Sunny Forecast For Construction Hiring In Colorado

<p>(Photo: CPR/Hart Van Denburg)</p>
<p>Construction near Union Station in Denver&#039;s LoDo district.</p>
Photo: LoDo, Union Station development 2
Construction near Union Station in Denver's LoDo district.

a new survey by the Associated General Contractors of America.

Eighty-one percent of all firms surveyed plan to add workers -- that's higher than the national average.

And it would continue a trend. Federal data shows the state has added more than 40,000 construction jobs since the recession ended. Construction firms report the biggest challenge is finding quality workers, which has caused them to increase base pay and incentives.

In addition, 71 percent of firms expect to see an increase in the dollar volume of private office projects they’ll compete for this year. Other growing areas include retail, warehouse and lodging as well as road work and public buildings.