Request a proposal In the field. In the documents. On the record.KOW editorial topic
Construction economics
Dated KOW analysis of tariffs, material markets, labor, procurement, escalation, and other construction-cost conditions affecting active projects.
Why this topic matters
Technical context for a better-informed decision.
Construction-cost conditions move through projects unevenly. Tariffs, material availability, labor, procurement strategy, escalation, and contractor buyout can affect one scope or schedule differently from another, which makes project-level evidence more useful than broad headlines alone.
KOW’s construction-economics coverage preserves the date and context of each update. Readers should treat market commentary as a starting point for questions and confirm current pricing, availability, contracts, and project exposure before making decisions.
Questions we cover
Start with what the reader needs to understand.
- 01
Which materials, trades, or procurement packages carry current exposure?
- 02
How much of the work is bought out, committed, or still subject to change?
- 03
Do allowances, escalation, contingency, and schedule reflect current conditions?
- 04
What evidence would distinguish a general market concern from project-specific risk?
Connected expertise
Services behind the subject matter.
Pre-Construction Plan & Cost Review
Pre-closing review of plans, specifications, budgets, schedules, contracts, approvals, and the assumptions supporting a construction loan.
Explore service 02Construction Loan Monitoring
Independent site observations and draw review for lenders tracking work in place, requested funds, remaining cost, schedule, and change activity.
Explore service 03Cost-to-Complete Analysis
A new project baseline covering current status, remaining scope, contracts and commitments, available funds, and the estimated cost and time to finish.
Explore serviceReader perspectives
Useful questions depend on your role.
Construction Lenders & Equity Partners
Independent review of the plans, budget, draw, work in place, accessibility, schedule, and money left to complete the project for debt and equity capital teams.
See your perspectiveOwners & Developers
Technical support from acquisition and feasibility through design, accessibility, construction, compliance, capital work, and operations.
See your perspectiveInvestors & Asset Managers
Independent condition, environmental, construction, and capital information for acquisitions, business plans, and operating portfolios.
See your perspectiveComplete topic library
12 articles from KOW.
Capital-Cost Estimate Reconciliation: Explain Every Change From Study Through Bid
12 min readJanuary 25, 2026Tariff Update: Construction Cost Impacts & Outlook | January 25, 2026
2 min readJuly 14, 2025July 14, 2025 Update: Tariff Impacts on Construction Costs
2 min readJuly 8, 2025Weekly Tariff & Construction Cost Snapshot As of July 7, 2025
2 min readJuly 2, 2025Weekly Update on Tariffs and U.S. Construction CostsAs of July 1, 2025
2 min readJune 23, 2025June 23, 2025, Update on Tariffs and U.S. Construction Costs
3 min readJune 4, 2025Watching the Bottom Line: Construction Cost Insights Every Lender Should Know
2 min readJune 2, 2025Tariff Risk Update - June 2, 2025
3 min readMay 19, 2025Tariff Risk Update – May 19, 2025
3 min readMay 12, 2025Tariff Construction Risk Update – May 12, 2025
3 min readMay 4, 2025Tariff Risk Update – May 2025
4 min readApril 21, 2025How 2025 Tariffs Are Impacting U.S. Construction Costs: A Risk Outlook from Kenneth F. Wille, PE
3 min readStart a conversation
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