New Year Notes:

January 4, 2018

One thing is inevitable in the building industry – change, and 2018 is bringing about plenty of change for us! Our website is getting a facelift and we’re adding a blog and newsletter to the lineup. We’re going to the International Home Builder’s Trade Show & Expo this month for five days of seminars and training to keep up with the latest trends. Our February blogs and newsletter will focus on the trends we see at the Expo as well as new practices for building a better home.

In other news, due to natural disasters in 2017 (storms, hurricanes, wildfires), building material costs on the East & West coasts have skyrocketed. Arkansas has fared better with most increases on average at 4-8% for items such as concrete, appliances, shingles, and lumber. Although lumber pricing changes every Friday, the largest effect has been the tariff imposed of up to 20% on Canadian lumber and on plywood from China. Shipment times doubled from 3 weeks to 6 weeks so preplanning is essential to get our products (such as doors) delivered on time for installing.

2017 was a year of growth for us having built out Creekside Cottages, 10 residents and 4 spec houses in Olde Salem Township, and several renovation projects. Currently we have 3 more presold homes in Olde Salem Township and several projects in the Heights - we’re excited to see what else is in store this year. What are you looking forward to in 2018?