YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — Despite some of the strongest years in Koch Construction’s history, broader housing market challenges continue to limit growth across the region, says Joe Koch, vice president.
Koch says recent performance has been solid, with the company currently building between 50 and 60 homes annually, nearing its operational capacity after previously reaching a high of 80 homes per year.
However, Koch says that both regionally and nationally, the housing market faces a significant shortage of quality homes, driven in part by a limited number of active contractors compared with previous decades.
He adds that regulatory hurdles, utility installation delays and workforce shortages continue to create barriers for developers, often extending project timelines by several months and increasing overall costs.
Looking ahead, Koch emphasizes the need for streamlined regulations and pro-housing zoning strategies to strengthen supply, support incoming businesses and sustain long-term growth in the local housing market.