Since the Election........

[RSKY]

Had to pick up a package at a Lowes store in a neighboring town. I was sent to the "Pro Desk" at the other end of the store. The lady who waited on me and I started talking and she volunteered that before the election they hardly had any business. One or two of the four assigned to that job were pulled off every day to do something else. The day after the election contractors started coming in and ordering material for next year. And it hadn't let up since that day. Said they had put in more orders in a month than they usually did in two. I have no facts or figures to back this up, just the one employee's word.

Any thoughts on this? Did the election results cause this? Is it happening elsewhere in the country?

RSKY

 

[EddieWalker]

As a Remodel/Repair Home Contractor, I've learned that when the country is struggling, people focus on fixing their homes, and staying in them longer. When the country is doing good, they want me to make their houses ready to sell because they want to invest in a better house.

For me, it's always busy, but it makes sense that new home construction is going to pick up next year.

 

[Hay Dude]

In MY specific area, construction is dead. You walk outside during the day-no nail guns, no saws, lumber yards are ghost towns. Few additions, garages, or decks being built. Few “XYZ Construction” signs at the ends of driveways here in “coastal” PA.
“no money moving” around here. Hope it changes soon.

 

[JeepHead]

Construction is booming in my area. Contractors are so backlogged they're saying it'll be two years before they can take anything else on.

 

[dodge man]

It’s certainly possible people are more optimistic but I’d like to see some numbers nationwide to see if that’s a trend. I’m retired and I do get out but I personally can’t say either way.

 

[walhondingMF]

Just something I remember one of my political science professors telling us...
The economy (at the national level) is always going to slow a bit regardless of current political status. The "top" just holding tight to see what cards they are going to play.
As far as construction goes around here, its been moving well since before covid. Only slowed because of covid but picked right back shortly after. I am in the hearth of Oil and Gas though so people have money coming in. Brother in law actually started a small, residential concrete company since covid and they have all the work they want.

 

[scootr]

Consumer confidence is what brings the economy out of a recession. When people feel their economic situation is secure or about to improve they have the confidence to make purchases and that spending can in fact make recovery a reality. Seen it play out 3 or 4 times in my lifetime.

 

[Hay Dude]

Construction is booming in my area. Contractors are so back logged they're saying it'll be two years before they can take anything else on.

We have backlogs on construction here, even though it’s pretty dead.
Reason is, many construction companies went under, so theres few left to handle even the small demand.

 

[JeepHead]

We have backlogs on construction here, even though it’s pretty dead.
Reason is, many construction companies went under, so theres few left to handle even the small demand.

Not sure, maybe it's just that my community is growing like crazy. New neighborhoods popping up everywhere the last 15 years or so, land has went sky high, cost of houses have almost doubled. We never slowed during covid, it was and still is booming here. My realtor friends keep telling me the need for contractors here is in great demand. I just hate carpentry and never want to go back to it as a living again.

 

[WM75Guy]

The trouble is finding skilled craftsmen. I am having a custom cabinet made to hold large pieces of stained glass. The cabinet shop owner has stopped doing commercial work and is only doing residential work. He is having trouble finding skilled craftsmen to build cabinets. Plenty of unskilled to be had. Other trades such as my electrician and plumber have said the same.