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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 23 A P R I L 1 7 , 2 0 2 3 F O C U S R E A L E S TAT E / C O N S T R U C T I O N / E N G I N E E R I N G On the other hand, other materi- als are starting to come down, such as wood, aluminum and steel. "e main reason the customer is not seeing a decrease in pricing is because the total manufactured cost of construction is more influenced by labor than material," Hebert notes. Hebert says costs seem to have sta- bilized to a degree that he doesn't expect them to impact projects. But interest rates — more than doubling within a year — might affect projects if consum- ers can't adjust quickly enough. Overall, the industry is still seeing costs increase, but the rate of increase is more typical of pre-pandemic levels, says Matt Tonello, director of operations/ Maine for Consigli Construction. "We are currently experiencing less volatility and therefore increased pre- dictability," he says. Labor costs continue to increase, "but at a seemingly more normal pace," Tonello continues, adding, "Labor availability continues to be challenging, which strains productiv- ity and, therefore, cost." Longer lead times Kevin French, CEO of Landry/French Construction in Scarborough, says that, in general, his firm saw project costs Portland, ME | 207.773.7100 | dunhamgroup.com TO THE TEAM We are thrilled to announce the addition of Jim Harnden and Bryan Plourde to our brokerage team. WELCOME JIM HARNDEN Partner/Broker BRYAN PLOURDE Sales Agent (207) 827-4456 • (800) 648-4202 Bangor • Portland • Portsmouth www.sewall.com Consultants in: Engineering | Survey | Energy | Geospatial Solutions | Natural Resources A strong and trusted partner. For 140 years, we've known that perseverance, ingenuity, and taking responsibility for doing things well the first time are the keys to lasting success. As industry pioneers, we are ready to help you improve your communities, your inf rastructure, and our environment. Brett Hart, PE Expert in solar and wind energy site design and permitting • Solar and wind energy site design • Environmental permitting • Stormwater management • Pavement management • Transportation/traffic engineering • Surveying C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E » 2023 is off to a better start as we see more availability and less volatility. — Tim Hebert Hebert Construction P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y O F A G C M A I N E Kelly Flagg, executive director of Associated General Contractors of Maine, says the industry is seeing volatility in materials pricing and a continued tight labor market.

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