Lake Martin builders have certainly seen the worst of times since the COVID-19 pandemic began more than two years ago, and fuel costs now are skyrocketing. Skilled workers that were in ready supply have seemed to disappear since COVID, builders say, and manufacturing supply simply cannot keep up with the demand. Add to that a huge increase in the price of lumber, fuel and transportation costs. All entities of the building process are caught in a vicious cycle that makes the customer frustrated and angry; the builder stressed and weary; and manufacturers struggling to deliver materials on time at a price point that seems to continually fluctuate. 

Andrew McGreer, a partner in Lake Martin Signature Construction, said it is harder than ever to build a house because of the supply chain issues but also fuel and transportation costs. He sees fuel costs coming down, but not any time soon. Lumber costs, he thinks, will see an increase as well.