Washington, D.C., April 3, 2020 – More than half of respondents (55%) to a new survey on multifamily construction by the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) said that they were experiencing construction delays in the jurisdictions where they operate.
The NMHC Construction Survey is intended to gauge the magnitude of the disruption caused by the COVID-19 outbreak on multifamily construction. The survey, which had 135 respondents, also determined that:
- Of the 55% experiencing delays, 76% were dealing with delays in permitting and 59% in starts
- About a quarter (24%) of respondents said a lack of materials was affecting their construction operations
- 41% of respondents said that COVID-19 outbreak-related labor constraints were affecting construction operations
The NMHC found that the majority of the 135 multifamily contractors surveyed had experienced delays with apartment or condominium projects due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
More than three-fifths (62%) of respondents said they had been delayed due to construction moritoriums.
MULTIFAMILY CONTRACTORS TRYING NEW STRATEGIES TO COPE WITH COVID-19 IMPACT
The NMHC Construction Survey also found that nearly three-fourths (73%) of construction firm respondents said that they have implemented new strategies to deal with the hurdles caused by the pandemic. These include sourcing materials from alternative locations (43%), staggering shifts to reduce on-site exposure (52%), and using technology to replace in-person transactions like inspections and approvals (67%).
The NMHC survey found that multifamily contractors had adopted many new strategies for coping with delays in work due to the coronavirus pandemic. Note: Respondents could check multiple items for this question.
NMHC will conduct this survey on a bi-weekly basis to provide an estimation of the impact of COVID-19 on multifamily construction. Additional NMHC-produced resources focused on the COVID-19 outbreak can be found here.
ABOUT THE NATIONAL MULTIFAMILY HOUSING COUNCIL
Based in Washington, D.C., the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) brings together the prominent apartment owners, managers, and developers in the trillion-dollar apartment industry who provide apartment homes for 40 million Americans. For more information: 202/974-2300, e-mail the Council at info@nmhc.org, or visit NMHC's website: https://www.nmhc.org/.
Related Stories
Coronavirus | Apr 2, 2020
COVID-19: HMC Architects using 3D Printers to make face shields for healthcare workers
HMC staff is producing 3D-printed parts from their homes as they self-isolate.
Coronavirus | Apr 2, 2020
COVID-19: CannonDesign initiates industry coalition to make masks for healthcare providers
Coalition formed to make DIY face masks for healthcare workers in COVID-19 settings.
Coronavirus | Apr 2, 2020
As virus spreads across North America, software providers step up with cost-free offerings
The goal is to keep construction projects moving forward at a time when jobs are being postponed or canceled.
Coronavirus | Apr 2, 2020
SBA and Treasury begin effort to distribute $349 billion in emergency small business capital
The new loan program will help small businesses with their payroll and other business operating expenses.
Coronavirus | Apr 2, 2020
New webinar explains how AIA Contract Documents can address business disruptions due to Covid-19
The webinar was recorded March 27.
Coronavirus | Apr 2, 2020
Informed by its latest Crane Index, Rider Levett Bucknall anticipates the effect of coronavirus on the construction industry
While total crane count holds steady, turbulent economic conditions indicate a recession-based drop in construction costs.
Coronavirus | Apr 1, 2020
How is the coronavirus outbreak impacting your firm's projects?
Please take BD+C's three-minute poll on the AEC business impacts from the coronavirus outbreak.
Coronavirus | Apr 1, 2020
Opinion: What can we learn from the coronavirus pandemic?
The coronavirus pandemic will soon end, soon be in the rear-view mirror, but we can still take lessons learned as directions for going forward.
Coronavirus | Apr 1, 2020
Three reasons you should keep sewing face masks (as long as you follow simple best practices)
Here are three reasons to encourage sewists coast to coast to keep their foot on the pedal.
Coronavirus | Apr 1, 2020
TLC’s Michael Sheerin offers guidance on ventilation in COVID-19 healthcare settings
Ventilation engineering guidance for COVID-19 patient rooms