National Material Price Index vs Your Local Pricing
A national material price index tells you where the market moved, not what your branch charged you. Here is why local pricing diverges, and how to check.
By Jordan11 min read
The invoice desk, page 2
Construction Input Costs vs Bid Prices: 8.4% vs 3.5%
Construction input costs rose 8.4% year over year while bid prices rose 3.5%. Here is where that 4.9-point gap lands, and what you can still do about it.
By Jordan10 min read
ENR Construction Cost Index Explained for Contractors
The ENR Construction Cost Index explained: what a blended index can settle in a contract, what it misses on your materials, and when to name a BLS PPI.
By Jordan12 min read
AGC Construction Inflation Data: How to Use It in a Bid
What AGC's construction inflation data on materials actually says each month, which figures belong in your bid, and how to use them as an escalation exhibit.
By Jordan10 min read
Construction Material Price Index Tracking, by Trade
Construction material price index tracking, series by series: the exact free BLS indexes for copper wire, plastic pipe, steel, ductwork and HVAC gear, with links.
By Jordan12 min read
Reading the Producer Price Index for Construction Materials
The producer price index for construction materials is free, monthly, and usable in ten minutes. Here is how to pull a series, read it, and not misuse it.
By Jordan10 min read
How to Benchmark Material Costs as a Contractor
Am I being treated badly on price? How to benchmark material costs as a contractor with your own invoice history, free BLS index data, and a second quote.
By Jordan10 min read
Refrigerant Price Increases Every HVAC Contractor Feels
A refrigerant price increase hits an HVAC contractor where nothing is checked. Here is how refrigerant, line set and sheet metal drift, and how to track them.
By Reena10 min read
HVAC Equipment Price Seasonal Increase: April vs July
The HVAC equipment price seasonal increase is real, but the factory index barely moves April to July. Here is where the summer premium actually gets added.
By Reena10 min read
Water Heater Price Increase: A Contractor's Checklist
A water heater price increase often is not an increase at all. A contractor guide to model-year rollovers, new catalog numbers, and resetting your rate.
By Reena10 min read
PVC Pipe Price Increase: What a Contractor Can Verify
A PVC pipe price increase hits contractors every quarter and the reason given is always resin. Here is what you can actually verify, and what you cannot.
By Reena10 min read
PEX vs Copper Cost Comparison for Contractors, 2026
A PEX vs copper cost comparison contractors can actually use: what the BLS producer price series show in 2026, and how to price both off your own invoices.
By Reena9 min read