Total US construction starts were 19% lower in February 2025 versus February 2024, according to a new report by ConstructConnect. Total nonresidential construction starts last month were 10% lower than February 2024, while total residential starts last month were 31.2% lower than February 2024.Higher inflation elevates borrowing costs for owners and developers, erodes the profitability of future construction projects, and with it, hobbles new construction demand, the platform said, analyzing the findings.The report also identifies a West-East divide in construction activity. Construction spending in the West and Mountain regions is down 40% from one year ago, though California is only down 9%. Meanwhile, Eastern and Southeastern regions are down approximately 20%. Spending is most substantial along the East Coast between Maine and New Jersey, the report notes, with the New England and Middle Atlantic regions both reporting year-to-date growth of over 25%.The report comes one we...