More than four out of five builders expect to face serious challenges regarding the cost and availability of labor in 2019, according to a recent survey of National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) members that ran in the monthly NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index.
The questions asked builders about the problems they confronted in 2018 and expect to face in 2019. Topping the list is the cost and availability of labor, a significant issue for 82% of builders in 2018, which ranked as the No. 2 concern behind building material prices. An identical 82% expect labor shortages will be their No. 1 issue in 2019, while material prices fell to the second slot at 69%.
Source: NAHB Now