More than 85% of contractors have been negatively impacted by COVID-19, according to the results of an August reader survey conducted by Construction Executive magazine, which is published by Associated Builders and Contractors. Supply chain disruptions, prolonged municipal permitting processes and delayed inspections due to office closures are all factors contributing to the increased rate of postponement and/or cancellation of construction projects.
While many contractors have not yet seen drastic impacts to their business, as construction was in many areas considered an “essential” service, the long-term implications are concerning. Seventy percent of contractors did not expect the construction industry to stabilize until at least 2021, while an additional 10.4% say they believe it may never reach pre-pandemic levels.
“While the survey respondents’ concerns about market viability and the health fears of the virus itself will remain in place for the duration of 2020 and into next year, contractors did report bright spots, such as a widespread adoption of technology after the outbreak of COVID-19,” said Lauren Pinch, editor-in-chief of CE. “That said, as the pandemic continues to change the landscape of the U.S. construction industry and state and local economies, contractors are continuously trying to assess the near- and long-term effects.”
While an uptick in office renovations to meet social distancing guidelines and to implement other COVID-19-related precautions was expected, more than three-quarters of respondents (76.12%) stated that they have not found this to be the case. Concerns over indoor air quality and proper ventilation may have also led people to believe there would also be a large increase in HVAC upgrade projects, but only 31.79% of respondents stated that this was the case.
Looking toward economic recovery, three-quarters of contractors believe that there will be more interest in construction education programs as people seek out new types of work. Specialty trades, apprenticeship programs, project management training and more tech-focused construction jobs were all listed as areas that contractors believe will see high levels of interest.
Read more about the survey results at ConstructionExec.com and subscribe to CE This Week for the latest news, market developments and business issues impacting the construction industry.
Related Stories
Market Data | Nov 2, 2017
Construction spending up in September; Down on a YOY basis
Nonresidential construction spending is down 2.9% on a year-over-year basis.
Market Data | Oct 19, 2017
Architecture Billings Index backslides slightly
Business conditions easing in the West.
Industry Research | Oct 3, 2017
Nonresidential construction spending stabilizes in August
Spending on nonresidential construction services is still down on a YOY basis.
Market Data | Sep 21, 2017
Architecture Billings Index continues growth streak
Design services remain in high demand across all regions and in all major sectors.
Market Data | Sep 21, 2017
How brand research delivers competitive advantage
Brand research is a process that firms can use to measure their reputation and visibility in the marketplace.
Contractors | Sep 19, 2017
Commercial Construction Index finds high optimism in U.S. commercial construction industry
Hurricane recovery efforts expected to heighten concerns about labor scarcities in the south, where two-thirds of contractors already face worker shortages.
Multifamily Housing | Sep 15, 2017
Hurricane Harvey damaged fewer apartments in greater Houston than estimated
As of Sept. 14, 166 properties reported damage to 8,956 units, about 1.4% of the total supply of apartments, according to ApartmentData.com.
Hotel Facilities | Sep 6, 2017
Marriott has the largest construction pipeline of any franchise company in the U.S.
Marriott has the most rooms currently under construction with 482 Projects/67,434 Rooms.
Market Data | Sep 5, 2017
Nonresidential construction declines again, public and private sector down in July
Weakness in spending was widespread.
Market Data | Aug 29, 2017
Hidden opportunities emerge from construction industry challenges
JLL’s latest construction report shows stability ahead with tech and innovation leading the way.