Construction Starts Power On, Up 9% in April

Broad-based Gains Signal Unexpected Strength BOSTON, MA — May 20, 2026 — Total construction starts rose 9.0% in April to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1.33 trillion, according to Dodge Construction Network. Nonresidential building starts grew by 18.6%, nonbuilding starts increased 7.0%, and residential starts fell 0.7% over the month. On a year-to-date basis, total construction starts were up 5.4% through Ap…