Materials Prices on the Rise

摘要

A 5% increase in materials costs was the main driver of this year's growth in construction costs, which rose again by 3-3.5%. Construction materials, especially steel and concrete, continued to rise in price after last year's increases; steel gained the most at 7-8%. Lumber is slightly ahead of last year, when its unprecedented slide finally leveled off. Adhesives and sealants rose in price by 5-6% in the first six months of 2011, building on last year's gains of 2-3%. The price of oil has continued to drop since May and could affect future cost changes.