Lumber prices on the rise throughout suburbs Builders across the country are grappling with a lumber shortage. Associated Press, 2019 A lumber shortage has caused a spike in prices. Associated Press, 2015
Updated 5/14/2021 4:09 PM Soaring prices for lumber and other materials have led builders -- both large organizations and do-it-yourselfers -- to change their plans or pay far more than expected. Jen Parks, the executive director of the Chicago Habitat For Humanity, said leaders of local chapters throughout the region have had to face hard choices about the scope of their summer building projects.
"We are extremely concerned about this," Parks said. "We are keeping a close eye on this because, as a nonprofit fueled by philanthropic dollars, we may have to alter our plan if they keep continuing to rise."