Market Overview
Material prices kept climbing in Q3, with the national construction materials index averaging about 11% higher than tQ3 last year. Copper, steel and electrical equipment saw some of the larger increases, while several common materials moved more gradually.
Projects that require more copper, steel, or electrical equipment may see larger cost increases. We check current pricing with our trade partners as the design develops so owners understand how those costs affect their budget and where there may be options to consider.
Construction Material Costs
Here’s how the materials and trade pricing we track compared with Q3 2025:
Copper: Up about 34%.
Iron and steel: Up about 19%.
Switchgear: Up about 12%.
Lumber: Up about 9%, although pricing eased during the quarter.
Fabricated metal products: Up about 6%.
Glass: Up about 5%.
Cement and concrete products: Up about 4%.
Nonresidential plumbing and HVAC contractor pricing: Up about 4%.
Insulation: Up about 2%.
Gypsum building materials: Down slightly, about 1%.
These figures compare quarterly averages with the same period last year (July-September 2025). They help us follow national pricing trends, while the scope, labor, delivery costs and existing conditions determine what the work will cost on your project.
For electrical and metal-heavy work, we’re giving those packages a closer review early. That includes checking scope with the trades, comparing complete proposals and discussing alternatives with the design team while there is still time to consider them.
Fuel and Energy
Crude petroleum prices averaged about 42% higher than Q3 2025, with a sharp increase in September. Continued conflict in the Middle East disrupted energy supplies and contributed to fuel price volatility during the quarter.
On a job, that can show up in delivery charges, equipment operating costs and materials made with petroleum. We check those costs and confirm how long supplier quotes remain valid as we plan purchases. Keeping that information current helps owners understand when a decision needs to be made and what waiting could mean for the budget.
Labor Market Conditions
A reliable schedule depends on having the right people available to do the work. We bring trade partners into planning early so pricing, staffing, and sequencing can be worked through together.
Avara has built strong relationships with trade partners we can rely on. Those relationships help us put dependable teams around our projects and have direct conversations about crew availability, scope, and cost. Working together early also gives everyone time to identify gaps, coordinate responsibilities and understand how their work fits into the overall schedule.
What This Means for Project Planning
There was some encouraging movement locally, too. Across Puget Sound, more office space was occupied than vacated in Q3, including downtown Seattle, though activity varied across Seattle and the Eastside.
For owners improving vacant space or tenants considering a move, getting into the building early is useful. We can walk the space, review existing mechanical and electrical systems, and help you understand what the proposed improvements will require before the scope and budget are settled.
Heading into Q4, we’ll continue checking pricing, confirming trade availability, and working through decisions with our clients. Keeping those conversations going gives the team more time to respond when conditions change.
If you’re planning a buildout, TI, or new project, get in touch with our team. We’re happy to talk through the work you’re considering and help you understand the next steps.
Based on our local data, these are the trends we’re seeing for material procurement. Most material procurement timelines have returned to more stabilized durations after significant procurement volatility and supply chain disruptions over the last couple of years. Still, many lead times are extended relative to historical norms for some specialty items, fixtures, and equipment.
