Material Costs

Material Costs
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Contacts: Felicia Watson
fwatson@nahb.org
(202) 266-8229

Alex Strong
astrong@nahb.org
(202) 266-8279

David Logan
dlogan@nahb.org
(202) 266-8448

Material Costs Affect Housing Affordability

The rising cost of building materials is harming housing affordability as the cost and limited supplies of softwood lumber, steel, aluminum and other imported materials and equipment exacerbate price volatility and drive up housing costs. The rising supply costs are exacerbated by the uncertainty of when supplies will be available to complete the home in a timely manner and whether or not the homes will appraise at the correct price to reflect these rising costs.

Housing has been an economic bright spot amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but the industry’s potential to lead the economy forward is limited as long as building materials remain expensive and scarce. Builders are doing everything possible to avoid pricing consumers out of homes while still maintaining competitive prices necessary to operate their businesses — especially given the potential long-term impacts on consumers.

Immediate impacts of rising costs include:

  • A downturn in new home starts, as builders struggle to begin projects with uncertain time frames and costs,
  • Construction delays, as the supply of materials remains unpredictable,
  • Home owners walking away from the projects because of escalating projects costs, and
  • Appraisals not reflecting the true value of the home, because costs are rising too rapidly and builders are having to compensate on the frontend of construction by decreasing amenities available in the home. To learn more about the different approaches to appraisals, and possible solutions, visit Understanding Appraisal Approaches.
Addressing the Supply Chain Crisis
<p>NAHB is urging policymakers to help resolve supply chain issues that are hindering housing affordability and the broader economy.</p>

Addressing the Supply Chain Crisis

Addressing the Supply Chain Crisis

NAHB is urging policymakers to help resolve supply chain issues that are hindering housing affordability and the broader economy.

Learn more
Canadian Softwood Lumber
<p>The United States must reduce the tariffs on Canadian lumber shipments and resume negotiations with Canada on a lumber trade deal.</p>

Canadian Softwood Lumber

Canadian Softwood Lumber

The United States must reduce the tariffs on Canadian lumber shipments and resume negotiations with Canada on a lumber trade deal.

Learn more
Framing Lumber Prices
<p>See an overview of weekly price changes in the framing lumber market.</p>

Framing Lumber Prices

Framing Lumber Prices

See an overview of weekly price changes in the framing lumber market.

Learn more