Building Industry Insiders
Looking for Recovery in 2013

 

Builders have been cautiously optimistic regarding the industry, which experts have adopted a wait-and-see approach.

Building Industry Association/Southern California Chapter held a silent auction on Nov. 15 at the Purcell Murray Showroom in Huntington Beach, Calif. to benefit Building Industry Technology Academy. Building industry associates had a chance to network and discuss the current state of the industry.

"Where do we stand right now?" said Gail McEneany, a residential new construction account executive for Southern California Edison. "It's holding its own. I work with builders and help them get the financial incentives to get above code for home energy usage. Everything we do in this industry is a learning process. Home owners should expect to save on utilities."

Donny Terranova, owner of Terranova Pools used to do a lot more commercial pool projects, but has recently concentrated on residential projects. His company tries to stay relevant and he gets business by word of mouth.

"My business has been so schizophrenic," said Terranova. "I'm having a great quarter now, but I'm skeptical as the next quarter could be horrible. We're down about 65 to 70 percent of the high back in 2007. In our industry, we've heard whispers that things may turn around, since the inventory of houses is low. It's either going to pop or crash."

Theresa Maisen, a residential new construction account executive for Southern California Edison, said: "Things are improving and they're building green. We've got some slow growth, but the main thing our economy needs is jobs."

Although Benjamin Morey, owner of Morey Construction, has been busy with high end homes, he said he hasn't seen a significant uptick in the economy. In business for 30 years, he hasn't seen many significant changes after a presidential election.

"Every four years people freeze up and wait to see what happens with the election," said Morey. "We look to see what the wealthy people do. If they make investments, you know they have some sort of knowledge. You look to them for advice and as you talk to them, the confidence in the economy spreads out."