News & Media
JLL Releases Their 2026 Construction Perspective
JLL recently released their 2026 Construction Perspective. Here’s what you should know:
- Construction-relevant material costs and contractor overhead have escalated mid-year well above 2026 projections. At the same time, US Metro construction employment growth is stagnant at best while project pipelines are accelerating.
- Construction labor demand is focused disproportionately on electricians, mechanical / HVAC and pipefitters,
impacting project pricing for technology and power infrastructure construction which is thebulk of US project deliveries.
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Materials pricing shows no signs of following energy prices to lower levels. The cost increases expected in 2025 are instead hitting in 2026 and will continue to escalate through year-end and into 2027.
Why it matters?
Construction costs (material and labor) impact everything in the US economy, whether its industrial/commercial/office/residential new construction or renovation. It’s generally the largest cost component for every household and one of the largest cost components for any business. It employs direct and indirect onsite workers, trade and material suppliers and business professionals. Ultimately, construction cost is the foundation upon which affordability is built.

