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Industry continues feeling remodeling labour shortage

The labour shortage for the remodeling industry continues to impact the industry, according to a recent survey by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Remodelers. NAHB released the survey results, which highlights availability of labor and subcontractors, to kick off National Home Remodeling Month in May.

“The labour shortage continues to be one of the top concerns for remodelers across the country,” said NAHB Remodelers Chair Tim Ellis, CAPS, CGP, CGR, GMR, Master CGP, a remodeler from Bel Air, Maryland. “An ongoing challenge for remodelers is keeping their prices competitive while dealing with the increasing costs of labour.”

In the survey, remodelers reported a “serious shortage” or “some shortage” of labour for the following jobs:

• 84 per cent carpenters – finished
• 85 per cent carpenters – rough
• 81 per cent framing crews
• 71 per cent bricklayers/masons
• 58 per cent electricians

Remodelers also reported leading effects the labor shortages have on their businesses:

• 78 per cent higher wages/subcontractor bids
• 72 per cent higher prices for customers
• 67 per cent difficulty completing the projects on time
• 53 per cent turning down some projects

“Working in the remodeling industry provides job security and high wages,” said Ellis. “NAHB is attempting to change the stigma of working in the trades by increasing awareness to teens and parents, and providing them with education and the skills they need to succeed.”

For more information on the survey, click here.