We’ve heard the old adage, “This isn’t your father’s business anymore,” implying that things have changed since the “old days.” Well, things are going to have to change in the housing industry if we ever intend to get out of the corner of this room we have painted ourselves into.
Since the Great Recession a decade ago, housing has never recovered from its massive layoff that sent workers to other industries with easier work, better benefits, and equal or better pay.
The labor migration since then has been towards undocumented workers. That is an interesting thought...migration towards illegal immigration. Now, with construction still being done as always, with the exception of trusses...housing is in need of a better mouse trap. There are two very compelling new innovations that will help us through the next evolution.
First, as we looked at last month, is AI artificial intelligence/robotics. Jobsites are going to become more mechanical to save time, money and eliminate mistakes.
Second is 3D printing. Can you imagine, a house popping out of your printer? Ha...it’s not quite like that. A house will not magically appear out of some giant machine, however, many of the components will. Today’s component industry task is to provide pieces of the puzzle. 3D printing will do the same thing. The questions today are, what material will be used and which products will be made?
That evolution will change the components of a house as well as how it is constructed. That means lots of new jobs requiring brains not brawn, thought power not physical strength, patience, and finesse. These new jobs will no longer be mostly male friendly.
My investment in the future is encouraging my toddler granddaughters to continue working with their iPads and computers. Become efficient on instruments of technology. Play with Legos and erector sets. Not only are four year old girls capable of solving complicated construction problems, but they enjoy it. Combining the imagination of playing doll house with a visible result is thrilling, builds confidence, and imbeds skills that previous generations do not have.
For now, lumber is still king of the hill.
Looking Forward ...ml
A veteran lumberman, Matt Layman publishes Layman's Lumber Guide, the weekly forecasts and buying advisories that help component manufacturers save money on lumber purchases every day. You can reach Matt at 336-516-6684 or matt@laymansguide.org.