Report: Home construction up in December 2012

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) -  

Some good news has been released about home construction.

WHY HOME CONSTRUCTION?

A new report out January 17 from the U.S. Department of Commerce said builders started work on homes in December at the fastest pace since the summer of 2008.

On North Ingleside Street in Fairhope, there are three homes under construction in one block.

Ron Cuny with ARK Construction built one of them.

He said he's noticed an upturn in business since the middle of last year.

Cuny said, "The market seems to be picking up, not just for me, for other builders as well. We are getting a lot of activity."

WHAT TYPES OF JOBS ARE OUT THERE?

More home building means more job opportunities for people working in the home construction industry.

Cuny said, "Obviously, as it (home building) grows, we're going to need skilled workers to help continue to frame, to roof, to do the things necessary to keep up with demand.  We are in need of good carpenters, things of that magnitude." 

WHAT TYPE OF TRAINING DO YOU NEED?　

Experience isn’t always a prerequisite to being hired.   

Cuny said, "They (workers) pretty much learn on the job. It's how this is all set up. There are schools for it, technical schools, but, really, it's on the job training."　

WHERE DO YOU GO TO APPLY?

Cuny recommends going to sub-contractors, not to home builders themselves, because the sub-contractors do the hiring.

WHAT'S ON THE MARKET?

Cuny said he has several homes under construction going right now.

He said, "You're starting to see more people build speculative homes again, which is a good sign.  The traffic, the phone calls, everything is picking up."