Building and construction in the Upper Valley remains strong as we begin the New Year. Lower interest rates and available funding for various public and private projects will help to ensure a continued, vigorous pace of activity comparable to that of the past few years. In fact, many of the driving forces that positively and negatively affect building within the Region remain the same. The demand for qualified labor (as a prelude to business expansion) remains an issue with many organizations. The availability (and affordability) of land for commercial or residential development within the area is a factor in business development. And the permitting and approval process governed by local municipalities and state agencies continues to influence budget and schedule considerations.

So what will make Upper Valley building and construction activity in 2004 any different from 2003, or 2002? My suspicion is that commercial and residential clients who have not secured qualified assistance for their larger-scale projects early in the year, and are not “queued-up” with a professional construction organization may find it necessary to defer building plans to a future year. Without question, a shrinking labor base and an expanding approval process have created project delays (or stretched-out current commitments) beyond a timeframe that could have been comfortably predicted in 2003. Industry professionals, in some cases, may have reached their capacity to provide client services. Accepting new work may be both impractical and risky. Genuine concerns, illuminated during periods of high demand, such as safety, quality control and product warranty, will likely tip the scale against over-commitment. Yes, even contractors need to stop and take a deep breath now and then! Many are realizing that it’s just not worth risking their company’s reputation or their long-term business goals to bolster untenable client expectations just for the sake of taking on one more job in an already-demanding schedule.

What projects can Upper Valley residents expect to see taking shape in upcoming months? There is a broad variety of both public and private work on the horizon. Expansion, renovation and new building projects will impact educational institutions; public highway garages, visitor centers, rest areas and recreational facilities; libraries, roads, hotels and residential housing; office and retail space; and hospitals, to name but a few. The Upper Valley is certainly not immune to the wider economic pressures affecting commercial and residential construction in other regions. But it’s a fact that many areas are just beginning to see a pick-up in commercial activity after 3 or more years of ‘downtime’. Continued growth within our region in the year (and years) ahead will likely be the result of individuals and business owners discovering the region’s true uniqueness; those elements that help define and promote “quality of life”. Beyond this, the area’s highly educated workforce, and vast work opportunities will continue to draw people to the region.

The upcoming year promises to offer contractors, construction managers and affiliated building industry members both challenge and opportunity. Many participants are recognizing the value of incorporating relevant communication, design and scheduling technologies into the building process and are increasing overall productivity. Perhaps the most astute members are finding ways to bring both technology, and workforce training programs to their organizations. In looking forward, one thing seems certain: the ability of construction professionals to effectively serve Upper Valley residential and commercial building clients will continue to depend on experience and industry expertise; an effective use of all organizational assets; and, without question, a knowledge and sensitivity to the environment, its political resources and constraints.