Although it may be quite painful and frustrating, you should keep a realistic scorecard on your out-of-pocket costs related to our skilled craft shortage. We all have seen the false shortage rip-offs that suppliers are using this year to double their prices on materials, metal studs, drywall, concrete, etc. As soon as they get the prices up, those shortages will seem to disappear. Our skilled labor shortage is not fictitious, but it is definitely resolvable.
Unfortunately, our contractors are not as well organized to take advantage of our skilled labor shortage and double their wages. Maybe this will happen before we solve this labor crisis. In any case, you will need to raise your wages enough for every employee to retain the pride, prestige and respect that is so critical to a craftsman.