The headwinds for the industry as 2014 begins are the same challenges that were present for most of 2013. Increased demand for home construction has raised building material prices. Producer Price Index data indicate that softwood lumber prices rose during the second half of the year, with OSB prices also rising but at a slower pace. Gypsum prices ended 2013 up 16.6% over 2012. Finding workers also remains a key concern. The latest BLS reports on job openings reveals that the open job rate (measured as a share of total employment) for construction (2.3%) is the highest since April 2007.
Posted on: Thu, 23 Jan 2014 14:28:18 +0000
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015