Last Updated 07/21/2026
Q2 gave us a better read on the market. Overall construction material pricing averaged about 7% higher than Q2 2025, but most of that movement came from a smaller group of materials. Copper, switchgear, steel and petroleum moved the most, while concrete, insulation, drywall and several other common materials stayed much steadier.
Here’s where we’re seeing the most movement in Q2.
Higher movement: Copper was up about 30%, switchgear 12%, iron and steel 10%, and glass and fabricated metal products 6%.
Steadier categories: Lumber was up about 4%, concrete 3%, and nonresidential plumbing and HVAC contractor pricing 1%. Insulation was nearly flat, while gypsum wallboard was down about 1%.
All figures are year-over-year for Q2.
What does that mean for your project?
Electrical and metal-heavy scopes need a closer look, but the good news is that many common materials remain fairly steady. That gives our team more room to focus budget checks and lead-time planning where they matter most.
These indexes are a helpful guide, but they are not the same as complete installed pricing. Design, labor, transportation, site conditions and trade coverage will all shape the final cost.
Fuel costs were one of the bigger changes we saw in Q2. Crude petroleum prices averaged about 57% higher than the same period last year. That does not mean the cost of a project or its deliveries went up by 57%.
Instead, higher fuel prices can show up in smaller ways, including delivery fees, equipment costs and the price of materials made with petroleum. As projects move forward, we’re checking current delivery costs and confirming how long supplier quotes are valid so estimates reflect what things cost today.
Labor remains one of the more consistent contributors to total project cost. Construction wages continue to rise, which supports the industry but also reinforces the importance of efficient scheduling and coordination.
For owners, labor challenges often show up less as headline numbers and more in execution. Delays, sequencing issues, and late decisions can all create unnecessary cost exposure. One of the ways we help manage that is through the relationships we have built with our subcontractor partners. Strong trade relationships create better communication, stronger coordination, and a team that knows how to solve challenges together. That kind of trust matters on every project.
The Q2 data reinforce something we see regularly: not every part of a project is moving in the same way. Metals, electrical equipment, and fuel deserve a closer look, while several common commodities offer a steadier starting point. The best information still comes from combining broader market data with current subcontractor input and the specific requirements on each project.
Our approach has always been to keep budgets current, involve the right trade partners early, and align procurement decisions with the design and schedule. When conditions change, having clear systems and an informed team makes it easier to respond proactively.
Feel free to contact us if you have questions about how these trends may impact your project.
Based on our local data, these are the trends we’re seeing for material procurement. Most material procurement timelines have returned to more stabilized durations after significant procurement volatility and supply chain disruptions over the last couple of years. Still, many lead times are extended relative to historical norms for some specialty items, fixtures, and equipment.
Let’s build it together. We are eager to collaborate with you!
