# Concrete Costs, Fuel Spikes, and Survival in Construction Right Now

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-deconstruction-podcast-7098054/concrete-costs-fuel-spikes-and-survival-in-construction-right-now
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-deconstruction-podcast-7098054/concrete-costs-fuel-spikes-and-survival-in-construction-right-now.md
Podcast: [The Deconstruction Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-deconstruction-podcast-7098054)
Published: 2026-04-15T17:59:44+00:00
Episode link: https://share.transistor.fm/s/7d1dabd8
Audio file: https://media.transistor.fm/7d1dabd8/4d71c38c.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-deconstruction-podcast-7098054/episodes/concrete-costs-fuel-spikes-and-survival-in-construction-right-now
Duration seconds: 3804

## Resource

The construction industry is shifting fast—and if you're a contractor, you're feeling it. Rising material costs, fuel volatility, tighter margins, and more competition are forcing business owners to adapt or fall behind. In this episode, we sit down with Steve Baklarian of S&P Developments to break down what’s really happening on the ground. From pricing pressure and “race-to-the-bottom” competitors to how fuel spikes and supply chain issues impact your jobs, this is a real look at construction business today. We also dive into practical strategies: how to protect your margins, why educating your clients is more important than ever, and where the real opportunities are in today’s market—from niche commercial work to infrastructure-driven growth. 👉 Learn more about Jobtable: https://www.jobtable.com Subscribe for weekly conversations with real contractors building smarter, more profitable businesses. Chapters / Timestamps 00:00 – Intro & Customer Review 02:00 – State of the Construction Market Right Now 06:30 – CN Tower Inspiration & Industry Pride 08:00 – Pricing Pressure & Competing in a Tight Market 12:00 – Why Educating Clients Wins More Jobs 16:00 – Fuel Prices, Material Costs & Margin Impact 25:30 – Contracts, Clauses & Protecting Your Business 38:00 – Hidden Profit Killers on Job Sites 52:00 – Future Opportunities: Infrastructure & Niche Markets 01:02:00 – Final Advice for Contractors

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## Transcript

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