The Challenge for Construction Firms to Get Back to Business

The construction industry was one of the hardest hit during the pandemic. Due to restrictions, some projects had to be postponed. Some construction firms had to lay off their workers. Others had to review their contracts with clients and negotiate. Some small construction firms, unfortunately, had to close down due to financial difficulties.

According to a study, construction companies were primarily affected by the suspension of projects. This is due to the restrictions and supply shortage. They were also affected by workforce shortage, time overrun, and cost overrun. They also encountered issues related to supply shortages, price fluctuations, and contract terms.

But, now that restrictions have been lifted in most areas, the construction is on its way to recovery. Records show that the construction industry added at least 110,000 jobs in March this year. This makes up for at least 80% of the jobs lost during the onset of the pandemic. But, according to an analysis, there is an existing demand for at least four million new homes in the U.S.

The challenge now is for builders to improve their productivity, efficiency, and marketing tools to expand their projects. Not so many people know that construction activities are now allowed. Positioning marketing strategies will help clinch projects. And, to get as many projects, firms should also focus on filling in their workforce.

Getting back on track is challenging but take this as an opportunity to bounce back. Here’s what you should consider as a construction firm if you want to get back to business this year:

Intensify marketing strategies

You have to let people know that you’re accepting projects. After a long period of non-operation, you have to announce that your projects are resuming. Refresh people with the kind of projects you cater to. If your market is a small neighborhood, go with traditional marketing strategies. You might want to place signs on yards and lawns with your name, contact number, and the services you offer. This is the best way to catch the attention of people passing by.

If you want to go digital, the best way is to improve your website. Potential customers would want to see your work. So, make sure you put detailed information on your previous projects. Include photos of construction activities and finished projects. Allot a section for feedback from previous clients. Put your contact information so people can easily reach you. Hire an SEO manager to improve your presence online. Get a web developer and a graphics designer to make your website appealing and user-friendly.

Upgrade your technology

As you adapt to the new normal, you can use applications that allow virtual management of construction sites. This is to limit people on-site and prevent the potential spread of the virus. Inspections and measurement processes can be done virtually via Zoom or Google Meet. You can use drones for the actual inspection. These are perfect for projects in hard-to-reach areas. The advanced 4k resolution of drone cameras allows inspections to be accurate.

Improve productivity and efficiency

Set aside all your paperwork and go digital. Site management involves a lot of processes that can be done more efficiently with the use of digital tools. There are apps available to simplify digital timesheets, attendance recording, and payroll management. You can also check your equipment use and track accountability of each online. You can even track your vehicles and other construction equipment through an app that registers accurate geolocation.

Assessment Is Key

Before doing all these, you have to assess first the capability of your firm. You have to analyze first your finances, your workforce, and your resources. Study the industry trends, as supply and demand of materials might be different in the pandemic.

Consult your lawyer. Review the contract terms of all postponed projects last year. If there are specific provisions in the contract that you believe are not achievable, set up a meeting with your client and negotiate. Never promise anything that you think is unrealistic, or your agreement will be compromised. Be honest and stick with what is achievable. Check each state’s restriction guidelines. Make sure you secure the necessary permits per project. Each state has different COVID-19 policies, and you have to follow that strictly.

The construction industry might be far from full recovery. It will take years before you get back all the lost revenues due to your temporary shutdown. But, project per project, you will help the industry build what it lost due to the pandemic. It’s not only time for your business to grow and adapt. It’s time for the whole construction industry to bounce back.

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