A recent WLOS-TV news story highlighted how builders across the region are working with clients to navigate rising costs and challenges in getting materials.
The segment featured three members of the Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains – BABRM president Nick Scroggs, co-owner of Scroggs Construction; Megan Carroll, executive officer of BABRM; and Sean Sullivan, president of Living Stone Design + Build. In their interviews, the experts talked about pressures affecting the construction industry and how builders are adapting.
Challenges in Today’s Building Environment
1. Rising Costs
Since the COVID-19 pandemic led to higher material costs, the prices have not eased.
“We haven’t seen a return to pre-COVID pricing models, and Hurricane Helene only made things worse,” said Scroggs.
Sullivan echoed concerns about pricing pressures, noting that national policy could further complicate costs if proposed tariffs on Canadian lumber are enacted.
“The National Association of Home Builders has an incredible lobbying group, and they’ve been really good on holding off tariffs on lumber coming from Canada, which is one of the biggest concerns that builders have,” he said.
2. Supply Chain Issues
Material delivery delays have become a real headache, with many builders struggling to get materials when they need them. Scroggs shared that long waits for items like roof trusses are forcing his team to adjust project schedules.
“We can’t always get immediately started,” he said.
How Builders Are Working Through the Issues
1. Transparent Communication
With so many factors outside their control, builders have emphasized the importance of transparent communication with clients.
“Having that open line of communication is essential for figuring out how your project will be best completed to meet your expectations,” said Carroll.
2. Flexibility in Project Planning
To help clients avoid frustrating holdups, builders are encouraging clients to start the building process sooner than they might have been thinking. This approach gives clients a better chance of staying on schedule despite material shortages and other potential challenges.
“If you’re planning to start your project in the next month, I recommend getting started a bit earlier than you think,” Scroggs advised.
3. Working Through the Insurance Process
For homeowners rebuilding after Hurricane Helene, navigating insurance claims is often proving to be a major hurdle. By providing detailed documentation and cost breakdowns, builders are helping clients move their projects forward despite the red tape.
“The biggest challenge is negotiating with insurance companies to prove that the prices we’re seeing are the actual costs,” Scroggs explained.
Want to learn more about how local builders are supporting clients through these challenges? Watch the full WLOS segment.
Building Stronger Together with BABRM
In today’s challenging construction environment, having a unified voice is more important than ever. By joining the Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you’re becoming part of a regional movement focused on advocating for smarter policies, stronger protections, and practical solutions to support the building community in Western North Carolina.
Stand with us. Join BABRM today.
