What is the Home Builders Association? President Dave Martin Answers [Interview]

Marquette, MI – May 19th – This year’s Home & Garden show bustled with trade talk and business, with a great turnout as the 2020 pandemic finally wanes in the Upper Penninsula. The 8th Day interviewed Dave Martin. Dave is the President of the Home Builders Association in the Upper Peninsula, a part of the Home & Garden Committee, and owner of the Window Store in Marquette.

Dave talked about the Home & Builders Association, also known as HBA, and what it can do for the Upper Peninsula. “The mission of the association has been the same all along: to support the building industry.”

Listen:

• mediaBrew Media Player: ( 10mins, mp3 )
• Default Device Player: ( 10mins, mp3 )

When pressed about the state of the business in the aftermath of Covid-19, Dave confidently revealed that business is booming. However, not everything is sunshine and roses in the building industry. The National Association of Home Builders reports that the increase of lumber prices alone has increased home building costs by about $25,000.

Is there a real shortage? Is this the law of supply and demand in effect? Dave suggests: “I think it’s part of it, but I think a major part of the loss of products is loss of labor. No one can find labor. It’s a nationwide problem.” Dave attributes the building industry’s labor problems to several things, but the solution is plain. The industry needs workers.

The building industry boasts good-paying jobs. Dave suggests that starting wages can easily be $18 an hour with good benefits. Owners are looking at the HBA’s list of job applicants all the time,and trying to fill their openings.

The HBA boasts over 200 licensed and insured members across the Upper Penninsula. The HBA also helps provide that information, ensuring that the public has the knowledge and access to licensed and insured contractors in the area.

The local HBA offices are open and available for submitting applications for jobs in this field. Their office can be found at 307 S Front St. near Getz’s & Towner’s Pastry. Applications can also be made and submitted through their website, upbuilders.org.