Costs Climb on Materials For Schools

Construction Projects Delayed, Scrapped

The rapidly rising cost of steel and other construction materials is forcing some districts that are building new schools to scramble for more money, delay work, or redesign projects.

Nationwide, contractors and architects are finding it harder to give accurate estimates on projects, and some have even had to renegotiate contracts with districts.

The prices for nearly every construction material, particularly steel and concrete, have been rising at double-digit percentages in recent months, reminiscent of inflation levels in the 1970s. Even the costs of asphalt, plywood, and paint have been rising, according to data from McGraw-Hill Construction, a New York City-based research...