In 2025, more U.S. states are updating building and energy codes to balance climate ambitions, affordability and government roles. Legislative priorities, especially in California, Missouri, Minnesota, Nebraska and Rhode Island, illustrate a dynamic landscape of preemption, progression, preservation and proactive decarbonization.

Total construction starts were down 9% in April to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1.03 trillion, according to Dodge Construction Network.

Nonresidential building starts declined 3%, residential starts fell 4% and nonbuilding starts decreased 22%. On a year-to-date basis through April, total construction starts were down 3% from last year. Nonresidential starts were down 10%, residential starts were down 5% and nonbuilding starts were up by 8% over the same period.

From residential, commercial and infrastructure to equipment and tool rental, Chris Fisher, managing principal at Ducker Carlisle, shares a forecast of trends in construction for 2025.

National nonresidential construction spending decreased 0.1% in April, according to an Associated Builders and Contractors analysis of data published recently by the U.S. Census Bureau. On a seasonally adjusted annualized basis, nonresidential spending totaled $1.248 trillion.