Business Booms And Delays In Pandemic

Construction Business Booms Amidst Delays

When Scott Von Bokel ordered windows in November for a house he is renovating in Okawville, he was told delivery would be in January. Now, two months later, he is still waiting.

The delay for Von Bokel exemplifies the building material shortage and delays affecting construction projects. What would normally take two months from placing the order to delivery is now taking 5 1/2 months, said Von Bokel.

Many factors are causing shortages and delayed shipping of construction materials, said Top Ag Lumberyard manager David Wilke.

Top Ag still has a supply of boards and plywood, but that supply is shrinking, he said.

The cost of lumber has risen more dramatically and remained a high price longer than any time is his over fifty years of business, said Addieville Lumber owner Dave Aubel.

That makes him cautious about having a large inventory of high-priced wood if the market price falls, Aubel said.

Furniture Business Grows Customer Base

Jerry Gutzler has noticed a growing trend at his furniture store in Nashville. Customers are coming from a further distance.

“People used to mostly come from a 25 mile radius,” Gutzler said. “Now they are coming from 50 miles away because they can’t find what they want closer.”

From the time Gutzler’s Furniture reopened after its 5 week shutdown when the Pandemic began, sales have been strong.

“Every month has been better than the same month the previous year,” said Gutzler.

Read the full stories on construction and home furnishing delays and shortages in this week’s issue.