Business Is Booming for Southeast Contractors Despite Rising Cost of Construction Materials
The shortages and rising price of fuel due to the ransomware attack that temporarily halted all of the Colonial Pipeline networks were devastating to many businesses in the American Southeast. But despite the rising costs of construction materials, business is booming for Southeastern contractors.
According to Stephen Smith, owner of Geneva Construction in Orlando, Florida, the $250,000 in materials he would have spent to build a home a year ago cost him around $300,000 today.
“Plywood is ridiculous,” Smith told The Epoch Times, describing how a 4-foot by 8-foot sheet of three-quarter-inch plywood he paid $25 for two years ago now costs him $72 to $75.
No. 1 - Nov. 17, 2020
The Emporia Area Habitat for Humanity dedicated its newest home to Martha Salas this year, helping the family fulfill a dream of homeownership and independence.
The organization welcomed and dedicated its newest house to the Salas family Friday afternoon on the 700 block of Cottonwood Street.
The Emporia Area Habitat for Humanity helps families and individuals achieve strength, stability and self-reliance through shelter. The overall goal is to help families have a safe place to call home. HFH sells homes to partnered families at 0% interest mortgage.
HFH has an application process and three criteria for potential homeowners: need for housing, ability to pay and willingness to partner. To partner, applicants must give 300 service hours towards a home. To date, they have built over 25 homes in the past 30 years.