October 2004

Today I would like to address our so-called "wonderful economy". Isn't it great when everyone is employed and making good money? Homes are being built, roads are being constructed, everyone is busy-busy, and people are spending money. Life is good! Or so it seems.

There is however, a very serious downside to this great economy. Unfortunately negative things occur in all types of businesses. Since Amron Homes is a New Home builder I'm going to discuss what is happening in the construction industry.

Availability of skilled trades people is a serious issue. There are none out there. It's not even an issue of who pays more. It's just a shortage created by years of slow construction where students finishing grade school have opted for a future in computer technology rather than the trades. Then of course we have the existing trades people who have worked in the industry for years with little pay and long hours. Many are now finally making good money and have discovered that weekends off are kind of a nice thing. Problem is; with building volume up, no new trades people, and existing trades people finally able to feed their families by working 5 days a week; we're getting further and further behind.

Then there's the quality control issue. Some builders are buckling under the pressure of cranky customers and in an effort to keep construction on track they are hiring trades with poor work ethics and poor workmanship. It's not a pretty picture.

I suppose what I'm trying to say in all of this is that as a customer, please have a little mercy and patience. A good builder will NOT hire a trade or tradesperson just so a body can be on site. A good builder will ensure his future by providing a quality built home… and that's not accomplished on a racetrack.

Call me with any questions at 548-3137.