A More Selective Market: AI, Operational Efficiency and Project Cancellations Top of Mind for Contractors This Year

by | Oct 22, 2026

Research, Artificial Intelligence, Business, Business Risk, Data Analytics, Departments, Economy, Finance, Nuts + Bolts, Productivity, Recruitment, Technology, Top Story, Topic, Workforce

Of those surveyed, 45% said they were piloting or actively implementing artificial intelligence.

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Backlogs held up for many respondents to CBIZ’s 2026 National Construction Industry Survey, but concerns about future work are growing. The report describes an uneven market in which contractors are placing more emphasis on efficiency, planning and financial visibility. Its findings also offer a useful counterpoint to broad claims that every construction market is booming.

Key findings:

  • 74% said backlog was flat or higher at the start of 2026 than at the start
    of 2025
  • 32% named labor shortages and rising wages as their greatest business threat for the next 12 months
  • 25% cited a lack of new work or project cancellations as their greatest threat, up from 18% the previous year
  • 52% selected operational efficiency as a top strategic priority for the next 12 months
  • 45% said they were piloting or actively implementing artificial intelligence

SOURCE: CBIZ, “2026 National Construction Industry Survey,” July 2026 // gbca.com (2026 CBIZ National Construction Survey PDF)

Author

  • Construction Executive, an award-winning magazine published by Associated Builders and Contractors, is the leading source for news, market developments and business issues impacting the construction industry. CE helps its more than 50,000 print readers understand and manage risk, technology, economics, legal challenges and more to run more profitable and productive businesses.

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