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AI Boosts Backlog for Largest Contractors

May 14, 2026

1 min read

Key Takeaways

Construction backlog increased to 8.8 months in April.
Growth is concentrated among firms with over $100 million in revenue.
42% of large contractors work on data center projects.
Smaller builders see a slowdown in new projects.

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Strategic Implications

The surge in backlog for large contractors may indicate a widening gap in the construction industry, with AI-driven data center projects benefiting the biggest players. This could suggest a shift in market dynamics, where smaller builders may struggle to compete for large-scale projects.

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What Happened

Biggest Builders See 10-Month High In Construction Orders

The construction backlog has reached a 10-month high, driven by large contractors with artificial intelligence work and data center contracts. According to the Associated Builders and Contractors, the industry’s recent momentum is highly concentrated among a subset of contractors, with 42% of large contractors working on data center projects. Despite this, smaller builders remain upbeat about their sales, profit margins, and staffing levels, as reported by Construction Dive.

Source

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