potential to transform the civil construction sector, but contractors and engineers in the United States currently lag behind other global markets in their use of these tools.

Total construction starts rose 10% in September to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $889.7 billion, according to Dodge Construction Network. All three sectors improved: nonresidential building starts rose 15%, residential starts moved 9% higher, and nonbuilding starts increased by 6%.

The latest issue of the Civil Quarterly (TCQ) from Dodge Data & Analytics reveals a dramatic increase in supply chain challenges faced by civil contractors. However, contractors remain optimistic about the state of their industry in the near future despite adversity.

The Dodge Momentum Index gained 11% in September to 164.9 (2000=100) from the revised August reading of 148.0. The Momentum Index, issued by Dodge Construction Network, is a monthly measure of the initial report for nonresidential building projects in planning, which have been shown to lead construction spending for nonresidential buildings by a full year. The commercial planning component increased by 13% in September, while the institutional component rose 8%.

The launch of Dodge Construction Network, a new brand uniting Dodge Data & Analytics, The Blue Book Network, IMS and Sweets, was announced today. Following the recent merger of Dodge and Blue Book, the two 100-year-old market leaders today revealed their latest initiatives to unite under the new umbrella brand and provide the construction industry with the largest, connected database ever available.