Shortage of Construction Workers in California Hampering Rebuilding Efforts

One of the many problems facing Northern California homeowners' rebuilding efforts is the unrelenting shortage construction workers. The Golden State lost 20 percent of its construction labor force between 2005 and 2016.

A study by Buildzoom finds that in addition to that loss, more than 40 percent of construction job openings in California were unfilled for at least six weeks, translating to the third-longest wait in the U.S. behind New Jersey and Massachusetts. Buildzoom client advocate Alex Stewart who has worked with homeowners on reconstruction projects in NorCal this year believes that the added need, "will drain construction workers from Bay Area developments," an area already in need of more new housing, and trade workers are also in high demand, “A lot of general contractors have come from surrounding counties,” The Mercury News reports.

Analysts believe the destruction of the latest round of wildfires will put even more pressure on a strained construction industry. The Carr fire has claimed more than 1,000 homes, while the ongoing Mendocino Complex fire has taken dozens more, according to Cal Fire. The Wine Country fires in October destroyed nearly 9,000 structures, including thousands of houses and other residences. The series of fires have claimed two dozen lives, including firefighters.

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