Representatives Jim Costa (D-California) and Jodey Arrington (R-Texas) sent a letter to President Joe Biden asking him to intervene to curb rising lumber costs.
The congressmen’s letter asserts that rising building materials costs and supply shortages could harm the economic recovery and exacerbate an already constrained housing market. “Unfortunately, this unprecedented price increase on new homeowners, as well as home builders, will persist until new sawmills come online and current mills re-open and operate at full capacity,” the letter says.
The National Association of Home Builders also supports administrative action. Lumber costs have tripled since April 2020, NAHB says, increasing the cost of construction on a typical single-family home by $24,000.
NAHB has asked the Commerce Department to investigate the issue. The organization has noted the low levels of lumber production and sawmill output despite the high demand for product. NAHB chairman Chuck Fowke has urged Biden and Congress to encourage domestic lumber producers to ramp up production and end tariffs on Canadian lumber shipments.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Aug 23, 2018
Cities promote deconstruction of old homes with mixed results
Market factors complicate efforts to recycle material from old structures.
Codes and Standards | Aug 22, 2018
Oregon is first state to change building code to allow tall mass timber buildings
Statewide alternate method allows early technical consideration and approval.
Codes and Standards | Aug 21, 2018
First mass timber panel made from structural composite lumber gets APA certification
Said to be much more cost effective than CLT options.
Codes and Standards | Aug 17, 2018
Zoning changes can be crucial to filling large, empty retail spaces
Alternative uses often require action by local officials.
Codes and Standards | Aug 16, 2018
Nearly a quarter of opioid overdose deaths attributable to construction workers
Massachusetts public health study finds pressure to work in pain contributes to problem.
Codes and Standards | Aug 15, 2018
ICC creates new committee on building safety and security
Will include experts from many different disciplines.
Codes and Standards | Aug 14, 2018
Philadelphia adopts 2018 IECC energy code, while state opts for 2015 code
City is one of the first jurisdictions to adopt newest code.
Codes and Standards | Aug 9, 2018
Denver’s goal of 100% renewable energy by 2030 includes net zero energy buildings
Community solar programs for low income residents part of plan.
Codes and Standards | Aug 8, 2018
Too much parking in U.S. cities proving costly
As car ownership rates drop, excess parking seems more wasteful.
Codes and Standards | Aug 7, 2018
International Fire Safety Standards (IFSS) Coalition created
Professional associations and building standards organizations join forces.