An analysis of federal data by the Associated General Contractors of America shows that the cost of building materials rose in February and was up for 2013 compared with 2012. "For the second month in a row, contractors endured outsized price hikes ... In addition, soaring diesel prices mean contractors are paying more for fuel they buy and, via fuel surcharges, for the thousands of deliveries of materials and equipment required for construction projects," Chief Economist Ken Simonson said.