Steady market

The nationwide commercial construction sector has more work, and more profitable work, than it's had in years, but the main challenge — lack of labor — continues to fester.

That's the main takeaway from the latest USG Corp. and U.S. Chamber of Commerce Commercial Construction Index, released late last month.

Nearly every contractor surveyed for the index this summer, 95%, expects revenue to grow or remain stable over the next 12 months compared to the prior 12 months, the index reports. Also, a strong majority, 93%, expect to see profit margins stay the same or increase in the next 12 months, the survey adds.