By March 20, 2020, a state-by-state construction shutdown was in effect across the United States, determining whether essential projects could continue or not. While the sound of jack hammering and drilling has slowed this spring, many U.S. jobsites are getting noisy again as the country reopens non-essential residential and commercial construction. Construction executives could be busier than ever. They should also expect changes to their work flow and even potential interruptions. Here’s how builders can find a way to stay productive regardless.
Combatting Productivity Killers in This COVID Climate
To increase productivity under the current circumstances, builders need to define where interruptions are stemming from. Here’s a list of potential construction interruptions unique to the this pandemic (although many of these could arise regardless):
- Delivery issues with suppliers;
- Worker absences (related to COVID and not);
- Permits being issued late;
- Restrictions on travel;
- Inefficiencies and time loss related to social distancing;
- Increased labor costs; and
- Increased potential for legal disputes related to increased costs and inadequate contracts to handle such extreme circumstances.
By listing these sources of delays, builders can begin to plan for interruptions and preserve productivity. For example, knowing that there will be time lost and increased costs related to possible interruptions, builders can start to spec out their next jobs accordingly (and prepare stronger contracts). Similarly, knowing staff are extremely valuable to getting projects done on time, builders need to get really strict about enforcing new health and safety protocols onsite to protect workers. Using N95 respirator masks onsite or following the alternative guidelines can help.
Contractors should also try to train new employees now. Even though there is a lot of unemployment right now, skilled labor is still lacking in construction, and it’s a good time to attract new people into the trade.
To prevent unexpected supply interruptions, contractors need to make sure they’re ordering materials as far in advance as possible from their supplier. At the very least, they’ll have more time to deal with unwanted situations.
Delays resulting from material runs can be addressed with contactless delivery companies. Building material delivery services save contractors waiting in long socially distanced lineups, but can also reduce the risk of the crew who can stay on location.
Moving forward, proper planning is going to require the ability to pivot, and a big ear to the ground to keep up with ongoing changes to regulations. Throughout the March/April shutdown, construction continued in some of the hardest-hit states such as California and New York, while in other regions, like Boston, everything shut down. In many other states, essential construction was permitted to continue, but there was a lot of ambiguity regarding what was considered essential and if new jobs could begin. Fast forward to Friday, May 1, and many states completely reopened, while at least one remained closed.
Inevitably construction will reopen again everywhere, but builders should stay ahead of when their state opens up construction so they can plan upcoming projects properly.
Get Ready to be Swamped
Contractors may be struggling to keep up with incoming demand for work following the reopening. In colder parts of the country, the busy season is just beginning. Hardware stores and building material delivery services are barely keeping up with the rising delivery demands from builders now. Given what the last couple months have been like, these are good problems to have. Contractors should try to avoid being overwhelmed and overworked so they don’t burn out, and can stay productive by preventing common sources of interruptions.
The other side of this pandemic has the potential to be very profitable for the building sector. Hopefully this incoming wave of business will help make up for lost time.
