Builders see bright spots in export and Web-based sales

摘要

The perils of living in a harsh climate remain the strongest motivation to make the switch to steel from traditional wood framing, according to home builders specializing in steel-framed construction, with more than one noting growing export opportunities. "If the country had started out building steel-framed houses they would have never switched to wood," said Orie F. Wells, president of Wells Enterprise Designs, a Traverse City, Mich.-based home builder.