New construction demand continues to grow with Minneapolis seeing their construction volume at three times the amount of last year.  Housing starts are now 82.5% above the low hit in April 2009 but still short of the housing peak in 2007.  Last month single family building permits were up 6.7% making it the highest level since July 2008

Forecasters expect permits to level off now that the winter season is coming but they think we will still be about 25% ahead of last year by the end of the year.

The increase in new construction will help the economy get back on track too as it provides jobs for the builders, sub-contractors and suppliers.