Area building contractors are staying busy this fall but some consumers may have to wait for their projects to be completed.   Jeff Dorner, Wisconsin Builders Association president and sales and project manager at Van’s Lumber and Custom Builders in Dyckesville, says it’s a mixed bag when it comes to ordering products for upcoming construction work.  He says supplies, with a few exceptions, are getting better.

Dorner says manufacturers are focusing on producing the most popular and high demand building materials.  He adds that the building industry as a whole is still facing challenges finding carpenters.  Other trades, like plumbers, electricians, and HVAC companies are also having a difficult time getting and keeping employees, according to Dorner.  The labor shortage is statewide and is not confined to only northeastern Wisconsin.  HomeAdvisor reported last month that 71 percent of building professionals believe the shortage of skilled tradespeople has gotten worse in the past five years.