In January 2021, average hourly earnings of construction employees reached their highest level ever, $32.11, and average weekly hours worked rose to their highest level since 2019's third quarter.

The stretched out availability of building materials such as lumber, windows, and vinyl siding have put some projects at a standstill and cost increases have pushed repairs, particularly for storm damage, beyond the homeowners’ ability to pay.

The Realtor.com data team took a look at which parts of the country could get some relief with some brand-new inventory.