Based on price indices release by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, prices on commercial construction materials expanded by 0.4% last month, but when compared to the first quarter of last year, construction material prices have fallen 3.9% on average. According to the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), the break down of where prices on various construction materials stand so far this year are as follows:
1. plumbing fixtures down 0.1% for the month but have risen 3% on a on a year-ago basis.
2. Structural prefab metal prices flat-lined for the month, but are up 1% on a on a year-ago basis.
3. Asphalt, tar roofing, and dropped down 1.4% for the month but have risen 1.7% on a year-ago basis.
4. Iron and steel prices are down 5.4% for the month, and have fallen 10.6% on a year-ago basis.
5. Steel mill products are down 1.8% for the month and also fell 3.6% on a year-ago basis.
6. Softwood lumber prices dropped 3.7% for the month and are also down 4.4% on a year-ago basis.