The new home construction industry has had a good year despite the pandemic.
CEO of the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association, Chris Guerette, says it’s not something she would have predicted when the pandemic began in February and March, but construction was able to remain an essential service, other than at the renovation level during the early part of the pandemic in the winter months.
The industry was also impacted positively by a the new housing PST rebate announced in March which Guerette says was extremely well received along with record low interest rates.
Also, in the past nine months, people have been spending more time in their homes.
Some now work from home, others take their schooling at home, and there are fewer gatherings to attend.
Guerette notes many have invited senior family members into their home as well.
All of these factors have led to people looking for new homes that better fit their needs or renovating the home they are in.
She says there has been more cabin renovation this year as well, and she expects the money that wasn’t used on travel this year because of the restrictions was instead used for renovations.