Tariffs, wildfires and, now, hurricanes make construction projects more expensive

Already faced with rising costs and a shortage of workers, Columbus-area contractors are bracing for possible material shortages, higher prices and delays caused by Hurricane Irma and Tropical Storm Harvey. "I do expect there will be a tightening of supply of some materials, and some associated cost increases," said Richard J. Hobbs, executive vice president of Columbus-based Associated General Contractors of Ohio.