Fargo-Moorhead Homebuilders Association
FARGO (KFGO) – The price of lumber has been rising sharply in recent months, not only locally, but across the country.
Darrick Guthmiller, president of the Fargo-Moorhead Homebuilders Association, says the pandemic and Canadian tariffs are among the reasons why lumber is so expensive.
“Since mid-April, it’s gone up about 80%. There are certain products that have gone up more than others. Wall sheathing has gone up quite a bit. Treated lumber has gone up. For some reason, wherever that’s made, they’re not making as much.”
“Some of the mills closed this spring due to stay-at-home orders. And then of course, a lot of people have been at home. There are a lot of DIY projects that have been happening across the country” Guthmiller said.
New home sales in the Fargo-Moorhead area don’t seem to be affected by the rising lumber costs. Guthmiller says the number of homes being built is actually up about 8% from last year.
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