For the first time in 2 and half years I heard a government employee tell me something today that gave me the greatest sense of relief. I wanted to share the good news with everyone. But before I tell you, I want to let everyone know how this recession has affected my livelihood.
As many of you may know I live in Las Vegas, Nevada. Since 1983, for the most part in one or another I have worked in the engineering profession in this valley. Throughout that time I have designed just about anything you can think of in Land Development; residential, commercial, hotels, casinos, airport hangars, roads, sewer and water mains, and storm drains systems big enough you can drive a truck through.
In 2007, my business peaked with the biggest revenues and profits I had ever made. My projects for the next three looked extremely good. And the recession began in early 2008. I know the the government will say that the recession started in the mid 2009, but in Las Vegas it started much earlier than the rest of the country. First, the residential projects that were under design were halted by the developers, and by the middle of 2008 the commercial projects also began to cease. By the end of 2008 the design companies began laying off including my company. Things have not picked up since. Most of my colleagues have either the area or are working other jobs.
The story is pretty much the same throughout most of the country with some exceptions.
But today I heard good news, very good news! According to a government worker that works in Flood Control several Home Builders in the valley have recently submitted Technical Drainage Studies for 200 to 300 residential lot developments. According to him, they say that they are doing this now, because they believe the market for new residential homes will pick up again in 2011. Wow! It is about time!
Major Home Builders do not make a move like this unless they're market research clearly indicates a change in the home buy sentiment. I don't need know the exact reasons for the shaft, but I'm glad that the Builders believe that the market will make move.
Is anyone else seeing a shift in the market? Have seen any indications that things might be changing in Land Development? Please let us know.
This blog discusses topics about the business and management of engineering firms.
Thanks for this news. Some of home builders today implement this like in Palm Springs Custom Home Builders. Their design was build with a modern facilities, their design was so elegant. See examples here of their new build homes.
ReplyDelete