19 out of 20 builders face an appliance shortage, with 57% calling it a “serious shortage.” Lumber products hold the 2, 3 and 4 spots, with windows and doors at No. 5.
WASHINGTON – A May survey of builders finds frustration as 19 out of 20 (95%) say they’re having trouble buying appliances. Of that 95%, 6 out of 10 (57%) says it’s a “serious shortage.”
In a report from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), lumber products top the list of shortages after appliances, holding the next three spots: 94% for framing lumber (47% say serious shortage), 92% for oriented strand board (54% say serious), and 90% for plywood (48% say serious).
In most cases, the problem was caused by a disruption in the supply chain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Tariffs on Canadian lumber, pandemic slowdowns in the U.S. lumber industry and higher demand from homeowners opting to remodel dinged the lumber industry.
For appliances, a key reason for the shortage is a computer chip, which most now require.
Builders’ top shortages reported in May
- Appliances: 95% (38% “serious shortages”)
- Framing lumber: 94% (47% serious)
- Oriented strand board (OSB): 92% (54% serious)
- Plywood: 90% (48% serious)
- Windows and doors: 87% (38% serious)
- Trusses: 78% (27% serious)
- Copper wiring: 77% (23% serious)
- Plumbing fixtures and fittings: 75% (19% serious)
- Vinyl siding: 74% (23% serious)
- Millwork: 72% (13% serious)
- Gypsum wallboard (13% serious)
- Steel (lightweight for framing): 70% (12% serious)
- HVAC equipment: 68% (13% serious)
- Hardwood flooring: 67% (12% serious)
- Roofing materials: 66% (13% serious)
- Cabinets: 63% (10% serious)
- Structural insulated panels: 62% (14% serious)
- Insulation material: 62% (14% serious)
- Steel beams: 57% (9% serious)
- Clay brick: 51% (12% serious)
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Author: marlam