News
HOUSTON: Development's Biggest Challenges
July 10, 2014
Arch-Con prez Michael Scheurich (speaking at Bisnow's Houston New Construction & Development Summit Tuesday) says construction materials pricing isn't too bad in general—a 2% to 3% increase per quarter is manageable. But concrete has been volatile (which is the opposite of what "concrete" means) and can take a long time to get a shipment. (Read: delays.) But get ready, as he predicts material and labor costs will get brutal next year. Another issue: The average craftsman is 54 years old, says Pieper Houston Electric CEO Bud Walters, and we've got stiff competition from other industries. He says we need to look at healthcare benefits, wages, hours, and such to make the construction industry more appealing.
