Labor turnover problematic for new home construction

Midlands dramatic construction growth in recent years allowed Tony Hinton to retire at 45.

The native Midlander, however, wasnt a real estate broker, developer, contractor or even a private investor. Instead, he was a firefighter and paramedic for more than two decades with a small business on the side.

After eight years, Hintons business Spyglass Home Inspections, finally picked up enough to allow him to retire last year.

While the Tall Citys dramatic increase in housing construction opened new doors for Hinton, it also has put a thorn in the side of some Midland homebuyers. There still is a lack of options for buyers, and several consumers complain about the quality of new homes.

It wasnt until about two years ago that Hintons home inspection business provided enough work to sustain him and his family. Business has tripled since 2012, he said, meaning he no longer has to put his life in harms way working for the Odessa Fire Department and Medical Center Hospital.

I get to be my own boss; I get to make my own schedule and I dont face near the potential dangers, he said.

The growth in Hintons business reflects the overall increase of construction in Midland. In fact, the city issued 732 new residential permits last year -- more than three times the number issued in 2002, as reported last week.

Rise of production homes

More permits have been issued in recent years to help combat the regions severe housing shortage. Most of the residential permits approved are for production home development.

Production builders are kind of a new phenomenon to Midland, said Steve Thorpe, the citys building official.

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Labor turnover problematic for new home construction