Question about construction work in the Anchorage area. (Wasilla: how much, home)

[amrva]

Hello everyone,

My question is about residential construction/renovation work in the Anchorage and Wasilla area. I currently own a small building and renovation business in Virginia and have been considering relocation to Alaska for a while now. How much of a demand is there for this type of work and would it be fairly easy for someone with experience in the field to get a job or start a small business.
I have searched through the forum here but have not found any answers on the subject.
Thank you in advance for any help.

Anthony

[Moose Whisperer]

I am certainly no expert on the business side, but Anchorage & the Valley are probably one of the few places in the country not currently in a housing recession, so demand is still there. In fact I’m doing some renovations myself right now. On the flip side, we are still a relatively small market compared to what you are probably used to, so I would imagine competition is just as stiff.

From the customer side all I can say is if you were to establish yourself up here as a contractor who actually returned phone calls, or showed up on time/when promised, you would likely rule the Anchorage market. But then I suspect that would probably apply anywhere in the country as well.

[Chilkoot]

Both residential and commercial construction are declining. Alaska has lost hundreds of construction jobs over the last 18 months and it will most likely continue to decline with housing prices to follow. I suppose that may mean home owners will renovate over purchasing another property. With many construction workers out of a job, you may find competition in that market extremely competitive. Economists are projecting the Alaska ecomomy to decline although not close to the extent of the Lower 48.

You will also have the disadvantage of not being established in Alaska. If you are a true renovator you most likely wear several hats including framing, plumbing, electrical, etc. In this case you would be very marketable as an employee of an existing renovation company. May be a better way to get your foot in the Alaska door.

[amrva]

Thanks for the helpful information guys.