Each Monday, we'll let you know what's coming in the week ahead, including important residential and commercial report releases, as well as our own feature articles.
Biggest commercial construction stories of 2016 feature article — Dec. 20
From deadly construction accidents to a new plan for infrastructure investment in the U.S., we'll take you through the biggest commercial construction and infrastructure stories from the second half of 2016.
Biggest residential construction stories of 2016 feature article — Dec. 20
We run through a year of big deals, smart home technology and moves to reach a re-emerging segment of entry-level buyers in our feature article on Tuesday, Dec. 20, covering the top residential construction news of 2016.
AIA billings — Dec. 21
The American Institute of Architects will release its Architectural Billings Index on Wednesday, Dec. 21. Last month, the AIA reported the index rose to 50.8 in October, up from September's score of 48.4. October's rise followed two consecutive months of declines in demand for design services — the first time that occurred since mid-2012.
AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker attributed the recent months of weak design activity and stalled projects to uncertainty surrounding the presidential election. Now that the race is over, he said he hopes the industry will have a more clearly defined direction.
The ABI is a significant report for the commercial construction industry, as it serves as an indicator of future construction spending, with a lead time of nine to 12 months. Will the ABI continue to rise in November, or will it remain in uncertain territory?
Existing home sales — Dec. 21
Sales of previously owned homes climbed to their highest level in nearly a decade in October, a result of pent-up demand from the summer due to tight inventory conditions in the market. Industry observers are hopeful that more new construction will come online to alleviate price pressure and encourage homeowners to trade up to new properties, triggering an increase in the number of existing homes on the market.
On Wednesday, Dec. 21, the National Association of Realtors will release its existing home sales report for November, which will share more insights into the pace of the market's loosening around this category.
Most important regulation changes of 2016 feature article — Dec. 21
Regulatory agencies and the construction industry went head-to-head several times this year, with both sides landing solid blows against each other. We've been keeping score, and in our feature article on Wednesday, Dec. 21, we'll give you a rundown of how things stand in the regulatory arena.
The top construction technology of 2016 feature article — Dec. 21
Mass timber, self-repairing concrete, laser scanning, drones and more are among our picks for the top construction tech of 2016. In our feature article on Wednesday, Dec. 21, we'll explore the impact these products and systems have had on construction this year and what potential they hold for the future.
New home sales — Dec. 23
Sales of new single-family homes missed analyst expectations in October, despite being up nearly 18% year over year. Meanwhile, inventory loosened to a 5.2-month supply, as new residential construction continues its slow recovery.
On Friday, Dec. 23, the Commerce Department will release its new home sales figures for November, offering further insight into the state of the country's housing inventory and whether price increases are putting off more buyers.
