COVID is Exacerbating Multiple Construction Material Challenges That Already Exist

COVID is Exacerbating Multiple Construction Material Challenges That Already Exist

Even before the pandemic impacted the construction industry, labor shortages were already presenting complex problems.

Every home construction and remodeling project depends on a steady supply of materials. However, the supply chain disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has put a strain on homeowners and builder partners alike. Commercial construction has slowed worldwide, but in the US, notable setbacks include mass layoffs, project shutdowns, and higher costs associated with the process. What factors will come into play as 2021 moves along? Let’s find out!

Indefinite Labor Shortages
Even before the pandemic impacted the construction industry, labor shortages were already presenting complex problems. Projects are slowing down. In some cases, projects being abandoned entirely has had a ripple effect that saw waves of dependable workers being laid off in the spring of 2020. Various construction companies offered to rehire these employees, but their circumstances may have changed, making their returns unfeasible. Such obstacles are brought on by a preference for unemployment benefits, fears about the virus’s spread, and obligations to their families. Expected recoveries will be hindered by continued labor gaps that can grow larger due to unpredictable market forces.

Smaller Work Backlogs
Backlogged work could keep home construction firms afloat. Even with numerous renovation projects to attend to, smaller work backlogs are yet another problem to navigate. No one has any definite answers in these troubled times as a spending downturn has hammered nonresidential construction.

Lower Construction Costs Bring Profit Loss
Lower construction costs sound like an unexpected boon to future custom homeowners and their builder partners. On the surface, this seems like a happy by-product of the pandemic. That said, profit losses will begin to affect the bottom line for many builders. Contractors are competing more fiercely for clients and projects in pursuit of rebuilding their backlog portfolios.

Less Work to Do
Overall, it is evident that there is less work to do all around. Again, this sounds like an encouraging metric that will please all stakeholders involved, but it is a phantom benefit gain. Future construction of more office buildings will slump as office workers adjust to working from home and telecommuting instead of going in via car or public transit.

Price Hikes

Healthcare, travel, hospitality, sports, and performance venues will continue to suffer as the pandemic’s third wave intensifies. Many of these entities depend on the income generated from sales taxes, convention admission, and tolls. Likewise, supply chain difficulties and soaring costs of basic construction materials, such as lumber, will make future forecasts uncertain. Demand will almost certainly exceed available supply since resources have been stretched so thin.

Questions? Call Cedar Square Homes Today!
Whether you are ready to start the custom building home journey or you still have more questions, the trained professionals at Cedar Square Homes are here to help you out. We are beloved throughout Maryland and beyond for our attentive service and affordable home remodeling and building prices. We proudly serve Anne Arundel County. Visit us online or give us a call at 410-987-9771. To see more examples of our work and for helpful tips and tricks, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Cedar Square Homes MHIC #27095

This entry was posted on Thursday, February 18th, 2021 at 9:46 pm. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.