Workers wanted

At Lakewood Ranch-based Neal Communities, one of the most prolific homebuilders in the region, difficulties finding labor have had quantifiable — and painful — impacts.

“Over the course of the last four years, our production times have increased probably 5 to 10 business days,” says Neal President Michael Storey. “On average it's taking about a week to week and a half longer to get from start to finish.”

And that's not the only way labor shortages are affecting the homebuilder. It has seen consistent price increases in the subcontractor community across the board during the past few years. “The guys in high demand are pretty decent economists,” says Storey. “They understand the supply-demand imbalance. When the demand outstrips the supply, they know they can raise rates and prices.”