New Homes
New Homes
More workers needed to meet the needs of construction industry
Manitoba¹s construction industry was reminded again this week that it faces a significant shortage in skilled labour over the next 10 years. The Manitoba Construction Sector council convened a workshop of industry partners to address this situation.
In June of this year, the CSC published an assessment of the construction labour market from 2009 through 2017. The report indicated that construction employment needs would rise, but there would be an expected shortfall of nearly 9,000 workers over that time. A total of 5,400 would be needed just to keep pace with anticipated retirements.
Immediate needs have been highlighted by some of this province¹s major projects. The federal stimulus package has helped kick-start some of these projects but, without an adequate available workforce, it will be very difficult to bring them to fruition.
Although residential construction has experienced a downturn in 2009, all indicators point to growth and expansion from 2010 through 2017. Just last week, the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation projected a 12.3 per cent increase in housing starts in 2010 compared to 2009.
Manitoba is still experiencing economic growth while other provinces had declines this year. Our population continues to increase and our unemployment rate is among the lowest in Canada. As mentioned earlier, major projects such as those by Manitoba Hydro, the Government of Manitoba, Trans Canada Pipelines, INCO and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights will continue to exert great demands on the existing workforce.
Commercial building construction is expected to increase next year.
Manufacturing, transportation and engineering construction growth is all anticipated in 2010 and beyond.
However, a major concern is where the workers necessary to complete these projects will be found.
Resolving the problem is not as simple as a short term fix. This shortage took time to develop and it will take time to fix. Time we don¹t have.
Although our net migration patterns are positive and we have the ability to recruit domestic and foreign skilled labour to this province, that will contribute to the solution but not resolve it. Manitoba does have a share of underemployed people who want to improve their career but haven¹t yet found the opportunity to do so. These individuals need to be given the opportunity to train and learn a new profession.
Mike Moore is president of the Manitoba Home Builders’ Association
New Homes
Congratulations to Renovation of the Year winners
THE Renovators Council of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association held its annual Renovation of the Year Awards Night October 30 at the Niakwa Country Club. A record-setting 33 entries were received in six categories.
Seven judges reviewed and evaluated all 33 entries, scoring them on criteria devised specifically for this competition. Laurence Rosenberg, president of the evening 's feature sponsor, The Accurate Technology Group and Dream Room Productions, assisted MHBA President Mike Moore with the award presentations.
Following are the award recipients by category:
Additions
Category A: Gold --Oswald Construction Limited
Category B: Gold -- All Canadian Renovations
Category C: Gold -- Character Homes Ltd
Kitchens
Category A: Gold -- All Canadian Renovations Silver -- Parkhill Homes Category B: Gold -- Rempel Builders Silver -- Character Homes Ltd. Category C: Gold -- Harwood Design Builders
Bathrooms
Category A: Gold - All Canadian Renovations
Category B: Gold - Hands-On Design
Basements
Category A: Gold --- All Canadian Renovations
Exteriors
Category A: Gold --- Custom Touches
Category B: Gold --- Hands-On-Design
Whole House
Category A: Gold --- Sakiyama Construction
Category B: Gold --- Oswald Construction Ltd.
Category C: Gold -- Character Homes Ltd.
The Renovation of the Year Awards take place annually at the end of October. For a complete listing of all MHBA renovators and more information on the RenoMark quality guarantee, visit the Manitoba Home Builders' Association web site at www.homebuilders.mb.ca.
Mike Moore is president of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association.
New Homes
Parade is over; buyers are starting to get serious
Although the Fall Parade of Homes officially ended on Oct. 10, the various show homes remain extremely busy. The reason is that we are in the peak of buying season right now.
Manitobans visited dozens of new homes in a variety of neighbourhoods during the parade. One's scope tends to be very broad and people try to see as many homes as they can.
When visiting a subdivision, we tend to want to see all of the homes in that subdivision, since we are there anyway. Besides, it's fun to see the various new designs, styles and features, whether that's what we are looking for or not.
However, once the larger crowds have subsided, the shrewd Manitoba buyer gets serious. Generally, they have narrowed down the style, price and location to only a few by now. They are setting appointments for each house for an exclusive tour so they are able to discuss considerably more detail than during Parade.
The sales agent is now concentrating solely on the one client and is able to help with numerous areas of interest.
For example, every Manitoba consumer wants to haggle about options and prices. It's in our blood. What will it cost to change a floor? Can I change the kitchen countertops or cupboard doors? What are the pros and cons of a different vanity mirror?
Not to worry; the agents have heard them all and are prepared to answer.
Mortgage rates are incredibly low right now, but nobody knows for how long. The strength of the Canadian dollar and the efforts of the Bank of Canada to control it in relation to the American dollar will almost assuredly result in higher rates sometime next year.
Manitoba Home Builders' Association members have access to an inventory of lots that the consumer could not imagine. The opportunity to build the house you want where you want only happens when you deal with a professional home builder who has all of these contacts.
The show homes are open for viewing and selecting. The weather is still nice. It's a perfect time to revisit the list of show homes you saw during the fall Parade of Homes. If you misplaced your Parade magazine, it is available on line at www.homebuilders.mb.ca or www.winnipegfreepress.com.
Narrow it down to the ones that appear right for you and go see what might be your new home one more time.
Mike Moore is president of the Manitoba Home Builders' Association
