Design Cost Data

Construction starts fell 24.8% in August to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1.34 trillion, following July’s sharp increase. Despite the monthly pullback, total starts were 15.2% higher year to date, led by nonresidential and nonbuilding activity. Data centers, semiconductors and energy projects continue to drive growth amid labor shortages and rising material costs.

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The new La Joya Natatorium brings swimming, water attractions and recreation to the hot Texas summers, accommodating up to 1,200 visitors. The project features a 10-lane competition pool, leisure pools, water slides, a winding river pool, play areas and more. A separate planetarium adds astronomy shows, exhibits and educational spaces for the community.

This is just one of over 1,200 real-world projects available inside our BNi ACCESS™ Square Foot software (powered by eConverge.com). Want to explore the cost data behind this development? You’ll find it in our database - complete with detailed breakdowns and specs to support your next estimate. Take a closer look and see how BNi ACCESS™ Square Foot can elevate your preconstruction planning.

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Vitro Architectural Glass has expanded its EcoArmor™ Protective Topcoat to Solarban® 70 glass, extending film-free protection to another widely specified low-e glass product. The coating eliminates traditional protective film waste while simplifying fabrication. Real-world trials have also shown shorter tempering times, improved production flow and reduced edge kink.

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Architecture firm billings remained weak in August, with the AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index registering 47.2. New design contracts continued to decline, while fewer firm leaders expect billings to increase in Q4. Regional and sector conditions varied, but overall demand remains soft.

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The new Seigle Welcome Center at Edwards YMCA Camp & Retreat Center blends rustic design with energy-efficient features suited to Wisconsin’s harsh winters. A warm, homey interior, stone fireplace, pine accents, and functional spaces create a welcoming arrival point for campers and guests. The new facility also expands the camp’s logistical and camper capacity for its growing programs.

This is just one of over 1,200 real-world projects available inside our BNi ACCESS™ Square Foot software (powered by eConverge.com). Want to explore the cost data behind this development? You’ll find it in our database - complete with detailed breakdowns and specs to support your next estimate. Take a closer look and see how BNi ACCESS™ Square Foot can elevate your preconstruction planning.

Read more: https://conta.cc/3T4rgSK

Builder confidence in the market for newly built single-family homes fell to 32 in September as higher mortgage rates, construction costs and labor shortages weigh on the market. More builders are turning to incentives, with 66% offering sales incentives and 38% cutting prices. Regional sentiment declined in three of four regions, while the West posted a modest gain.

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Field experience is becoming an increasingly valuable asset in preconstruction and estimating as project timelines accelerate and complexity grows. Former superintendents, foremen and tradespeople can bring practical insight into constructability, phasing, scope and risk that data and AI tools alone cannot provide. Learn how combining field expertise with technology can help create smarter, more predictable project delivery.

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ABC reports construction backlog rebounded to 8.5 months in August, up 0.5 months from July. Data center work continues to support contractors, while smaller firms recorded the strongest year-over-year backlog gains. Contractor confidence in sales and profit margins improved, but labor shortages are emerging as a growing challenge.

Read more: https://conta.cc/4y17t5O