Current state of new home construction industry? (Cape Elizabeth: contractors, prices)

[doozer]

Hello all. We are planning on selling our current home in Cape Elizabeth in about 1 year from now ( I know, its a long way off). and are considering the option of building a new home in southern Maine, most likely York County.

Does anyone have an opinion on what they think the new home construction industry might look like (based on current trends) in about a year? Are things getting better yet? By better, I mean the severe labor shortage and materials shortage. I am concerned about the quality of workmanship due to the lack of skilled labor.

I was hoping someone here might be in or work closely with the industry and can give their opinion. I realize no one has a crystal ball but maybe based on the current direction things are going, someone might have an educated opinion.

Thanks!

[dubthang]

The good thing is that material prices are coming down. As far as skilled labor? That is all based on which contractor you use. Do your research. The best builders will retain highly skilled workers year over year. They will use the best subcontractors, and use the best building practices.

Educating yourself will go a long way in being able to pick a great contractor over a good, or bad, contractor.

[doozer]

Originally Posted by dubthang

The good thing is that material prices are coming down. As far as skilled labor? That is all based on which contractor you use. Do your research. The best builders will retain highly skilled workers year over year. They will use the best subcontractors, and use the best building practices.

Educating yourself will go a long way in being able to pick a great contractor over a good, or bad, contractor.

Thanks! Any suggestion on how to go about educating myself on something like this? How would one know which builders retain their workforce? What type of "research" can be done to educate myself on specific builders in the area?

[7th generation]

Originally Posted by doozer

Thanks! Any suggestion on how to go about educating myself on something like this? How would one know which builders retain their workforce? What type of "research" can be done to educate myself on specific builders in the area?

I would frequently visit the surrounding towns and inquire beau coup about local contractors, and the companies they use for subs or if they do it all themselves. Hardware stores and their employees are good sources for references.

[dubthang]

Visit the town code enforcement officer. They get to see job sites first hand.

Check things like the Better Business Bureau, or Yelp for complaints.

As 7th Gen said, visit the local hardware stores. Reputations get around, good or bad.

Contractors that are proud of their workforce will tell you outright so reach out and inquire.