tracking the surge in construction costs 2001 2006 early materials are continuing to rise cost more than overall rate of inflation following a pattern that emerged 2004 and 2005 but price indexes for various types different have diverged from last year s drivers prospects remainder similarly mixed this report is intended assist contractors building owners developers public budgeting planning officials others understand changes relative rest economy over past five years impact recent developments such as gulf coast hurricanes factors likely affect next 12 months or so relies on data bureau labor statistics bls well information pro vided by suppliers media include percentage change consumer index all urban consumers cpi u numerous producer ppis employment compensation eci presented month periods ending december through latest three
