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 feature articles.
Construction spending — April 3
The Commerce Department will release its February construction spending results on Monday, April 3. Last month, the department announced spending fell 1.0% between December and January to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1.180 trillion.
January's drop marked the second-consecutive month of declining construction spending after the figure reached a post-recession high in November. Despite the downward trend, analysts have predicted that overall spending will grow in 2017.
Will Monday's report signal a rebound in construction spending, or will the slide continue?
Renewable energy construction feature — April 4
Renewable energy is a burgeoning sector of the market, but how does that trend impact the construction industry? In our feature article on Tuesday, April 4, we'll explore how construction companies are tackling these projects and find out what's in store for the future of the sector.
CoreLogic Home Price Index — April 4
Tight inventory conditions along with returning demand as the market improves has pushed home prices up considerably in the last few years. Prices rose 0.7% from December to January and were up 6.9% year-over-year, according to the latest CoreLogic Home Price Index. The rate of growth is expected to slow in the year ahead, though some states are still experiencing price growth ahead of the national average.
On Tuesday, April 4, CoreLogic will release its HPI for February, offering more details on the trajectory of home-price growth in the country's top markets and overall.
Developers offering tenant benefit packages feature — April 6
Building owners and developers are in stiff competition for commercial tenants, who are also in competition for employees. In our feature article on Thursday, April 6, we'll explore how both groups are using office amenity packages to draw people to their buildings in target markets.
Construction employment — April 7
The Bureau of Labor Statistics will release March employment numbers on Friday, April 7. That afternoon, the Associated General Contractors of America will offer its take on the data, and we'll cover both reports in a combined story.
Last month, the BLS announced construction added 58,000 jobs in February, reaching the highest level since March 2007. The nonresidential sector led February employment growth with 38,500 jobs, while the residential sector saw a strong 18,900-position gain.
Construction companies continue to struggle to fill positions with skilled workers amid strong demand. Will employment continue to grow, or is the pool of available workers already drained?
