Look, I’ve been watching the construction industry long enough to know when something big is happening. The government is just about to put $42 billion into housing, and while most companies are sitting around “waiting to see what happens,” the smart ones are already making moves.

This isn’t complicated. It’s about recognizing where the money’s flowing and getting there before your competitors. No fancy strategies needed – just practical steps any construction company can take right now.

Here’s what you need to know to position your business for 2025 and beyond:

1. PREFAB IS GOING MAINSTREAM ($25B IN FUNDING)

Prefabricated and modular construction has been evolving for years, but now it’s about to explode with $25 billion in government backing. This isn’t some far-off idea – the money is already starting to move.

What this means for your business:

• If you do site prep or foundations: Reach out directly to prefab manufacturers in your region. They need reliable partners who can prepare sites on schedule for their factory-built units.
• If you’re in electrical, plumbing, or mechanical: Develop a specialized service for connecting prefab units to utilities. This is a technical gap many companies can’t fill yet.
• If you handle finishes: Create a simple “prefab finishing package” that addresses the specific needs of factory-built homes after installation.

You don’t need to become a prefab expert overnight. Just understand how your existing skills fit into this growing sector.

2. AFFORDABLE HOUSING IS NOW GOOD BUSINESS ($11B AVAILABLE)

With $11 billion in low-cost financing coming through CMHC specifically for affordable housing, this sector has shifted from charity work to a solid business opportunity.

Practical next steps:

• Pull together a simple portfolio showing any multi-family or affordable projects you’ve worked on – even if you were just a sub on those jobs.
• Talk to your bank about CMHC financing programs. If your banker isn’t up to speed on these, find one who is.
• Contact local housing non-profits. They often have land and access to funding, but lack construction partners who understand their needs.

The profit margins on these projects can actually be better than market-rate work because of the financing incentives and more straightforward approval process.

3. DON’T MISS THE INFRASTRUCTURE MONEY ($6B ALLOCATED)

While everyone’s fighting over the housing projects, there’s $6 billion just for the infrastructure that supports housing – water, sewer, roads, and power.

Simple moves to make:

• Identify which municipalities in your area are growing fastest and contact their planning departments. Ask specifically about housing-related infrastructure plans.
• If you do site services, create a one-page capability statement focused on housing infrastructure.
• Partner with complementary trades to offer more complete infrastructure packages to municipalities or developers.

These projects often come with better margins and more predictable schedules than residential construction.

4. GET YOUR WORKFORCE READY BEFORE EVERYONE ELSE

When this funding hits the street, your biggest limitation won’t be opportunities – it’ll be having enough skilled workers to take on projects. Solve this problem now, not later.

Practical workforce strategies:

• Create a basic signing bonus for skilled workers – even $500-1000 makes a difference in today’s tight labor market.
• Establish relationships with local trade schools now. Offer summer positions or apprenticeships to lock in talent early.
• Set up a simple training program for your current team to learn prefab-specific skills. Even basic training will give you an edge.
• Add “Now Hiring for Government Housing Projects” to your company vehicles and website.

The companies that have workers ready will secure more contracts while others scramble to find people.

5. EXPAND YOUR SERVICES WITHOUT EXPANDING OVERHEAD

Clients increasingly want fewer contractors to manage. Adding complementary services to what you already do can significantly increase your per-project revenue.

Low-risk approaches:

• Look at what related services your clients typically need alongside your core business.
• Form partnerships with compatible trades to offer combined service packages without hiring additional staff.
• Create a simple proposal template that shows clients how using your “one-stop” approach reduces their coordination headaches.

Adding even one related service can boost your per-project profit by 15-20% while making you more valuable to busy clients.

THE BOTTOM LINE: DON’T WAIT – ACT NOW

I’ve seen enough construction booms to know one thing for certain: the companies that win aren’t those with the most equipment or the biggest crews. They’re the ones that recognize opportunity early and position themselves before everyone else catches on.

This isn’t about betting your company on some uncertain future. It’s about making practical, low-risk moves now that will put you in position to capture significant market share as this funding rolls out.

The opportunity is real, it’s substantial, and it’s already starting to flow. The only question is whether your company will be ready to benefit, or watching from the sidelines while others grow.

ESSENTIAL RESOURCES (BOOKMARK THESE FOR REFERENCE)

Here are five critical resources that can help your construction business get ahead:

1. CMHC Funding Programs Directory
   https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/professionals/project-funding-and-mortgage-financing/funding-programs
   The complete listing of available funding programs with direct application links.
2. Affordable Housing Innovation Fund
   https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/professionals/project-funding-and-mortgage-financing/funding-programs/all-funding-programs/affordable-housing-innovation-fund
   Focuses on innovative construction methods with priority for prefab and modular approaches.
3. Housing Accelerator Fund (Ontario)
   https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/media-newsroom/news-releases/2025/helping-build-more-homes-faster-ontario
   Shows which Ontario municipalities are receiving funding to accelerate housing construction.
4. Rapid Housing Initiative Information
   https://beccmodular.com/index.php/rapid-housing-initiative/
   Details on accessing capital funding for affordable housing construction.
5. Modular Building Institute Canada
   https://www.modular.org/modular-building-canada/
   Industry association connecting companies with government-funded modular housing initiatives.

These resources will give you the information edge you need to make smart decisions as you position your company for 2025 and beyond.