The cost of housing has skyrocketed in recent years. Low interest rates for mortgages and refinancing combined with a short supply of housing in the market has led to high demand for remodeling as well as new housing starts. But, the material cost to build a house has increased as materials used in construction are in short supply. Lumber just this past week topped $1,000 per 1,000 board feet. According to the Urban Institute, labor cost and availability are also key contributors to the high cost of construction. Other major challenges facing the construction industry are an aging workforce of skilled tradespersons, a dearth of younger workers seeking jobs in construction trades, work place safety concerns, and uncertainty over immigration policies that have left many builders with a shortage of labor. In this month’s Housing Hangout, we will discuss all things construction with local builders from the Greensboro Builders’ Association and housing rehab specialists from Community Housing Solutions.
Speakers:
Will Yearns is president of Granville Homes LLC, a residential development and construction company building homes throughout Greensboro, Guilford and surrounding counties. Will is serving this year as president of the Greensboro Builders Association, a 600+ member trade association representing residential and commercial builders and remodelers, suppliers, trade contactors and service providers.
Phil Warrick is president of Piedmont Wholesale Engineered Products and Certified Repair, Inc. Phil has more than 35 years of experience in the building industry. He currently serves as a national delegate with the National Association of Homes Builders, chairing their Resolutions Committee and serving as Vice Chair of Custom Builders Council. Phil has served as the president of both the Greensboro Builders Association and the NC Home Builders Association.
Jim Sandknop is Director of Construction Operations with Community Housing Solutions, a local non-profit organization that provides home repairs to homeowners in Guilford County as well as new home construction for first time buyers. With a skilled construction staff and volunteer groups from the community, CHS works with homeowners who fall below specific income levels to make needed repairs making their homes warmer, drier and safer. CHS also provides new home construction for 1st time low income buyers in Greensboro and High Point. Jim has more than 35 years of experience in the building industry, serving as a general contractor.