I’m proud to take the helm as the 2022 Chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The work we do as remodelers, builders, developers, and associates is critical to our nation. And the work we do as an association is critical to the members who rely on us to stand up for housing in the policy arena.
To say our industry has faced unprecedented trials since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic is an understatement. But through it all we have remained resolute, thriving despite the many challenges.
Ongoing Challenges
NAHB has seen several significant victories this past year: a court ruling that made members eligible for Paycheck Protection Program loan forgiveness; a decision by OSHA to exclude construction from its COVID-19 emergency temporary standard; and an increase in funding provided to workforce development programs organized and sponsored by local home builder associations.
Two years into the pandemic, supply chain disruptions represent the greatest challenge to our industry. We continue to educate the White House, Congress, and key stakeholders on the need for more action to resolve building material supply chain challenges. Lumber prices have again risen above $1,000 per thousand board feet, another blow to housing affordability.
RELATED: Savannah-Based Builder to Lead NAHB
Lumber supplies were hit by an unusually bad summer wildfire season in the western U.S. and Canada. Meanwhile, U.S. sawmill output has not risen sufficiently to meet the strong demand from the home building and residential remodeling industries. And the Commerce Department’s action in late November to double tariffs on Canadian lumber shipments into the U.S. further exacerbated price volatility and raised construction and remodeling costs. Our advocacy efforts are focused on finding creative solutions that provide a stable supply of lumber and other building materials at competitive prices.
Advocacy Moving Forward
Supply chain problems are not our only challenge. Record percentages of NAHB members are reporting labor shortages as well. More than half of remodelers surveyed for a recent NAHB/Royal Building Products Remodeling Market Index reported a shortage of workers in each of 16 trades listed in the questionnaire. In the most extreme cases, more than 90% of remodelers reported shortages of workers needed to perform rough and finished carpentry, while more than 80% reported a shortage of subcontractors in 11 of the 16 trades.
We are finding new ways to address the nation’s skilled labor shortage, including working with a wide variety of local associations and educational institutions, our workforce development arm Home Builders Institute, and student chapters across the country. A new agreement with NAHB and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America is also planting the seeds to renew interest in residential construction as a viable pathway for many of today’s youth.
RELATED: Remodelers Head Into 2022 With Cautious Optimism
NAHB is also working with policymakers to make sure credit is available to remodelers and their customers at a reasonable cost. We’re working on tax policy, including energy tax credits, that affect our members. And we remain the primary voice for the residential remodeling industry in the development of building codes.
We have an ambitious agenda. One that I know will keep us busy as we keep our industry on track and moving toward a post-pandemic future. I am confident that residential remodeling and the home building industry will continue to lead the way. I wish you all a safe and prosperous year ahead.
Add new comment
Related Stories
The New American Remodel 2023: Lake House Challenge
The New American Remodel 2023 is the epitome of what a great design-build team can accomplish when faced with tough and unexpected problems
NAHB Releases Remodeler Jobsite Safety Plan Outlines
NAHB recently released a remodelers safety & health program for small remodeling businesses
Reflecting on Remodeling in 2022
Despite a challenging year, remodelers continued strengthening the industry through various efforts
The New American Remodel 2023: Fixing Flaws
A lot of thoughtful problem-solving went into this Florida remodel
Builders' Show to Co-Date with More Industry Events
The industry’s largest show now offers more chances to see new innovations
Pro Remodeler’s Young Professionals Event Coming to IBS
Registration is open for our young professionals event taking place in Vegas at IBS 2023
IBS Remodeled Show Home Goes Virtual
The New American Remodel 2023 will highlight digital capabilities
Strength of Remodeling Market Seen in Growing Balance Sheets
Home values continue to grow with the help of remodeling improvements, says the National Association of Home Builders
Highlighting Opportunities for Women in Construction
The National Association of Home Builders recently testified to Congress for stronger benefits and will celebrate Professional Women in Building Week next month
Lessons from Aging-in-Place Remodeling Pros
Remodelers say knowledge, passion, and trust are key to successful aging-in-place remodeling