UK construction output in April was at its highest level since September 2007 according to the latest Markit/Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply construction index.
The second successive month of growth saw the strongest performance in the house building sector but commercial-based activity also expanded fast.
Civil engineering, however, continued to contract, although less strongly than in March.
"Though the industry is moving in the right direction, we mustn't be lulled into complacency as growth is coming from a very low base and operating conditions are still very difficult," said CIPS chief executive officer David Noble.
"While purchasing managers noted a growing appetite for new contracts - especially in the housing and commercial sub-sectors, civil engineering is still a sore spot with little activity."
But he warned that post-election spending cuts and rising input-price inflation were prompting worries about the sector's recovery.
"More worrying still, we are yet to turn the corner and see an end to the 23 months of relentless job cuts," he said.
The survey shows staff levels have now been falling for almost two years, although April's decline was the slowest since August 2008.
Input prices are, however, rising substantially thanks to higher raw material costs, particularly for steel and fuel.
