Numerous families in the Tampa Bay region are experiencing significant delays in returning to their residences post-Hurricanes Helene and Milton, caught between waiting for permits and grappling with a scarcity of rebuilding supplies.

The demand has left contractors scrambling for basic construction materials such as drywall, paint, and framing supplies.

“We’re forced to visit multiple distributors and supply houses just to gather materials,” noted Albert Jasuwan of JAS Builders. “Recently, we had to visit five different spots for nails compatible with our tools, and this past weekend, we checked out three different paint suppliers around the area.”

Local hardware stores are struggling to keep up with the surge in demand.

“Home Depot and Lowe’s are packed every day,” observed Anthony Hinkley, an on-site subcontractor. “The rush for drywall and other essentials is creating a significant bottleneck.”

Hinkley anticipates shortages in kitchen and bathroom materials as the next challenge.

“Following the hurricanes, we knew there’d be a scramble for drywall,” Jasuwan remarked. “This is slowing down our projects, but our clients are being patient — it’s out of our hands. Please understand everyone in this industry is under pressure, just like you, and we’re all eager to finish the work.”

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(Image credit: Business West)