San Diego County contracts for future construction in the first five months of 2013 were down 28 percent from the same period a year ago, according to newly released data from New York-based McGraw Hill Construction.
The local region posted a total of just over $1.24 billion in residential and nonresidential project contracts in the January-to-May period. Nonresidential projects dropped 44 percent, to $721.5 million, while residential contracts rose 17 percent, to $522.8 million.
Nonresidential projects include educational, administrative, recreational, hotel, manufacturing and other commercial buildings. The residential category covers one- and two-family houses as well as apartments.
The state of California saw overall projects rise 5 percent in the first five months, to more than $19.8 billion. Nonresidential contracts declined 15 percent from a year ago, while residential projects increased 24 percent.
Non-building projects, including roads and bridges, were up 11 percent from a year ago statewide.
— SDBJ Staff Report