Global Construction Navigates Capacity Crunch | Liana Michina LianaMichina.com

Navigating the ever-changing world of construction costs has become a real challenge, especially for those of us keeping an eye on projects in Montreal, Laval, and the Laurentides. Materials like metals, concrete, insulation, gypsum, and steel studs are all feeling the squeeze from ongoing issues with energy, shipping, and raw materials. For example, aluminium prices eased briefly when tensions in the Middle East settled, but quickly climbed again with renewed conflict and shipping disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz. Nickel also jumped due to delays in Indonesia. Insulation, particularly petroleum-based polyiso board, has seen steady increases—manufacturers are signaling even more price bumps after a series of earlier hikes. Gypsum and steel studs have gone up, too, although weaker residential demand has helped cushion the impact somewhat. Equipment is taking longer to arrive, which makes planning renovation or construction projects even trickier. And for anyone thinking about building, lumber hit a four-year high after a period of low prices, Canadian tariffs, and mill slowdowns tightened supply—but with futures heading lower, there may be relief on the horizon. If you’re trying to make sense of these market shifts as you consider your next move, I’m always here to help you find the right strategy.