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Since President Trump declared a national emergency to combat the novel coronavirus, individuals and businesses have had to adjust to what could be the “new normal” for quite some time.
On March 28, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) designated residential construction—both single-family and multifamily—an “essential infrastructure business.” This designation allows home builders and subcontractors to continue working, unless otherwise mandated by their state or locality. While the DHS designation isn’t mandatory, a precedent has been set for deeming home building a critical activity.
To help members determine where builders can stay on the job, NAHB created a map detailing which states and municipalities have enacted orders that may impact builders. You can find the map here. As construction workers stay on the job, their safety and health are a top priority. The industry will continue adhering to public health guidelines from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Centers for Disease Control. In areas where residential construction continues, NAHB reminds members to follow jobsite coronavirus safety guidance recently published by the Construction Industry Safety Coalition.
RELATED
- NAHB's Coronavirus emergency preparedness and response list of resources
- UPDATED DAILY: How the Coronavirus Is Affecting the Housing Industry
Much of the work done on a new, unfinished home occurs outdoors or in spaces unoccupied by residents or the public. There is minimal, if any, physical or transactional contact with customers. In situations where this isn’t the case, NAHB encourages members to take the proper steps to keep their employees, their families, and our nation safe.
NAHB’s Advocacy Efforts for Home Builders During the COVID-19 Crisis
During this challenging time, NAHB has worked hard to make sure Congress and the Trump administration understand the importance of the housing industry. A good example of our advocacy can be seen in the $2.2 trillion Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which earmarked $349 billion for loans to small businesses and some nonprofit organizations. NAHB worked closely with the Treasury and the Small Business Administration to make these loans available to as many NAHB members as possible.
These relief provisions will help bridge the financial gap resulting from the economic disruption caused by COVID-19.
NAHB has created a wide range of resources for the residential construction industry, including economic forecasts and information on how to navigate the new loans, tax provisions, and other measures in the stimulus bill. You can find those resources here. We want to make sure our industry is ready to lead the economy—and the nation—out of the downturn caused by the novel coronavirus.
Home Plan Reviews Are Taking Longer, Survey Shows
NAHB member survey data, collected in late March, shows that the time to obtain a plan review has increased on a week-over-week basis across the country.
ABOUT NAHB: The National Association of Home Builders is a Washington, D.C.-based trade association representing more than 140,000 members involved in home building, remodeling, multifamily construction, property management, subcontracting, design, housing finance, building product manufacturing, and other aspects of residential and light commercial construction. For more, visit nahb.org.
