The increase in materials pricing is a key topic of conversation in the construction industry. The National Association of Home Builders estimates that the price of lumber has increased by more than 180% since last spring, and CNN recently announced that steel prices are sitting at a record high that is nearly triple the 20-year average. Couple that with an industry that has seen a surge of demand in the past year, and you’ve got a perfect storm facing pool builders across the country.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce says that 71% of all contractors are experiencing at least one product shortage, with top reported material shortages in wood/lumber, steel, and pipe/PVC.
And, unfortunately, experts don’t expect the pricing in these materials to drop anytime soon.
PHTA suggests that builders proactively address these issues with their customers:
Join the conversation on my.PHTA.org and let us know about ways you are letting your customers know about these issues.