Being in the construction business for decades, we’ve seen it all. The construction economy has had its ups and downs like every other industry, especially in the last couple of years. But how’s it looking for 2022? Now that we’re all a little more accustomed to this “new normal”, will the construction economy regulate again? In this blog post, we’ll talk about the general outlook for construction in the year of 2022. Here’s what you can expect.
Headed in the Right Direction
In these early weeks of 2022, we seem to have seen a little bit of leveling out of the construction market. Clients are having an easier time signing contracts for large projects, which means construction professionals across the board are seeing more work come down the pipeline! If that’s not a good thing, we don’t know what is.
During 2020 and 2021, so many projects screeched to a halt due to businesses suddenly losing income streams and the cost of materials skyrocketing to the moon. However, it seems to be turning around as things are opening back up and reaching normal levels of operation. This means that all the projects that were halted need to be completed, and all the projects that were planned during the last two years can finally begin! We have lots of work to do, and here at Redstone, we’re excited about that.
Keeping Our Fingers Crossed for Material Prices
We all know that construction materials were at an all time high during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. If you wanted to take your significant other somewhere expensive, you could’ve just taken her to the lumber section at Home Depot! The supply chain was being stretched to its breaking point, and construction professionals everywhere were wincing at the price of materials.
However, as of right now, we are extremely hopeful that prices of materials will continue to steadily drop as they have been for the past 6 to 8 months. Even with ongoing supply chain complications, new variants of the COVID-19 virus, and inflation rates that are the highest on record since the early 80s, we think that 2022 will see a level playing field for materials of all kinds. (Knock on wood.)
Shortage of Laborers and Skilled Tradesmen
2020 and 2021 saw extreme changes in laborers and tradesmen who were willing and able to work. Ever since March of 2020, construction companies of all kinds have been fighting to stay fully staffed. Projects have moved slower and even halted due to shortage of workers. Then, The Great Resignation of 2021 made its way to the construction world. This period of time when Americans were leaving jobs faster than you can say “uncle” didn’t miss us. Losing more laborers and tradesmen right as the post-pandemic rush came in was hard on so many construction businesses.
Unfortunately, experts are predicting that 2022 will continue to see shortages in laborers and skilled tradesmen. Even though construction projects are picking back up at a ferocious pace, the jobs are getting harder to fill. We hope they’re wrong, but it would be wise for construction companies to begin to offer employment incentives and begin treating their workers well this year.
Wave of Technology Adoption and New Job Types
Every year, technology gets more and more capable – 2022 will be no exception! In the construction industry, tech has changed the way work is done. From CAD softwares, to client management tools, to cloud-based project management solutions, construction is becoming more easily manageable and digital every day! Economists are predicting more exciting tech to come out this year that will change the construction game even more. Hopefully, this new tech will attract younger people with an interest in the industry and create more jobs they will be excited to have.
From clients committing to projects, to cost of materials, to labor, to tech, the construction industry has had a run for its money throughout the past two years of COVID-19 pandemia. However, 2022 is (mostly) looking bright! From our point of view, if there ever was a time to start a career in construction, this is it. If you’re looking for work in site prep and concrete/asphalt construction, Redstone could be your next place of employment! Check out the jobs we currently have open here. We’d love to talk about your future at our amazing company.
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