What is a Housing Start?

One of the key indicators of the health of the real estate and construction industry indeed any nation’s economy, is the number of housing starts. Housing starts are basically a measure of the number of new residential construction projects that have begun during any particular month.

To fully understand housing starts, it is crucial to first note what exactly is considered a ‘start.’ For the purposes of these calculations, a ‘start’ is counted when the construction of the new building begins. Specifically, the ‘start’ of a new housing project is marked by the beginning of excavation or ground-breaking.

The process begins with developers and builders identifying a piece of land where they want to construct new residential properties. Upon acquiring the land, they draw the design and plan of the building, secure necessary permits, and start the construction process.

The number of housing starts is a key economic indicator watched by investors, economists, and policymakers alike because it is believed to signal future economic activity. High counts indicate that homebuilders are bullish about economic growth and are ready to break ground on new homes. Conversely, a drop in housing starts can be a signal that builders are becoming concerned about the health of the economy, or facing deterrents such as climbing interest rates or a decrease in consumer demand.

Tracking housing starts is a way to gauge the strength of the housing market and potentially the overall economy. When housing starts increase, it typically signals that businesses are hiring, banks are lending, and consumers are spending. All of these are critical to economic growth and prosperity.

It is important to note that a housing start only represents the beginning stage of building a new home or a building. It does not guarantee that the construction will be completed. There are many factors that can affect construction completion, such as weather conditions, funding issues, or a shortage of labor or materials.

Professional building estimators are typically employed by construction companies and developers to predict the amount of materials, labor, and time it will take to complete a housing start. They rely on sophisticated software and years of industry experience to make these educated guesses. An accurate estimation can help manage budgetary constraints and avoid potential project delays.

Final decisions about investment in new construction are heavily influenced by these estimations, and as such, building estimators play a vital role in determining the number of housing starts.

In conclusion, housing starts is an important economic indicator that provides insight into the real estate market, the construction industry, and the economy as a whole. As an investor or an interested party, understanding housing starts and the role of building estimators can give you a clearer picture of the state of the economy and its future direction.