After a sluggish 2013, the construction industry could see a gradual uptick in total construction starts in 2014, according the McGraw Hill Construction's 2014 Dodge Construction Outlook. Total construction starts next year could rise by 9%, to $555 billion, led by a solid housing market and improved opportunities in commercial building, it forecasts. Non-building sectors, especially electrical utilities, could be a drag on starts in the coming years.