Survey: Construction Executives Optimistic on Next 12 Months – NMP Skip to main content

Survey: Construction Executives Optimistic on Next 12 Months

Feb 27, 2019
Construction industry executives expressed optimism about the year ahead in the 43rd annual Wells Fargo Construction Industry Forecast

Construction industry executives expressed optimism about the year ahead in the 43rd annual Wells Fargo Construction Industry Forecast.
 
The survey tallied the opinions of 441 industry contractors, manufacturers, and equipment distributors in 48 states to determine the proprietary National Optimism Quotient (OQ). The 2019 OQ registered at 122, down from last year’s peak reading of 133. However, this year’s forecast is the eighth consecutive year where industry leaders are confident in the near future.
 
“Even if this year’s activity remains the same as last year, many see it as a positive for the industry due to significant growth over many years,” said John Crum, Construction Group national sales manager for Wells Fargo Equipment Finance. “If 2019 turns out the way survey respondents indicate, we could be in for another good year.”
 
Still, not everything in the forecast was copacetic. Among the respondents, the ability to hire qualified workers was their primary concern. Forty-seven percent of contractor respondents cited hiring qualified workers as their top cost focus and 36 percent of all respondents identified it as the leading risk to the industry. Executives ranked the search for qualified workers above the impact created by healthcare costs, employee wages and benefits, tariffs, interest rates, and equipment.

 
About the author
Published
Feb 27, 2019
The Fed Held. The Mortgage Market Got A Warning.

Three policymakers favored an immediate hike, while Warsh welcomed higher bond yields and offered no clear path toward mortgage-rate relief

Jul 30, 2026
New Study Finds UWM's 'All-In' Triggered Industrywide Pricing Spillovers

Research shows wholesale competitors responded to the 2021 Rocket ban by lowering mortgage rates,

Jul 15, 2026
First Major Housing Reform In Decades Becomes Law Without Trump's Signature

Bipartisan ROAD to Housing Act advances supply, construction, and mortgage reforms despite White House protest

Jul 10, 2026
Mortgage Star Conference Honors Women Shaping The Future Of Mortgage Leadership

MWLC honors leaders driving innovation, mentorship, and growth across the mortgage industry

Jul 09, 2026
June Jobs Report Improves Mortgage Rate Outlook

Slower hiring strengthens bonds and eases concerns over additional Fed tightening

Jul 02, 2026
NEXA Founder Mike Kortas Launches evoLend To Help Originators Retain Borrowers

New Fannie Mae-, Freddie Mac- and Ginnie Mae-approved mortgage servicer aims to keep originators connected to borrowers through servicing data, payoff visibility and retention tools

Jul 02, 2026