Three quarters of 2020 is already over. Can you believe it?! When this year began, it was full of promise. The first two months had it shaping up to be a successful and profitable year for many builders and manufacturers. Unfortunately, the world was hit with a nasty little virus that set it topsy-turvy.
We appear to be headed in the right direction though. Death rates and hospitalizations are decreasing. Businesses are finding ways to move forward while keeping employees and their customers safe.
Another bump in the road: The cost of lumber has skyrocketed. The National Association of Home Builders reported:
“The recent spike in softwood lumber prices has caused the price of an average new single-family home to increase by $16,148 since April 17. Similarly, the price of the average new multifamily home has increased by $6,107.”
It’s no doubt you’ve noticed the price increases as you’ve worked through your supply and restocked. I’m curious: How have you been dealing with the price increases? How much have you had to increase the price of your sheds and garages? Have you sought out alternative framing materials like cold-formed metal? Have you been holding off on restocking your lumber supply in hopes that the prices come back in line with what they were not long ago? Drop me a line or give me a call and bend my ear … I’d love to hear how you’re faring.
Speaking of dropping me a line, we’re finalizing the editorial schedule for 2021. If you’d like to see a specific topic covered, feel free to reach and let me know. In flipping through the calendar, I realized that the Garage, Carport & Shed Builder Show in South Bend, Indiana, is only about four months away! We’ll be providing more details about that show in our next edition! GCSB
