A Building Supply Index holds steady

The BlueTarp Financial 3rd quarter 2016 Building Supply Index reveals that the industry health is comparable to the same period last year.

The index value for 3rd quarter 2016 was 124.87, a minimal change from the 124.70 value in 3rd quarter 2015.

“Directionally, the 3rd quarter 2016 Building Supply Index has stabilized vs. the 2nd quarter 2016 Building Supply Index, which showed weakness versus the 2nd quarter 2015,” said Scott Simpson, president and CEO of BlueTarp. “Our contractor sentiment is also more positive this quarter, and this survey was held before the US Presidential election.”

Through BlueTarp’s Building Supply Index methodology, an index value below 100 reflects recessionary or recovering performance. Values above 100 reflect healthy economic activity.

The latest Building Supply Index represents trends from 120,000 pro customers and more than 2,000 building material suppliers across the United States. It also incorporates macro-economic drivers including: building permits, construction spend and consumer confidence as reported monthly by the Census Bureau and The Conference Board.

Also in the 3rd quarter and based on a survey of pro customers, there was an 8.5% net change in number of contractors who felt their sales were stronger this year compared to last. Similarly, 12.8% more contractors were optimistic in the 3rd quarter 2016 over the 2nd quarter 2016 when looking ahead to 2017. These results are greater than the sample size margin of error.