Looking to move to IL - builders?? (Chicago, Aurora: homes, job market)

[thedfly]

We are considering the move to IL and are wondering what the job market is like for construction (residential or tenant improvement) and what the hopes of finding a job in that area might be? Are there areas where the construction is still strong where we might look? We've recently read about builders going bust like Neumann Homes and wondered if construction has all but come to a halt there locally? Our hope would be to stay near the suburbs of Chicago due to family there, but would near Wisconsin be better? Are there a lot of trades people out of work and flooding the employment market?

[chambana]

Like most things it depends on where you set your feet. In Champaign/Urbana home construction is insulated somewhat by the presence of UIUC. West Champaign continues to attract new construction, as does the Savoy area and SE Urbana. Most of the high end contractors I know have steady business. There's enough $$ around the area to support continued remodelings & new construction. Wages are relatively good for skilled craftsmen in the area. My business is off compared to last year, but I'm starting to get calls so there's hope for another great year.

[thedfly]

We are hoping to look closer to Chicago...suburbs like Oswego or further North. I know there was a surge of building in Yorkville, Plano, etc. as well as McMansions popping up all over in Naperville. I wonder how many of those are sitting empty still.

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by thedfly

McMansions popping up all over in Naperville. I wonder how many of those are sitting empty still.

Not nearly as many as in AZ, I can tell you that much. The boom here isnt what it is in AZ either, but prices are steady and things are strong. There are MANY areas of IL that are growing real fast: Plainfield, Naperville, Aurora, Joliet, Wasco, Elburn, Bloomington-Normal, Crystal Lake, Elgin, Algonquin, St. Charles, Sycamore, DeKalb, Yorkville, Sugar Grove, Gurnee, Oswego, Montgomery, etc, etc. The construction business is excellent here, but very competetive it seems. On the way to work each morning I must pass several dozen different trucks, all from different companies, makes me wonder how well theyre all doing.

[thedfly]

Some of them not doing too well. I heard news about Neumann Homes filing for bankruptcy.

[sgresident]

Another local builder, Kennedy Homes, reported that they were stopping everything. Have not heard if they are actually filing bankruptcy. The fast growth has really come to a screeching halt around this area. a couple years ago in sugar grove, we had close to 400 building permits. last year, around 80. this year, projecting 75. Commercial growth is coming along and there is a Library project going to bid and a new middle school. both will begin construction this spring/summer.

[sbd78]

Originally Posted by sgresident

Another local builder, Kennedy Homes, reported that they were stopping everything. Have not heard if they are actually filing bankruptcy. The fast growth has really come to a screeching halt around this area. a couple years ago in sugar grove, we had close to 400 building permits. last year, around 80. this year, projecting 75. Commercial growth is coming along and there is a Library project going to bid and a new middle school. both will begin construction this spring/summer.

I just read an article that Kennedy Homes are not filing bankruptcy at this time, right now they are just trying to finish the homes under construction and pay contractors. That's not to say they won't file in the future.