Are builders gearing up?  (Daily News Record)

Yes, and no!  Read on...

Building Permits Issued Per Year:

Year	Harrisonburg	Rockingham County
2007	748	558
2006	219	673
2005	388	785
2004	287	745

So....the number of building permits has definitely increased, BUT a large portion of the City of Harrisonburg building permits are for multi-family student housing projects.

Though not having conducted a wide survey, I would guess:

• local subcontractors might be doing o.k., if some of the out-of-town student housing developers are using them for their projects, but,
  
• local builders aren't doing as well, with much higher inventory levels (which varies by price range).