The Expert Podcast

• Cost Calculation Updates Needed - General contractors should dust off bidding calculations and make adjustments beyond normal inflation factors
• Multiple Cost Pressures - Industry facing compound challenges including everyday inflation, lumber price volatility over 18-24 months, and rising labor costs due to worker shortages
• Legislative Pressures on Construction - Overlooked regulatory changes targeting specific building components that could significantly impact pricing
• Energy Department Regulations - Proposed federal regulations targeting home HVAC systems as part of broader fossil fuel reduction initiatives
• Fossil Fuel Phase-Out Strategy - Government push to remove gas appliances and fossil fuel dependency from residential energy systems, similar to electric vehicle mandates
• Gas Appliance Bans - Some states, cities, and counties already prohibiting gas range installations in new construction, requiring electric-only options
• HVAC System Targeting - Proposed changes to heating and cooling system purchasing processes and installation requirements
• Cost Manipulation Tactics - Regulatory approach making oil and gas-dependent home systems unaffordable rather than outright banning them
• Enhanced Building Standards - New requirements for leak tests, air infiltration testing, and stricter design standards for code compliance
• Regional Rollout Preparation - Contractors advised to plan for 2-3 year implementation timeline even in areas not currently affected
• Skill Set Adaptation - Builders may need to learn new construction methods as traditional gas-fired heating systems become unavailable
• Strategic Planning Recommendations - Stay ahead of regulatory changes regardless of political agreement to avoid being caught unprepared
• Future Compatibility Considerations - Homeowners and builders should consider long-term viability and compatibility of current construction choices