Navigate a Volatile Market with Strategy and Impact
2025 began with promise. Inflation was easing, interest rates were expected to fall, and construction firms were riding high on substantial backlogs. But a sudden wave of policy shifts, including new tariffs and labor restrictions, has clouded the outlook. This snapshot distills the findings of CBIZ’s latest national construction survey to help you understand where the industry stands—and what strategic moves can turn risk into resilience.
The overall results of the 2025 Northeast Ohio Construction Survey largely jibe with the cautiously optimistic tone seen nationally. Though some signs suggest a slowdown, most respondents anticipate more opportunity, have fewer financial worries and strong backlogs. Some of that is tempered by some worries about future backlogs, ever-present labor challenges, tariffs and other political concerns.
Download the Survey Results
Take a deeper dive into the results of the CBIZ 2025 Northeast Ohio Construction Survey.
Expert Point of View
Financial Indicators
In every measurable way, the financing environment seems to have improved in Northeast Ohio, as respondents expect significantly fewer challenges with lending that lead to delays, cancellations or alternative actions. And after spiking in 2023 and 2024, the number of respondents saying their ability to obtain financing decreased in the past year dropped to 12% in 2024, with a record 82% saying it stayed the same. In another positive sign, availability of credit dropped from the third-biggest political concern to the fifth, with 17% citing it.
Expert Point of View
Labor Picture Improves But Challenges Remain
For the fourth straight year, more respondents chose securing skilled labor as the biggest threat to their business than any other worry, with 31% selecting it. This is down from prior years and the lowest total since 2021.
Responses about addressing labor challenges suggest that the problem is still prevalent but a bit less vexing than in prior years, as 10% said they did not increase pay in the past year and those providing large pay boosts of 6% or higher dropped from 25% last year to just 5% this year. Other than increasing compensation, the top ways to tackle the talent gap were performance evaluations (33%) and partnering with trade schools (33%).
Expert Point of View
Tariff Playbook Resource
Build tariff clauses into contracts, diversify suppliers across geographies, and look for domestic sources that offer price stability. Track exemptions and loopholes as they emerge. Efficiency improvements and smart inventory management will buffer cost shocks.
Be Prepared – Don’t Get Caught Off Guard by Tax Changes
The TCJA Sunset Could Shock Your Bottom Line
Key provisions of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act are set to expire in 2025, potentially increasing tax burdens and reducing incentives for construction investments. Many business owners remain unaware of the potential hit to cash flow and capital strategy.
Corporate tax rates could rise, and the 20% pass-through deduction could vanish, significantly altering the tax strategy for construction firms. It’s not too late to prepare for these and other changes using CBIZ’s 2025 tax guide.
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