Welcome to the Substack blog focused on building costs. The history of the Engineering News Record (ENR) can be traced back to 1874. The roots of this publication are his two separate publications, Engineer & Surveyor and The Plumber and Sanitary Engineer. The first issue of Engineering News-Record was published on April 5, 1917. On January 1, 1987, the acronym ENR was adopted as the title of the magazine. The chart below uses data provided by his ENR magazine, which is published 26 times a year. Historical data were extracted from microfiche copies of journals obtained from the New York Public Library. ENR magazines are just a small part of what Engineer News Record has to offer. Readers, especially those interested in engineering and construction, are encouraged to take the time to visit his ENR website to learn more.
The ENR 20 city average price for 1 1/2 inch copper water pipe has increased by 19.88% over the past 12 months, setting a new record.
The price of ductile iron pipes increased by 18.19% from July last year.
The average price of reinforced concrete pipes in 20 cities hit another record high this month, rising 17.14% from the same period last year.
The average price of 8-inch PVC water pipes in 20 cities fell slightly from June, but still increased by 32.67% compared to 12 months ago.
Ready-mixed concrete prices rose slightly this month after soaring in May and June, but still hit a new high, up 10.46% from the same period last year.
Concrete block prices stabilized after a big jump in the spring, but hit a record in June, up 16.28% year-to-date.
The ENR 20 city average price for base course crushed stone also fell slightly this month, but is up 20.12% over the last 12 months.
The ENR 20 city average cost (per tonne) of cutback MC800 asphalt reached another record price, rising 7.66% since last July.
The 20-city average price of Portland cement hit another all-time high this month, up 20.43% from the same period last year.
The parabolic rise in I-beam prices has started to slow, but is still up 12.32% since last July.
After a period of price stability in the second half of last year, the average price of stainless steel sheet in ENR 20 cities is rising again, rising by 8.40% over the past 12 months.
Data courtesy of Engineering News Record
The charts are powered by Optuma, the company that makes charting software that allows anyone to visualize any data. To receive his 30-day trial version of the Optuma charting software, please visit the following link.
The Market’s Compass publishes select ENR construction data charts through The Market’s Compass Substack Blog when new data is available.