In East Dallas, one of the hottest U.S. markets this year, new construction projects are experiencing weather delays lasting 30 days or longer, costing home builders and buyers.
According to Hoffman Homes president Alan Hoffman, "It dries out, and then by the time it's dry, it rains again. So consequently, not only can we not get out here on the site, I can't get the dirt I need to bring to the site because the pits are flooded." Local experts tell NBC's Dallas-Fort Worth affiliate that this is a problem facing many builders and would-be buyers in the area. In 2018, builders started 34,750 homes, but 2019 has a flat growth forecast due in part to weather and labor shortages.
When it comes to weather, Dallas Builder's Association Executive Officer Phil Crone said delays are the worst he's seen in the last five or six years. Since March 1, North Texas has received more than 12 inches of rain, which is about four more than usual.
"One or two isolated [storms], it's no problem. It's just part of the business," Crone said. "But when we have truly abnormal weather, we see a price impact that could impact the rest of the building season."
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