construction

Union: Michigan home builders not telling the truth when they claim there's a labor shortage

Steve Carmody — Thu, 20 Jun 2013 03:39:48 +0000

A major union is disputing claims by Michigan’s home builders that there are not enough skilled workers to fill all the jobs in the state’s resurgent construction industry.

New home prices are up in Michigan this year. Building permits are also up.

But the Home Builders Association of Michigan released a survey last month claiming a deep gap between the number of skilled trades workers and the jobs available.

Michigan home builders more optimistic

Steve Carmody — Thu, 01 Nov 2012 00:56:44 +0000

Michigan’s home builders are more optimistic now than they’ve been in several years.

A new survey by the Home Builders Association of Michigan shows improving housing starts and other trends give home builders and remodelers hope that they're emerging from the recession. He says some markets, like Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor, are already seeing an increase.

“Trends are all trending upward,” says Robert Filka, the association’s CEO, “We’re very optimistic about the outlook for the industry.”

Home sales sign of improvement in Michigan's economy

Mark Brush — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 15:34:09 +0000

(by Rina Miller, Michigan Radio)

Michigan actually fared better in new home sales than other parts of the nation. Some economists say improvements in the auto industry are helping stabilize Michigan's economy.