According to the latest survey by the National Multifamily Housing Council, over 50% of apartment construction projects are facing delays. The delays are conditioned by the outbreak of the COVID-19. The council surveyed nearly 14o construction firms, among which 47% cited there were no delays in construction projects in the ending week of March and the beginning of April.
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Shutdowns of Construction Sites Mostly Coming from Project Owners
As the Associated General Contractors of America stated according to their newest survey, 45% of construction firms are experiencing issues – there is a slight difference in the two mentioned surveys. The association also stated that most of the shutdowns are initiated by the owners of construction projects. A far fewer number of projects were delayed and closed due to official shelter-in-place applying to construction projects. A portion of states and counties in the US deemed the majority of construction projects as non-essential as a consequence of the COVID-19 outbreak. However, the majority of states in the US consider construction to be essential.
New York Pushing Back on State’s COVID-19 Action
Although the United States, in general, considers construction as an essential industry even in times of crisis – and in some cases especially in such times – the state of New York brought a decision to place a halt on all non-essential construction. NY construction firms are pushing back on the state’s action. Regardless of the current scenario in New York, over 70% of construction firms are undertaking new strategies as they are facing delays. With more problems arising with official halts and other forms of delays, construction as a whole is challenged. The way the industry responds to the delays and difficulties will define the near future of the construction business. Firms that are experiencing delays in the supply chain are trying to find a new source for materials and supplies to be able to continue with projects. Over 60% of these firms are also turning to tech alternatives to annul shortage in labor.
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