NEW YORK, Oct. 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Turner Construction Company announced that the Third Quarter 2012 Turner Building Cost Index – which measures costs in the non-residential building construction market in the United States – has increased to a value of 832. This reflects a 0.73% increase from the Second Quarter 2012 and 2.21% yearly increase from the Third Quarter 2011.
Karl F. Almstead, the Turner vice president responsible for the Turner Building Cost Index, said, "A modest increase in construction costs over the last few months is driven by labor and material cost increases." He continued, "Market optimism also contributes to the moderate increase in costs. However, any significant change in the market will require a change in the overall economy."
Approximately 90% of Turner's business is performed under contract arrangements where Turner provides extensive preconstruction planning services before the contract price is fixed and before construction starts. By providing preconstruction services and utilizing enhanced procurement strategies, Turner effectively manages the market risks associated with cost-related issues.
Turner has prepared the construction cost forecast for more than 80 years. Used widely by the construction industry and Federal and State governments, the building costs and price trends tracked by the Turner Building Cost Index may or may not reflect regional conditions in any given quarter. The Cost Index is determined by several factors considered on a nationwide basis, including labor rates and productivity, material prices and the competitive condition of the marketplace. This index does not necessarily conform to other published indices because others do not generally take all of these factors into account.
About Turner Construction Company
Turner is the leading general builder in the U.S., ranking first or second in the major segments of the building construction field. Turner annually completes $8 billion of construction. Founded in 1902, the firm is a subsidiary of HOCHTIEF, a publicly traded company and one of the world's leading international construction service providers. For more information, visit www.turnerconstruction.com.
SOURCE Turner Construction Company