Builders - What to Anticipate in Home Construction in the Second Half of 2021

Image by Paul Brennan from Pixabay

They say the only constant is change. And over the last year and a half, in the building industry, we’ve known this to be true. Some builders locked in prices for their clients, so that even as prices rise and fall, the price quoted to the client remains the same. Others have absorbed some costs, passed some costs on, or are somewhere in the middle. It’s important to remember we are all in this together–no matter how we are dealing with these unprecedented times.

A few months ago, we wrote a blog, Construction Lumber - Demand, Pricing and Reducing Use. While costs for most products are still high, we are starting to see some changes. However, lumber demand and prices aren’t the only issues affecting builders here in central Ohio.

So, what are we to expect in the building industry for the rest of 2021?

Image by Paul Brennan from Pixabay

Shortage of workers
As home construction companies, we understand this all too well. We are all searching for skilled construction trade workers. Some of us are well staffed, but many of us are searching for qualified employees. And with that, the pool of available workers lowers and we all compete for the same people. The direct result of fewer employees–it takes us longer to get homes built, which affects our timelines and our ability to take on new projects.

Projects Are Moving Forward
This article from Cleveland Building & Construction shares the significant number of projects underway around Ohio. Columbus is leading the way with many massive projects occurring now. And the housing market continues to show no signs of slowing down. While we are still in a housing shortage, more homes were built last year than any year since 2006, says this article from The Columbus Dispatch.

According to this article from Columbus Underground,  we do have the fastest selling housing market! With homes selling quickly, many people are planning on building new homes. How has this affected your build timelines?  

Image by sawaeng wonglakorn from Pixabay

Lumber and Other Supplies
Lumber prices and supply has had a significant impact on builders here in Columbus. We are seeing positive changes as lumber prices are beginning to come down-slowly. Sawmills are beginning to increase production and people are returning to work (therefore not doing as many home renos and DIY projects). NAHB has been instrumental in working with the government to boost domestic lumber production, try to bring prices down and the get Canadian lumber supply lines back open, but it’s been an uphill battle so far. But as this article from NPR points out, it could take weeks or months for price reductions to take effect and prices probably won’t fall to pre-pandemic levels. But there is hope!  

Iron, copper and steel tariffs are still expensive, and we know builders are trying to find ways to utilize less of it and find other ways to build homes using other products. This article from Construction Dive explains the ripple effect of these price increases. Steel for home construction (which includes studs, ductwork, beams, and some light fixtures), copper, vinyl siding, concrete, and gypsum, all continue to suffer from supply chain issues. This has continued to drive up the price, as well as the time to get supplies to the job site. Builders are looking at the use of insulating concrete forms, instead of wood framing. Structural insulated panels and steel frame construction are other framing methods utilized by some builders, hoping to keep costs down. But as we know, there are times when only iron and steel will do. 

Supply changes are impacted worldwide, so many items are in short supply for home construction. You might get a home almost completed and then not be able to outfit it with kitchen appliances, windows, or other materials.

This article, from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce paints a rather dire picture (while giving us some hope), but we recognize we are luckier than most in Columbus. But if you have clients that do not understand what is happening, this might be worth having them read.  

The challenge? Creating viable timelines, costs (what you pass on and what you absorb), waiting for prices to go down, finding skilled workers, and keeping your clients happy! What is working for you? What can we all learn from one another?

In Other News:

2019 BIA Parade of Homes, SIerra Custom Homes

BIA Parade of Homes
In case you haven’t heard, it is back! Are you participating or just going to see what others have been up to this year? There is still time for your home to be featured as an on-line Virtual entry. Click here!

At RDS, our designers are here and ready to help you create the home construction design your clients are asking for. Give us a call and let’s work together!

Our Client's Remodel Experience

Jennifer and Dave loved their Worthington home but needed to make a few changes before it would be *perfect* for their family. After walking through their existing first floor and listening to their wants and needs, Jim was able to provide several options that would add functionality to their first floor, make the best use of the space, and come in at a budget they were comfortable with. Scroll down to see what before and after project photos and read what Jennifer and Dave had to say about their experience working with our team.

How was your experience working with Jim and RDS – Residential Designed Solutions?
We had a great experience. When we reached out to RDS we were already working with a remodeling company, however, after debating forever about what walls should come down, we realized we needed a professional home designer. Upon entering our house Jim knew exactly what we needed to do. He told us he had designed many remodels for homes from the same time period with similar layouts. He confidently provided advice on how we could open up

our space and take advantage of the view to our backyard. His expertise was just what we needed at that point in our project.

Why did you choose RDS to complete your home design plans?

We saw the RDS signs around Worthington and knew he was a busy local home designer, which was the role we were missing with our remodeling team at that time.

“Upon entering our house Jim knew exactly what we needed to do. He told us he had designed many remodels for homes from the same time period with similar layouts. He confidently provided advice on how we could open up our space and take advantage of the view to our backyard. His expertise was just what we needed at that point in our project. ”

If you could change one thing, what would you change?
We wouldn’t change anything. We love how our home turned out and it was a great process.

What advice would you offer to someone who is designing a home or redesigning a space in the home?
Make sure to enlist the services of an experienced professional architect or designer. Jim confidently told us of other similar projects, which is an important indication of experience. He provided a

series of sketches for options A – E and we had a second meeting to select elements from the different designs. It was a very efficient process.

What is your favorite aspect of your updated first floor?
Jim suggested putting in large windows and taking down the walls along the back of our home to maximize the natural light, and it looks amazing. We now have a perfect view out to our backyard from both our family room and kitchen.

Thank you for the kind words, Jennifer and Dave!

We strive to create designs that will add value to our clients lives, in addition to meeting their needs. If you’re interested in remodeling your home, please contact us to today to start the conversation.

Remodel by: Pat Scales Remodeling
Photos courtesy of: Pat Scales Remodeling

What Our Clients Have to Say

At RDS, we believe that designing a home is one of the most satisfying parts of our work. We love building relationships with our clients, and working with them to bring their dreams to reality. We want you to get an idea of what our clients think of their experience working with us. As you will read, we can design a home for you to build anywhere!

Name: Kirk and Nadine Shepard

How was your experience with RDS – Residential Designed Solutions?
Our experience with RDS was superb! Working with Jim Wright and his crew was an easy and pleasurable process in designing our homes. After working with Jim on our home in Ohio, we were fortunate to have him design our next home in Connecticut (which was due to a business transfer). His calm and professional manner made this step to homebuilding a joy. Jim was so very helpful in providing suggestions and listening to our needs, which made our finished homes exactly what we had imagined.

What space(s) did you have redesigned or did you have a new home designed?
We have had two new homes and a renovation for a family cottage designed with RDS.

What is the favorite aspect of your new home design?
We loved the general floor plan of our homes; they were functional for a family of six (4 sons!) and were spacious enough to give everyone their own area when needed. Both homes have a warm, comfortable feel about them.

If you could change one thing, what would you change?
After living in the first home in Ohio designed by Jim, we went back to him to see if he could design the same home in Connecticut for us on the property we had purchased. Being the ultimate professional in his craft, at our first meeting, Jim asked us this question. “After living in our home for 2 ½ years, what changes would you want to make?” There were two small changes; he really designed it right the first time!

What was your overall experience like?
Kirk and I have been very satisfied. We have recommended RDS to others and have told them they would not be disappointed.

What advice would you offer to someone who is designing a home or redesigning a space in the home? 
1. Know that there would be many decisions to be made during the design process; it would help to get your ideas and requests down on paper. Start looking at home design magazines, internet sites, drive through some neighborhoods, even visit some open houses to get ideas of your likes and wants for your own home. 

2. Get an architect or residential designer that is reputable (do your homework before signing any contracts) and that you feel you have established a good rapport within the initial meetings. This will make the difference in a wonderfully pleasant home building experience, or a complete nightmare. 

Who else did you reach out to for designing your home?
We were fortunate to have a neighbor who was a home builder who we admired and trusted, Mr. Ed Lynch, Lynch Builders. Ed recommended Jim Wright, Residential Designed Solutions, as the one to work with. After meeting with Jim, we never needed to contact anyone else.

Would you do it again?
Yes, most definitely!

We’re thrilled that Kirk and Nadine have such confidence in us and have been happy with their homes. Let our designers help you make your dreams a reality. We’d be honored to work with you!

What Our Clients Have to Say

At RDS, we believe that designing a home is one of the most satisfying parts of our work. We love building relationships with our clients, and working with them to bring their dreams to reality. We want you to get an idea of what our clients think of their experience when working with us. 

Name: Katy & Jamie Burrier

How was your experience with RDS – Residential Designed Solutions?
Our experience was amazing. From our first meeting to the final touches, Jim and his team understood our vision. They were incredibly professional and responsive to all of our needs.

What space(s) did you have redesigned, (if applicable) or did you have a new home designed?
We had a new home designed from scratch.

What is the favorite aspect of your new home design?
Our favorite part was the initial drawing that Jim provided because it was designed by hand and was a true reflection of our dream come true on paper!

If you could change one thing, what would you change?
Honestly, we had to think hard to answer this question! I think the only thing we would say is that when the invoices are created, having line item details for invoicing would help with understanding changes.

What was your overall experience like?
We felt like we were in GREAT hands with Jim and his team. We always felt like we mattered as a customer. If it weren’t for Jim’s experience and creativity we wouldn’t be building where we are. We were stuck with how to split the lot and make our house work while leaving a nice sized lot for other buyers (or we wouldn’t have been able to buy the property). In 15 minutes on-site, Jim had an idea that saved our dream lot and made it possible. You don’t see that every day. 

What advice would you offer to someone who is designing a home or redesigning a space in the home?
The most important thing is to spend time ahead of your first meeting looking at floor plans, Pinterest, and Houzz and know in general what your vision is. We actually cut out floor plans and brought our favorite parts of each one to our first meeting, which we believe helped Jim understand our vision from the start. And he’s simply THAT good. Did you know he can draw like a pro upside down so you can be involved in the conversation as we talked through options?

Who else did you reach out to for designing your home?
We did not consider another architect after meeting Jim. We knew he was a good fit for us and had the experience and referrals to back that decision up! 

Would you do it again?
If and only if it was with RDS!

Let our designers help you make your dreams a reality. We’d be honored to work with you! 

What Our Clients Have to Say

At RDS, we believe that designing a home is one of the most satisfying parts of our work. We love building relationships with our clients and working with them to bring their dreams to reality. We want you to get an idea of what our clients think of their experience working with us. 

Name: Kris Cassady

How was your experience with RDS – Residential Designed Solutions?
We were remodeling our old 1800’s brick home and the foundation collapsed. I was not confident in staying with the architect that has done our original plans and needed a new architect quickly. We were homeless in a matter of minutes. 

I found Jim with RDs after some online research. I looked him up on Houzz and loved his designs. I called, explained our situation, and Jim arrived at our home site the following morning with his engineer. 

We met and designed options to build onto what was left of our house at the time. (We were awaiting all of the reports from the various structural engineers so we could determine if we could actually build onto the remaining structure.) I was really excited about the design we’d come up with.

After the reports were in, we decided that we would be better off to tear down what was left of our old home and build a new one. 

We discussed our options with Jim. Unfortunately, we were not in a position to do a complete custom design as my builder either needed to get started or put us on for the following year. I wanted to go home, so I needed plans fast!

Jim was going to send me a couple of plans that he had from The Plan Drawer, their sister company that sells stock plans. I was wrapped up in insurance stuff and kept checking my email but never received anything. So in a frantic state of mind, I ordered plans online instead of calling Jim. Then after talking to my builder about those online plans, I ordered a second set. At the 2 week mark (from talking to Jim), I emailed Jim early on a Sunday morning. He responded right away. Jim had no idea that I did not receive the plans that he had sent. Jim was able to get me the plans that same Sunday. 

THANK GOODNESS!! Both plans were amazing and now we had to make a decision that we would live with for the rest of our lives. 

What space(s) did you have redesigned, (if applicable) or did you have a new home designed?
We had a new home designed. Jim will forever hold a special place in my heart. 

What is the favorite aspect of your new home design?
I love every single thing about our home design. 

If you could change one thing, what would you change?
I made a change to the 2-story fireplace on the back wall and placed windows and a patio door there instead. I want the fireplace (and I will more than likely have my builder back to put it in). 

What was your overall experience like?
Nothing short of amazing! With all of our chaos, we ended up with one minor mistake on our plans, which was a small window in a bedroom upstairs. The plans showed it as normal size like the rest of the windows, but we didn’t accommodate for the small roof over the eat-in dining. 

None of us caught the error. Not myself, not Jim, not even my builder. It was found the day my builder was roughing in the windows. 

When I called Jim to discuss, he offered to pay for the window, taking ownership of the error. We kindly declined. 

What advice would you offer to someone who is designing a home or redesigning a space in the home?
First and foremost, do your homework like I state below, and go with your first choice!

Go to open houses, model homes, and visit websites. Really think about how you live and use your space. Don’t build something because it is popular or trending right now, as your love for something will more than likely change when a new trend comes around. I am not a trendy girl, thank goodness. Make sure you are practical when making decisions and know your local codes. Pinterest is big for some people and I used it for some ideas, which was great. I saw a picture of a master bath with this beautiful small chandelier over the tub. When I discussed this with my builder, most codes do not allow a light fixture over the bathtub. (Makes sense now that I know.) But you can put one right where it clears the tub. 

Who else did you reach out to for designing your home?
No one. I did everything else myself. I’ve never considered myself a decorator or designer at all but I have received a ton of compliments from people who have visited our home. People always ask who designed my interior and I just smile and say ME! 

Would you do it again?
Funny that you ask! I would prefer not to do it again under the rare circumstance of our house collapsing. But, Jim came to our rescue with an already busy schedule. My builder is local in our community and has been building for 35-40 years. He is a tough cookie and likes details. He usually picks architects apart as he likes the plans a certain way. Well, my builder really liked Jim and had no complaints about his plans. When my builder did have a few questions, he was able to call Jim and discuss them right away. Amazing teamwork! If we were looking to move and build again, I would probably build the other design that Jim sent me that I didn’t choose as I know it would be beautiful as well. I would use Jim and have recommended RDS many times since my experience. 

We are so happy that Kris is happy with her new home after going through so much. Let our designers help you make your dreams a reality. We’d be honored to work with you!

What Our Clients Have to Say

At RDS, we believe that designing a home is one of the most satisfying parts of our work. We love building relationships with our clients, and working with them to bring their dreams to reality. We want you to get an idea of what our clients think of their experience working with us. 

 Name: Abbas Fallah 

What was your experience with RDS – Residential Designed Solutions?
The team at RDS was very pleasant to work with. They listened to our plan and our dream for our new home. They gave us feedback to understand the implications of our design and moved on forward with the project.

What space(s) did you have redesigned, (if applicable) or did you have a new home designed?RDS designed our new home.

What is the favorite aspect of your new home design?
Our favorite is the layout and flow of the home allowing us to take advantage of the backyard view from each room.

If you could change one thing, what would you change?
Nothing, the plan is well suited for the lot.

What was your overall experience like?
Great!

What advice would you offer to someone who is designing a home or redesigning a space in the home?
The more you know what you want (really), and what you may compromise on, makes it easier for planning.

Who else did you reach out to for designing your home?
I do not recall their names. But, I reached out to two other designers.

Would you do it again?
Yes, I am working with them on a new home plan.

We are so happy that Abbas is happy with his home. Let our designers help you make your dreams a reality. We’d be honored to work with you!