The National Index of Civil Construction (Sinapi), estimated by IBGE in partnership with CAIXA, recorded a change of 0.14% in August, dropping 0.41 percentage points in relation to July (0.55%).

That difference is attributable to the collective agreements concentrated in July. Compared with August of 2010 (0.31%), the difference was of 0.17 percentage points. Considering the period from January to August of 2011, the high is at 4.53%,while in the same period of 2010 it was at 5.43%. The result of the last 12 months was of 6.43%, below the 6.61% recorded in the immediately previous 12 months. The complete publication of the survey can be accessed at: www.ibge.gov.br/english/estatistica/indicadores/precos/sinapi/default.shtm.

The national cost of construction per square meter, which in July closed at R$ 800.02, changed to R$ 801.11 in August, R$ 443.06 relative to materials and R$ 358.05 to labor force. 

The share relative to labor force registered a change of -0.04%, 0.99 percentage points lower than in the previous month (0.95%). Conversely, the share of materials recorded a difference of 0.05 percentage points, coming from 0.23% in July to 0.28% in August. In the year, labor force rose by 8.01%, whereas materials registered 1.88%. The accumulated indexes in 12 months were: 9.96% (labor force) and 3.76% (materials). 

South region records the highest monthly change

The Southeast region, with a high of 0.20%, recorded the highest regional change in August. The other regions registered the following results: 0.14% (North), 0.11% (Central-West), 0.10% (South) and 0.08% (Northeast).

The regional costs, per square meter, were: R$ 839.54 (Southeast); R$ 800.93 (North); R$ 800.35 (Central-West); R$ 798.24 (South) and R$ 756.14 (Northeast).

As for the accumulated indexes, the South region stood out with the highest change in the year, 6.24%, and the highest change in the last 12 months, 7.28%, as well.

Espírito Santo records the highest increase

Espírito Santo records the highest monthly change: 0.42%.