Construction Insider is a weekly roundup of the latest news and insights in construction.
Construction jobs increased by 4,000 in July
Construction jobs increased by 4,000 in July, according to data from the Associated General Contractors of America. Construction Equipment
- A 2.8% increase in construction employment was also observed in the last 12 months, with around 202,000 job opportunities opening.
- The near-3% increase is the slowest growth rate in six years, but it remains higher than the 1.5% growth observed in other non-construction, nonfarm sectors.
- The number of job seekers also rose, as did the average hourly construction earnings which is now pegged at $30.75, a 2.8% increase over the past year.
Labor shortage continues to affect housing costs
Shortages of labor and subcontractors remain a huge financial liability that affects housing affordability, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). HBSDealer
- Shortages of labor were observed across 15 different occupations, according to a July survey by the NAHB and Wells Fargo Housing Market Index.
- There was a reported 47% shortage among building maintenance managers and 83% shortage for framing crews, according to the survey results.
- Shortages of subcontractors have also been worse compared to shortages of laborers. NAHB said that it could be because subcontractors have started returning to work for larger companies as direct laborers.
California board to limit energy storage installation process
The legislative committee of California’s Contractor State License Board (CSLB) voted to limit the installation of energy storage systems to specific license holders. PV Magazine
- Only installers that hold a C-10 electrical license would be allowed to install energy storage systems with no conditions, according to the CSLB decision.
- Solar installers with only a C-46 license could still perform installations, provided they meet certain criteria, such as the requirement to install battery and solar PV systems at the same time.
- California Solar and Storage Association (CALSSA) is one of the stakeholders that did not agree with the decision, stating that the board’s concerns over safety are unfounded.