Growth in Milwaukee outpacing national cost hikes in first quarter of 2021. By Jeramey Jannene - Apr 26th, 2021 06:55 pm //end headline wrapper ?> Construction of structural supports at Fiserv Forum. Photo by Jeramey Jannene. It’s no secret that construction costs are growing quickly. The soaring price of lumber, now at an all-time high, has made national news. According to the National Association of Home Builders, the increasing price of lumber has added $24,000 to the cost of building a new home. But it’s not the only material price that is climbing. Since the start of 2019, copper pipe costs are up 45% and PVC pipe 27% according to Mortenson Construction.