Construction jobs (Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth: foreclosures, new construction, contractors)

[ausboy]

Just wondering how the construction industry is looking next year. My family is looking to move back in May - June. I am a carpenter and am a little worried about finding a job in a new area?

[susieJD]

Originally Posted by ausboy

Just wondering how the construction industry is looking next year. My family is looking to move back in May - June. I am a carpenter and am a little worried about finding a job in a new area?

There is a lot of construction going on around Hibbing, Tower and Ely due to the new mines that they are opening up. There's also a new steel mill going in Grand Rapids. I understand that they are looking for construction people to build their headquarter offices.

Susie

[Slig]

In the twin cities construction has slowed greatly in the outer suburbs. At this point people can only guess when it will turn around again, especially if gas doesn't stay cheap. I would say the area with the best growth potential is in Minneapolis and St. Paul proper as well as the inner suburbs. Foreclosures are causing dilapidated properties to be demolished which is opening alot of older lots for new construction. It could turn into a good growth opportunity for the construction industry.

[golfgal]

Renovations and additions would be the way to go if you moved here. With the current housing situation people are renovating or adding on vs moving so that is where the market is right now--but it is still VERY slow!

[aluminumpork]

I'm not sure how the trade industries work, in regards to contractors, but Bemidji will soon be starting construction on their new Convention/Arena Center. Duluth has also already started a huge addition to the current DECC (Duluth Entertainment Convention Center), they're currently building the new parking ramp, but construction of the arena doesn't actually start until next year will last at least 2 years. Maybe check in with how Kraus-Anderson subcontracts and get in with the Bemidji project? Like susieJD said, there are a lot of projects that are happening/happening soon on the Range and living in Bemidji would situate you fairly conveniently for those.

[ausboy]

Thanks for your replies! I sure hope things pick up as I can't keep my wife here any longer!! She has been here 8 years now and wants to go home. Things in Aus have slowed too but there are signs it is moving again. Our interest rates just dropped again to its lowest level in 4 years.
Now that the banks have tightened up over there how hard is it to get housing finance? I'm worried that we will have to use our Aus dollars to use as deposit but it is only worth $0.60 at the moment. It was $0.96 several months ago so it will hurt to change it over. Any ideas would be great?