We continue to see some improvements in the housing reports, which is good news for everyone in the home building business.  Existing inventories of houses for sale is dwindling, new house starts and permit figures continue to show some strength and the overall outlook for 2010 is better than for 2009.  With this in mind, it is interesting to note that the supply of lumber in the U.S. is at an all time low. 

 

Low production and sharp declines in imports have cut the amount of lumber available to lumber yards across the country.  I think this will keep prices strong throughout the winter months.  With supply more or less in line with demand, I don't see prices dropping significantly that's for sure.

 

Trex is making some changes to their product mix for next year.  They are coming out with some new styles of decking and are changing their current Accents decking.  These changes will be introduced during the trade show season this winter but it looks like they will make all their decking 1"x 5".  They will also introduce a new line of decking called Transcends and will make some changes to their railing systems. 

 

Plans are getting finalized for some new  "Outdoor Living" items.  We are looking to add a couple varieties of vinyl fencing, retaining wall blocks, paving stones and genuine used Rail Road ties.  This category has become much more important to our customers over the past couple years and we want to continue grow this part of our business. 

 

 At this time we'd like to offer everyone best wishes for a healthy and prosperous 2010. Here's hoping this year the turn around begins!

This is a new feature to our newsletter and we're very excited to bring it to you. Mid-Cape Home Centers works closely with the faculty and students at Cape Cod Regional Technical High School in Harwich. 
 
Not so long ago, "Tech" didn't have the best reputation around ...but not anymore!  With a top-notch faculty, technologically advanced curriculum and a waiting list to get in - the kids there are on top of their game ... as evidenced by their new Renewable Energy Training facility - a student built project, is the 1st of it's kind in the state. View info on the project at the Green Beings website.
 
So why are we highlighting them in our enews?  Because this is the next generation of builders, engineers, painters, interior designers, architects, plumbers and more.  They are on the cutting edge of technology, environmentally friendly building practices and know their way around a computer. 
 
If you're interested in bringing one of these two, or any of the dozens of other students like them, into your operation on a cooperative (coop) educational opportunity or as an intern, contact Pat Andrulot  - their student advisor at Cape Cod Tech.    

Ashley is a 17 year old senior from Hyannis who is majoring in Carpentry (one of the few girls in her class!).  We first met Ashley last year when she helped on the YMCA Cape Cod Build Week project - and boy was she a great painter!
 
As part of her senior project, Ashley worked on the renewable energy building at Tech and is working on her senior project, which consists of three panels made from 2X4's and 3/4" plywood with an attached canvas to them. Ashley painted a scene onto all three of them as to create a backdrop for an educational setting for young children and she's given this project to the early childhood education program at Tech.
 
Ashley spends her free time volunteering with the Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Cape Cod & the Islands.  She's a hardworker, has her own car and hopes to attend Fitchburg College where she'll major in construction technologies management.  Ideally, she'll own her own construction business in the future!