The housing shortage in some parts of the country has gotten so acute that a new approach such as modular construction may be the only way to alleviate the problem.
The recession of the late 2000s caused many builders to close shop and the industry still hasnāt fully recovered. Today new apartment and housing construction sits at a little over half the pace of the 2006 peak.
The number of residential construction workers is down 23% from 2006. Skilled trades like plumbers, carpenters, and electricians are down close to 17%. As a result, labor costs have risen about 5% a year for the past three years.
Prefabrication, which is a more efficient way to build, may be the best hope to quickly build affordable housing, some industry insiders believe. Newer companies constructing housing using prefab techniques are focusing on condominiums and apartments today.
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EPA Says Additional Lead Paint Cleaning Rules Not Necessary
The EPA has concluded that current Lead: Renovation, Repair, and Painting Program (LRRP) cleaning requirements and lead-safe work regulations are sufficient to protect the public from lead dust hazards. āOur members have been instrumental in contacting legislators to detail the detrimental impact of the current LRRP," says Richard Walker, American Architectural Manufacturers Associationās president and CEO. āThis collective industry voice has prompted the EPA to make the responsible decision to refrain from adding further, unnecessary costs to homeowners under the current economic climate."http://www.aamanet.org/news/1/10/0/all/603/aama-commends-its-members-congress-for-vacating-lrrp-clearance-rule
| Aug 11, 2010
Best AEC Firms of 2011/12
Later this year, we will launch Best AEC Firms 2012. Weāre looking for firms that create truly positive workplaces for their AEC professionals and support staff. Keep an eye on this page for entry information. +
