How High Construction Costs are Affecting Habitat’s Work
Over the last year, lumber prices have nearly tripled and as a result the cost of building an average new single-family home has increased by more than $24,000 since spring 2020. Demand for new homes, as well as demand for supplies for renovation projects and other factors, also kept costs high, experts say. Prices have come down in recent weeks, but they are still significantly higher than before the pandemic.
Since the beginning of the pandemic, Richmond Habitat has experienced delays in ordering and receiving construction materials. And, in-kind donations of materials and labor from local companies are down.
Early in the pandemic, we had to stop using volunteers to help us build. Luckily, we found a way to bring them back safely at a reduced number in the Fall of 2020. We have a group of dedicated volunteers we call our “Week Day Crew” who really stepped up to get us back on track. We estimate that using volunteer labor to help us build saves us $54,000 per home.
We have been really lucky to have generous donors and government partners who have helped support us and allow our work to move forward, but, we know we need to do more and move at a quicker pace. The need for equitable and affordable homeownership opportunities in the Richmond area is increasing, and we are able to serve those who traditionally do not qualify for homeownership.
While we don’t know what the future holds when it comes to construction costs and delays, we are still moving forward with building safe, affordable homes for local families. Currently, we are finishing up three homes in the City of Richmond and will start on three additional homes in the next month.
Want to help Richmond Habitat? Here are a few ways you can help:
- Make a tax deductible donation – all donations help us build homes!
- Sign up to volunteer – no experience needed!
- Donate to our ReStores
- Shop at our ReStores or through our online store!
