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.

 

[2manyrocks]

I suspect there is an economic case to be proven that there was more uncertainty and perhaps outright disbelief during this year's election cycle that caused consumers to pause their spending. That's not to say that so much inflation for so long hasn't depleted the savings of many people.

Regional economic factors also come into play. Costs of living relative to incomes in some areas mean that some places have experienced outward population flows which adversely affects new construction in those areas.

 

[Hay Dude]

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.

Hah, me too. I am a “recovering” framing contractor & builder.
So much happier farming & land clearing….

 

[quicksandfarmer]

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.

Two years is what contractors are saying here.

 

[Fixastuff]

People often see what they want to see. I’ve found if I keep working and looking for new opportunities then who is in office isn’t even noticeable. Other people the second someone they don’t like is in charge the whole world is crap.

 

[Snobdds]

An economy, at its most basic level, needs confidence that money put out will bring a return on that investment.

It's amazing what simple economic confidence will do. It's a metric that can't be quantified or qualified. It's a feeling. It's hard to explain to simple minds, but its there and needed.

 

[riptides]

Flat out booming in my immediate area. The housing market seems to be strong. Still seeing lots of sales and renovations. Commercial is too, it's called data centers, roads and feeder infrastructures. But my area is not reflective of the country. Being outside the DC area....

 

[ultrarunner]

It’s mixed in my region depending on location…

With so much available retail and home prices dropping even the flippers have moved on.

It’s night and day from 5 years ago…

I’ve kept in contact with friends and neighbors that have relocated and no regrets…

Hardware stores still closing along with retail and manufacturing leading me to believe more of the same coming…

Being in Oakland/SF East Bay/California has taught me the realities here are often quite different from other places…

 

[Jstpssng]

We get a publication every week which includes wholesale prices for 2x4s on the Boston market. They were below preCovid levels but started rising in August and have been going up ever since.
The economy always rises and falls in cycles.

 

[Hay Dude]

Flat out booming in my immediate area. The housing market seems to be strong. Still seeing lots of sales and renovations. Commercial is too, it's called data centers, roads and feeder infrastructures. But my area is not reflective of the country. Being outside the DC area....

The economy in Northern Virginia is always good

 

[quicksandfarmer]

The economy in Northern Virginia is always good

I can remember two times in the past 35 years when banks were bulldozing newly built homes in NoVa because there were just no buyers -- 1992-3 and 2008-9.