N.Y. Home Builders Ready to Dig in Once State Reopens

Home builders in Buffalo, N.Y., are champing at the bit to get back to work once the state reopens. They say everything is in place from extra safety precautions to pent-up demand that will allow them to hit the ground running. But it will not be without trials as they area already behind, and extra costs, time, and supply chain disruptions loom ahead. Still, builders say that construction was already well poised to accommodate social distancing, and those who have been allowed to continue on essential projects have proven that they’re up to the challenge.

Phil Nanula is impatient to get back to work.

The veteran homebuilder has been frustrated for weeks after the state virtually shut down his industry. Not only did it stop construction on new homes, but he feels there was no need for it.

He says builders and contractors are already better prepared than most other industries to protect workers against the spread of coronavirus. And he believes they can meet the new requirements set out by the state for industries and individual companies to reopen.

"We’ve already proven that our industry can operate safely, way more safe than I can see on current operations that are allowed to open," he said, citing takeout restaurants with workers close together and customers lining up out the door.

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