Construction Cost Insights Report Q2 2026
Produced in partnership with Building Design+Construction, the Construction Cost Insights Report uses Gordian’s RSMeans™ Data construction costs and internal expertise, along with perspectives from industry leaders to evaluate the short-term and long-term cost trajectory of prominent construction materials and offer a range of perspectives on challenges in the marketplace.
This quarter’s report comes at a time of high uncertainty and low confidence. Fuel costs are through the roof and rising seemingly by the minute. Long lead times are rampant. No one is quite sure what will happen next. The Q2 2026 Construction Cost Insights Report is packed with data-driven analysis and field observations that help you find stability amidst the chaos.
Download the Q2 report for:
- In-depth material cost analysis, including which costs are accelerating and which are stabilizing.
- Discussion of how data center construction is spiking certain costs and squeezing the supply chain.
- Proactive procurement strategies for reducing long lead times, particularly within freight-sensitive and high-demand sectors.
Key Highlights
Cost Pressures Concentrated in Specific Material Markets
Construction cost escalations in Q2 were driven primarily by metals and electrical system materials rather than broad increases across all material categories.
Data Center Rush Has Wide-Ranging Effects
Accelerated data center construction activity placed heavy pressure on labor availability, procurement timelines and specialized material costs.
Rocky Roads Ahead
Construction cost trends are expected to remain unsteady across material categories, geographic regions and project types through the remainder of the year.
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