Building a New Normal: How Will COVID-19 Change the Future of the Construction Industry

Since the beginning of the year, the impact of COVID-19 in the construction sector has affected no less than 3,000 works in the United States, which means that the suspension of 29% of work, equivalent to 36% of the value of the work, until falling to the lowest level of activity in 11 years.

In the case of the US, 98% of suppliers are based in the US and are experiencing the full impact of COVID-19 in the construction sector, from site closures to suspension and layoffs.

• 37% of the US construction industry comprises self-employed providers, a high percentage compared to the average for the economy as a whole, 13%. (Find different statistics for US or cut out the reference for the statistic ).
• 51% of construction suppliers are considering reducing their workforce.
• 65% of companies have a solid plan to deal with the coronavirus pandemic.

However, the sector has not bottomed out, and there is some optimism about the future of the US construction sector.

We spoke with representatives from Bob Moore Construction, Inc. who shared his perspective on the construction industry's future.

"We will get out of this, and our work will never be the same again," says spokesmen from Bob Moore Construction, Inc.

Technological adoption

“We will get out of this, and our work will never be the same again. People have turned to the functionality provided by computers, tablets, and phones to maintain productivity during confinement. Now that they have tried the latest technology, most companies will decide that it is not necessary to travel 400 miles to attend a 1-hour meeting and that it can be done perfectly by video conferencing, resulting in more sustainably and profitably working in the industry,” they explained.

Safety first

The impact of COVID-19 in the construction sector is enormous, and safety has to remain a priority. "To comply with social distancing measures, work practices are changing, and operations centers are working tirelessly to keep up with the latest industry guidelines," notes Bob Moore Construction.

“The advice is to encourage dialogue: buyers need to talk to their suppliers and ask how they can help them if they have difficulties. It's about working together to overcome this situation.”

Collaboration

“We have already seen some examples of collaboration, such as how the construction industry has mobilized and come together to build field hospitals. “They have been built and put into operation very quickly. Bob Moore Construction has contributed to this initiative, whether in equipping the building, roads, or infrastructure. It is irrefutable proof that the construction industry works for the good of all.”

Focus on the long term

“There is still a lot of uncertainty. We believe that in the short and medium-term, there are enough building materials because companies had sourced from more inventory than they would typically need. However, when production reactivates – and considering the boom that can be expected once COVID-19 passes – there may be a shortage of materials, and in the long term, there will not be enough to meet everyone's needs.”