Data centers remain ‘largest driver behind growth’ in construction planning

Nonresidential planning accelerated in April after a slow start to the year, according to Dodge Construction Network.

Data centers powered March construction planning almost exclusively

Without the data center boom, planning on commercial builds would be down 12.7% since March 2025, according to Dodge Construction Network.

Monthly construction planning slipped again in February

Increased costs and geopolitical risk strained builder confidence in the near term, said Sarah Martin, associate director of forecasting at Dodge Construction Network.

Construction planning falls 6.3% to kick off 2026

Weakness showed up across most commercial and institutional project types, including warehouse, office and healthcare, according to Dodge Construction Network.

Construction planning jumped 7% to close 2025 strong

On top of the monthly gain in December, the Dodge Momentum Index finished the year 37% higher compared to 2024.

The Importance of Takeoffs in Construction Planning