There's been a shortage of skilled workers at home construction sites for years, and while some illegal immigrants have been filling the gap, one home builder says there need to be long-term solutions.
And perhaps the best solution is helping people understand the effects of the skilled labor shortage -- more expensive homes and longer construction times.
A recent report suggests the shortage is costing the US home building industry at least $12 billion a year in lost building time and lost potential home construction.
Home building specialist and founder of Printed Technologies, Lance Thrailkill, says the loss of some deported illegal immigrants has exacerbated the skill shortage as some had previous skills in their home counties in roofing, painting and drywall hanging, but the skill shortage problem's been going on for years.
"Does it impact our labor shortage? Yes, particularly when you look at, like, framing, sheetrock and painting.
And Thrailkill says in some cases deportations have compounded the problem of even trying to find skilled labor.
"It's an issue without that and it has been an issue in our country...but I think it's compounded by these shortages.
But he says an important point is the need to teach more of these construction skills to more Americans, particularly young people, who don't really need to attend four years of college courses when a shortage of skilled labor will likely lead to competition that leads to well-skilled workers commanding top dollar in the home construction marketplace of the future.
"Education programs through schools are starting to bring skills back, bring shop classes back in high schools, bring skills training to technical schools and changing the narrative."
And despite any impact on his industry, he adds that it's a top priority for Americans to be rid of criminal elements that have crossed the border illegally in the US.