While builders routinely experience construction delays from time to time, the recent tornado-related devastation combined with ongoing labor shortages has hit us doubly hard.
More than two weeks have passed since Memorial Day tornadoes ravaged the Dayton area and caused overwhelming damages to homes and businesses. As you know, entire residential neighborhoods were turned into disaster areas. Much of the rubble has been cleared, but the damages and cleanup activity completely disrupted construction schedules for home builders and renovators. It has also placed a damper on getting inspections on projects completed in a timely manner from the backlog on their end. Projects already underway were affected – as were projects scheduled to “break ground” after the May 27th holiday.
Current Job Delays Cause Future Job Delays: The Domino Effect
Custom deck builder Archadeck of West Central & Southwest Ohio is one of the many local building contractors affected by these significant storm-related delays. We have had to adjust our timelines accordingly for all of the outdoor living construction projects on our calendar. As you can imagine, there is naturally a domino effect when something like this occurs. When jobs already in process are delayed, the projects scheduled to follow them are delayed as well.
Shortage of Experienced Workers for Our Construction Crews
Recent tornado-related construction delays are compounding a situation we already faced, along with other builders across the state and the country: labor shortages. For the past few years, building contractors – including Archadeck of West Central & Southwest Ohio – have been contending with this shortage of skilled labor. Fewer workers are choosing the building trades, and one reason cited is a lack of interest among the younger generation.
According to an industry survey published in the first quarter of 2019, a whopping 54% of contractors surveyed nationally said they were having difficulty finding skilled workers. These survey results were compiled in a quarterly economic index gauging the health of the construction industry, published by USG Corp. and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. If you don’t know the name, USG Corp., you know the products they make: drywall and joint compound.
Sometimes national data doesn’t reflect our reality in the Dayton and Cincinnati areas, but in this case, it does. Other industry analysts are forecasting building activity will strengthen and the demand for skilled craftsmen will continue to grow. As older construction workers retire, not enough young workers are stepping into their spots.
As Always, We Appreciate Your Patience!
If we have already begun construction on your outdoor living project, whether it’s a deck, porch, hardscape, or 3-season room, trust we want to see it completed as much as you do. We know you’re eager to start using your new outdoor space. Whether you’re more in a hurry to relax or entertain outdoors, we know a new outdoor living project can improve the quality of your leisure time.
If we have scheduled your project but haven’t yet begun construction, please be aware the delays are beyond our control. We are doing our best to contend with them. If we could wave that proverbial magic wand to complete your deck or patio sooner, we would. Know that we are not going place your project in the hands of an inexperienced crew just to get the job completed more quickly. Quick, shoddy work is not the Archadeck way. We are known for high-quality craftsmanship. Tornadoes and labor shortages are not going to change our commitment to earning that reputation with every outdoor living project we build.
If you are dreaming of a new deck, porch, or patio for your home, call Archadeck of West Central & Southwest Ohio. We will design and build the outdoor space of your dreams. Contact us at (937) 848–7040 or (513) 897–2040.
