A lot goes into building a home, which means a nationwide slowdown has a trickledown effect to local businesses. According to the Wisconsin State Journal, a lack of skilled labor and affordable land is to blame for U.S. home construction falling four percent in July. On the other hand, apartment and condominium complex construction has kept local contractors like Sturgeon Bay’s Kinnard Heating and Cooling busy as they design full heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Owner Tom Kinnard says local construction helps everyone out, whether they are building or not.

Home sales remain hot in the state with the Wisconsin Realtors Association reporting a three percent jump in July over last year at the same time.