As the price of board lumber reaches an historic high, the National Association of Home Builders has increased pressure on the Biden Administration to rein in lumber costs.
The recent jump in prices has added nearly $36,000 to the price of an average new single-family home and $119 a month to rent a new apartment, according to NAHB estimates. NAHB officials recently met virtually with White House staff from the Domestic Policy Council, National Economic Council, and the Office of the Vice President.
The discussion included mill capacity issues, mill worker shortages, and the impact of lumber prices on the housing affordability crisis. NAHB said the Biden Administration was noncommittal on the requests, but open to future discussion.
NAHB previously held discussions with congressional leaders and administration officials, and the organization has encourage local chapters to lobby on a grassroots level. The lumber shortage and high costs are expected to persist until new sawmills come online and existing mills re-open and ramp up to full capacity.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Oct 26, 2021
Drownings during Hurricane Ida point out FEMA flood map flaws
Eleven people drowned in New York City in areas marked as low risk.
Codes and Standards | Oct 26, 2021
Dept. of Energy’s REScheck tool updated for the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code
Previous version incorporated 2018 code.
Codes and Standards | Oct 20, 2021
New York City passes overhaul of construction codes
Over 600 major changes along with thousands of smaller updates slated for 2022.
Codes and Standards | Oct 20, 2021
One-quarter of U.S. critical infrastructure at risk of failure due to flooding
Police and fire stations, hospitals, airports, and wastewater treatment facilities face threat.
Codes and Standards | Oct 19, 2021
Pittsburgh enacts first-in-the-nation “Dark Sky Lighting” law
Applies to all city parks, facilities, and streetlights.
Codes and Standards | Oct 15, 2021
New Calif. law mandates use of lead-free plumbing fixtures
Must meet NSF/ANSI/CAN 61-2020 in 2023.
Codes and Standards | Oct 14, 2021
Building industry leaders urge governments to boost emissions reductions targets
Scores of large AEC firms and organizations sign letter to UN’s COP 26 group.
Codes and Standards | Oct 13, 2021
FEMA’s new flood insurance plan will sharply raise insurance costs for seaside properties
Risk Rating 2.0 will have more accurate assessment of flood risk.
Codes and Standards | Oct 12, 2021
Three new laws expected to spur more affordable housing in California
Trio of measures could aid carbon reduction in built environment.
Codes and Standards | Oct 11, 2021
New program to promote mass timber construction launched in Boston
City’s planning and development agency to award grants for projects in early-stage planning.