Construction starts are once again increasing after a slowdown in the fourth quarter of 2021. But labor shortages continue, and after a brief decline, materials prices are again climbing, caused partially by the war in Ukraine.

Although ENR’s indexes measure the costs of non-residential buildings, the housing market has had a major impact on index movement.

As the height of the pandemic continues to recede, contractors still face several ongoing issues, including sky-high materials prices and staff shortages. 

For GoodRx, an app-based health care company increasing access to affordable prescriptions, the goal was to bring a “homey” feel to its new 76,000-sq-ft headquarters building.

As 2021 closes, the construction industry continues to cope with cost challenges related to labor, materials shortages and inflation.

Harvard’s Science and Engineering Complex was built to be the healthiest building on campus.

As the world continues its widespread vaccination effort, COVID-19 restrictions ease somewhat and the $1-trillion U.S. infrastructure spending package moves forward, forecasters express cautious optimism about the year to come. 

Total construction starts are set to rise 6% in 2022, down from 12% this year, with warehouse and residential sectors continuing to lead the recovery, says Dodge Construction Network.