8 Business View - December 2014
Opening
Lines
The 2015 Dodge Construction Outlook predicts total
U.S. construction starts for 2015 will rise 9 percent to
$612 billion, a larger gain than the 5-percent increase
to $564 billion estimated for 2014.
"The construction expansion should become more
broad-based in 2015, with support coming from more
sectors than was often the case in recent years," said
Robert Murray, chief economist and vice president.
"The economic environment going forward carries
several positives that will help to further lift total con-
struction starts. Financing for construction projects is
becoming more available, reflecting some easing of
bank lending standards, a greater focus on real es-
tate development by the investment community, and
more construction bond measures getting passed.
While federal funding for construction programs is still
constrained, states are now picking up some of the
slack. Interest rates for the near term should stay low,
and market fundamentals (occupancies and rents) for
commercial building and multifamily housing continue
to strengthen.”
Based on research of specific construction market
sectors, the 2015 Dodge Construction Outlook details
the forecast as follows.
Dodge Construction
Outlook Forecasts 9
Percent Rise
