MARTINSBURG, W.Va. (WDVM) – We’re turning the corner of the pandemic and moving on with our lives. Does that mean a new home in West Virginia?
Builders just can’t keep up. Building permits have been obtained for the entire eastern panhandle. It’s part of a nationwide post-pandemic trend.
When it comes to building materials, “price is a big factor,” said Mary Dulyea, president of the Eastern Panhandle Home Builders Association. “About anything, but it doesn’t stop people from building. Or carry out home renovation projects. We are busier than ever. “
Budding Washington, DC market homeowners come to the east pan handle and are ready for their new home. Contractors say there is only one problem.
“We can’t keep up,” said Dulyea. “Mainly because of the labor shortage. We don’t have enough workers to take on more jobs. “
Even if they had the manpower, they need supplies – and in many cases that in itself is a struggle.
“We ordered sliding glass doors that we ordered in March and we still don’t have them today and they tell us July,” explained Dulyea.
Dulyea said that something as basic as an HVAC unit for a home – which typically ships two weeks after it is ordered – now takes 2 to 3 months.
The builders hope that material prices will stabilize. In addition to the home builders’ complications, there are the 2017 Trump administration tariffs on Canadian lumber, which are restricting US supply.
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