Building a New Normal: How Will COVID-19 Change the Future of the Construction Industry
by Bianca Rodriguez Content CreatorSince 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.”
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Created on Nov 17th 2020 07:49. Viewed 550 times.