The National Index of Construction (Sinapi), calculated by IBGE in partnership with CAIXA, recorded change of 0.43% in February. This result is almost the same as that in January (0.42%). Compared to the February 2009 rate (0.32%), the current index (0.43%) increased by 0.11 percentage points. In the year, the index has accumulated increase of 0.86%, below the 0.71% observed in the same period of 2009.The result relative to the last twelve months was 6.00%, slightly above the 5.88% recorded in the immediately previous twelve months.

The national cost of construction by square meter, which was R$ 719.37 in January, changed to R$ 722.47 in February, being R$ 415.31 relative to material and R$ 307.16, to manpower. 

Compared to figure in the previous month, material accelerated by 0.03 percentage points and increased from 0.31% to 0.34%. Manpower fell from 0.58% to 0.56% (0.02 percentage points less). In the year, material rose 0.65% and manpower, 1.14%. The indexes accumulated in twelve months were 3.91% (material) and 8.97% (manpower).

North Region is the highlight with the highest rate in February 

The index relative to the North, affected by the result of Rondônia, changed by 2.01%, the highest regional rate in February. The South had the lowest monthly rate (0.10%).

Other regional indexes faced the following changes: 0.63% (Northeast); 0.19% (Central West) and 0.16% (Southeast).

In terms of accumulated indexes, the North was also a highlight, presenting the highest rates in the year (2.67%) and in twelve months (7.88%). Concerning lower accumulated indexes, the Southeast had the smallest change in the year (0.37%) and the South, in twelve months (5.02%).  

Regional costs by square meter were R$ 761.66 (Southeast); R$ 734.67 (North); R$ 705.29 (South); R$ 689.14 (Central West) and R$ 680.67 (Northeast).

Rondônia and Maranhão had biggest rises 

Due to salary readjustments resulting from collective agreements, Rondônia (10.64%) and Maranhão (3.25%) had, in February, the biggest increases in construction costs, especially Rondônia, due to salary rises above 30% granted to several professional categories. Roraima (0.06%), Santa Catarina (0.07%), Amazonas (0.08%) and Federal District  (0.09%) accounted for the lowest rates.

Rondônia also had the highest indexes accumulated in the year (11.38%) and in the last twelve months (16.10%). 

FEBRUARY/2010

SOURCE: IBGE, Diretoria de Pesquisas, Coordenação de Índices de Preços.

NOTE: These results are calculated monthly by IBGE in partnership with CAIXA – Caixa Econômica Federal.