See the Denver Post article featuring Terry Drahota on the demand for skilled construction workers

Denver homebuilders report high demand for skilled workers

By Aldo Svaldi

The Denver Post

The demand for new homes in Colorado has left builders scrambling to find enough skilled workers, a scenario that seemed improbable a year or two ago.

For buyers, that could mean longer wait times for new homes and higher prices to cover the wage increases that skilled workers are now commanding….

Terry Drahota, owner of Fort Collins general contractor Drahota, said apartments now account for three-quarters of his work, up from half. Within a year, he expects they will represent 90 percent.

“We are fortunate to be building apartments,” he said. “That is the only thing going for us.”

The firm has expertise in wood framing, giving it an advantage over commercial contractors specializing in steel. It is working with large national subcontractors to better meet the tight deadlines it faces.

Even then, Drahota has needed to fill the gap, especially in framing.

“We have to figure out how to supplement their forces,” he said. “We have to bring in our own help.” Read more.