Although lumber prices have declined since historic highs in May, wood continues to be a hot commodity for thieves and adds another obstacle for builders trying to keep housing costs down. Lori Brown, reporter for Fox 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth, recently reported North Texas home builder Joshua Correa, owner of Divino Homes, installed more security cameras after a theft, but has already been targeted again.
The pandemic pushed lumber prices to record highs in May that have only just now begun to come down. But some experts predict another spike as builders who put projects on hold jump back into the market.
Parker and Tarrant County have both reported increases in lumber theft. Last month, Parker County arrested four people involved in a string of thefts there.
Not only is the cost of lumber expensive, but it can also add costly delay. It is difficult to know which pieces of lumber are missing until a framer can't find the wood he needs.
For Correa, it is just another frustration in trying to keep his business going and his projects on schedule.
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