Housing is experiencing a labor shortage like never before.
According to industry data provider, Metrostudy, the shortage is due to an aging/retiring skilled labor force in construction, a stronger than ever appeal of other industries for younger workers over construction, and new government policies that are weakening the availability of immigrant construction labor.
Mark LaLiberte, principal partner at Construction Instruction Inc., is hard at work on new programs to address the labor shortage, because, according to his numbers, the industry lost 600,000 framers in the downturn, plus the immigration issue is a big challenge.
These shortages force construction labor costs higher, and have caused builders to consider alternatives, mainly in terms of automation, says Mark Boud, chief economist at Metrostudy. Some developers and builders are taking matters into their own hands.
Read More
