Decrease in Statewide Building Permits

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Indiana Builders Association officials say single-family home construction decreased a small amount in the first month of 2018. According to association statistics, 858 permits were pulled in January, compared to 868 during the same month the previous year.

IBA numbers show the new figure is a 10 percent decrease from December 2017. “Although this month’s data indicates just a small decrease in new construction, a larger issue faces the building industry.” said Indiana Builders Association President Pat Richard. “The search for skilled-labor is a critical challenge we are hoping to overcome in the coming years as lawmakers and industry professionals make efforts to grow a highly-skilled and technical workforce.”

The IBA says the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index remained steady at 72 in January. Any number over 50 indicates more builders view sales conditions as good, rather than poor.