2010, Home Construction | featured news

Builders began work last year on the second fewest number of homes in more than half a century, as the weak economy kept people from buying houses.

Construction of new homes and apartments surged 10.5 percent in August from a month earlier, the Commerce Department said Tuesday. That's the highest level since April.

Housing construction fell in February as winter blizzards held down activity in the Northeast and Midwest. The decline highlighted the challenges facing builders as they struggle to emerge from the worst housing slump in decades.

Hopes that the economy can sustain its recovery drew support Wednesday from news that industrial ouput rose for a seventh straight month and home construction hit a six-month peak in January....