James T. WebbJames T. Webb Answers Many Questions and Demands
Over the past 30 years construction costs have risen tremendously for the same types of construction projects,- especially in the residential market.
Why did this occur?
Was it based on the cost of living index or inflation?
Was it based on the supply and demand of qualified labor force?
Was it based on Greed?
While there could certainly be many answers to the question, one which is certainly true as we reflect on labor cost increases. During the past 30 years many sub trades developed, - Multiple sub sections of trades men and women who decided during a flourishing construction market to specialize instead of having a larger team of construction workers to do the entire job.
Having multiple “subcontractors” is how most residential and commercial projects were completed. Of course all of these were separate business interest which required separate sets of profit margins and over head per category.
Another reason this method increased cost in projects is that there was more opportunity to pass the buck.
It is very common in projects, for sub contractors to submit change orders even when it would not cost much to complete a task not specifically in their area of work. If the contractor is not skilled these cost will pass on to the bottom line of the project.
Of course there are multiple change orders which can be created by the owner of the project as well, a lot easier under the “subcontractor” method rather than the “super sub” method, which I have discussed in Save Your Neighborhood and Yourself with WAHM.
Rising Costs in Labor Equals Less Jobs
Paradoxically, rising construction labor cost have caused a decline in construction jobs.
The loss of jobs is not just based on a starving economy. Many of the jobs were removed from the men and women on the ground working and landed in the profit spread of the leaders of sub contracting companies who sometimes employ labor 3 and 4 tiers down.This is also discussed in Save Your Neighborhood and Yourself with WAHM.
If we are going to create jobs for tens of millions of men and women and put them back to work in the construction industry, we must return to the “super sub” method used 30 years ago.
Larger teams must be created to do multiple tasks. 
Even in highly technical area such as HVAC, Electrical etc, we must be able to recruit leaders who will train crew members in their trade areas and then become a part of the larger team.
There will be many articles and tips on creating jobs on this website.
Stay tuned and plan to Rebuild America from the Ground Up.