Local construction companies say COVID hasn’t stopped business; some contractors are busier than ever – Kearney Hub

We have quite a bit of surge just here lately. Coming through COVID, I just think everybody was at home and looking to see what they can do, Melroy said.

Skiles and Melory both noted that some customers have used their stimulus check to fund projects.

I did have, for instance, one elderly man who needed a garage door opener. He got his stimulus and used it for that, Melroy said.

Remodeling jobs also have increased for Midwest Elite Contracting of Kearney, but the number of new homes the company was to build this year has decreased due to customers jobs or not being able to sell a current home, said owner Austin Gardine.

We were going to do like six houses this year, and four of those backed out. We are going to talk to a few people about doing one or two next year. With new homes there is a lot of conversations and planning, Gardine said.

The uncertainty of this year has made some people apprehensive about taking on big projects, but they have seen an increase in kitchen and bathroom remodels, new flooring and decks, added Gardine.

Gene Knaggs, owner of Knaggs Construction in Kearney, said its unbelievable how busy they have been in the past few months. The company primarily builds new homes, garages, shops and large additions. When the pandemic first began, Knaggs said they only received about one a call a month from customers interested in building. Now they are receiving two calls a week from people looking to build. The company currently is booked through next year.

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Local construction companies say COVID hasn't stopped business; some contractors are busier than ever - Kearney Hub