Homebuilders expect building to heat up with the weather

Only 19 residential building permits were issued in Bismarck-Mandan in February but home builders predict once warm weather comes, new homes will too.

Last years short summer and this bad winter have led to pent up demand, said Dot Frank, executive officer for the Bismarck-Mandan Home Builders Association.

Now that its starting to warm up building will likely pick up, she said. Were not anticipating build out to be any less.

The association will have 30 to 43 homes in its Spring Parade of Homes, Frank said.

Last year, 50 residential building permits were issued in the Bismarck-Mandan area in January and February compared to 24 in the same time period this year.

Home sales were about even with last year, with 200 single family homes sold in January and February this year and 186 sold during the same time period last year. The average sale price was $237,475 this year and $207,978 last year.

The hindrance of cold weather and a deep frost line has kept new building permit application low as foundations cant be dug in the frozern ground. Frank said many builders have been using ground heaters to allow them to pour concrete.

Its looking like it will be another busy year, said Drew Knutson of Knutson Homes Inc.

Knutson said many of his customers wait until warmer weather to contact him about building a house, so he has not submitted paperwork for permits yet.

My phone just started ringing, he said.

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Homebuilders expect building to heat up with the weather