Unemployment and material shortage are significant contributing factors to the delays and cancellations. According to AGC Coronavirus Survey, 67% of respondents reported that they are experiencing project delays/cancellations largely due to shortage. 26% of the respondents reported that cancellations were due to the lack of construction materials, while 28% of respondents reported the shortage of craft-workers including subs. Nearly half of the respondents reported receiving notice from their suppliers that deliveries will be late/canceled. The scarcity of laborers slowed and even halted productivity across the entire industry.

These challenges will continue to evolve and develop the construction industry. Permitting delays are still being experienced as respondents are widely understaffed. Governments are recognizing the need to standardize building codes for efficiency, but the progress to shift in that direction will be slow.

Additionally, digital technologies have helped improve collaboration with partners and continue the shift to data-driven decision-making. Technological innovation will be a key factor in the recovery of the industry, post COVID-19.