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!

A Contemporary Farmhouse

From conceptual design sketches to a finished home — It’s always fun to see progress on projects we’ve had the pleasure of working on. This project with a Contemporary English Country feel is located outside of Lebanon, Ohio and is being built by Jimenez-Haid Custom Homes. We’ve had the opportunity to visit the site multiple times and see all the progress that’s been made. Scroll down for the inside scoop on this project!

Foyer

Study
Photo courtesy of Jimenez Haid Custom Builders

First Floor Conceptual Sketch

It might not look like, but this home is a ranch! A one story home with a full finished basement.

Stair Detail

The open concept great room, kitchen, and dining areas were thought out very carefully. The space is warm and welcoming, and while it’s a large space, it doesn’t feel expansive.

First Floor Bath with Exterior Access from Pool

Family Foyer

The family foyer offers ample storage for just about anything you can think of. There is also a full bath off of the family foyer that includes exterior access - no more dripping through the house to shower off after spending some time in the pool!

The Owner’s closet and bath are great! The closet maximizes every inch of available storage space, with pull handles to access out of season clothing or just clothes you wear less often. The bath has options for everyone - a large soaking tub and a large walk-in shower! And daylight pours in from the large window in the closet and the small windows above the mirrors and vanity really bringing the space to life.

Inside, looking out to the Porch
Photo courtesy of Jimenez Haid Custom Builders

Covered Porch
Photo courtesy of Jimenez Haid Custom Builders

The home sits on a beautiful piece of property with views for miles. We have a feeling this porch will be a very popular place to relax in the coming months.

Photo courtesy of Jimenez Haid Custom Builders

Do you have a project we could help with? We would love to talk with you about becoming a part of your team. Reach out today to start the conversation.

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Designed by: Residential Designed Solutions

Builder: Jimenez-Haid Custom Builders

Project Sneak Peek!

It’s always fun to see projects we’ve designed go from conceptual sketches to a hole in the ground to a finished home. This project with an English Country feel is in The Reserve at Tartan Fields and is being built by Jimenez-Haid Custom Homes. We’ve had the opportunity to visit the site multiple times and see all the progress that’s been made.

First Floor

Second Floor

We take the readability of our plans seriously. We know that it can get messy in the field, but our plans need to withstand it all and still be easy to read and understand. We found this set in the kitchen/dining room space at this project. Wrinkled, but readable!

Wrinkled, but readable!

The second story landing and study area is open to the foyer below. The designer added a curved detail for added visual interest from both the first and second floors.

Sunroom

This house sits on a lot that has golf course views in both directions, but the best views are from the sunroom (shown above). The outdoor living space with covered porch offers the homeowners a more private place to enjoy the fresh air, due in part to the existing landscaping.

Do you have a project we could help with? We would love to talk with you about becoming a part of your team. Reach out today to start the conversation.

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Designed by: Residential Designed Solutions

Builder: Jimenez-Haid Custom Builders

The Modern Farmhouse

Sleek, modern, chic, contemporary–these are not words you’d generally use to describe a farmhouse. Gone are the farmhouse designs filled with dark wood, loads of shiplap, and overly rustic design elements. Some may believe that the farmhouse as we know it is on the way out, but we beg to differ. One of the things that keeps the farmhouse at the forefront of the style game is it’s ability to change and evolve. The modern farmhouse style includes more modern design elements than ever and the design team here at RDS has wholeheartedly embraced these details when designing homes for our clients.

The Modernization of the Farmhouse
The modern farmhouse is a frequently sought-after style of home; our clients love the comfort and approachability, practicality and clean lines, combined with the low-key luxury these homes provide. Read on for more information about how the farmhouse style has evolved and see the details we are incorporating for our clients, showcased in the photos of the modern farmhouse we designed for Jimenez Haid Custom Builders.

Modern Meets Rustic

• Rather than using only reclaimed wood or shiplap, glass, mixed metals, and other raw materials are adopted throughout a modern take on the classic farmhouse.

• Barn doors are still utilized and very popular, (especially for the pantry, bathrooms and office) but are used to incorporate additional glass or metal features as well.

Exterior and Rooflines

• Exteriors aren’t solely wood siding, but instead take advantage of stone, board-and-batten, stucco, brick, and other materials that lend a more modern look.

• Expansive banks of windows, many times designed using black casement units, enhance the contemporary look and feel, as well as inviting lots natural light into the home and with it the feeling of being connected to the outdoors.

• Pitched, cross-gabled, single-sloping, or multiple rooflines are all viable and interesting options for your modern farmhouse roof.

Interior and Exterior Color Palette

• While white is the predominant color for the exterior with black accents, you’ll also find the palette reversed, providing an edgier take on the clean and contemporary look.

• Modern farmhouse interiors often feature light, bright palettes with the combination neutrals, subtle blues, earth tones, and grays to make the home feel classic and comfortable.

Textures and Materials

• The kitchen offers another space to showcase different materials: large farmhouse sinks, mixed or industrial metals for finishes and sleek marble or quartz countertops can all be found in a modern farmhouse.

• Unique features are often incorporated in the form of lighting, texture on walls (shiplap, wood panels, wallpaper) and dramatic or subtle backsplashes provide interest and flair.

This outdoor living area is a perfect escape, featuring a large pool and hot tub, covered porch with heaters, outdoor kitchen, large windows and retractable doors, a firepit, and ample room to entertain.

Outdoor Living

• The desire to bring the outdoor in and vice versa involves large windows, sliding or retractable doors, and large patios, all offering views from every space in the home.

• A wide porch is welcoming and a classic feature of the classic farmhouse. And not one that has gone by the wayside with this modern evolution. This important feature is being used more than ever as an escape from work, life, or reality as a whole. Plus, it’s a great place to kickback and enjoy a refreshing drink.

• Outdoor living is a HUGE part of just about any home we design today, but especially important for a modern farmhouse. Large patios are often a request, with the ability to incorporate different areas for recreation and ample space for entertaining.

The modern farmhouse is here to stay. We recently designed this gorgeous home for our clients in Tartan Fields. Built by Jimenez-Haid Custom Builders with Grand Traditions, this modern farmhouse evokes everything we have referenced in its design, as well as a few surprises.

We would love to talk with you about your dream home. Reach out today to start the conversation.

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Designed by: Residential Designed Solutions

Built by: Jimenez Haid Custom Builders

Photos courtesy of: Jimenez Haid Custom Builders