The Window Depot

For more than a decade, the skilled labor shortage has been one of the biggest challenges facing the construction industry. The COVID-19 pandemic put even more pressure on an already understaffed workforce and struggling industry. According to the 2020 Construction Outlook Survey published by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), 81 percent of construction firms have been unable to find workers to fill open positions, despite the steady growth in the construction industry. Nearly 75 percent of firms surveyed anticipate labor shortages to be the biggest hurdle in the coming year. Additionally, the National Association of Homebuilders estimates nearly 200,000 jobs will go unfilled largely due to retirement, workers adapting their skill sets to other industries, or leaving the construction field altogether.    So, what does the labor shortage mean for your upcoming project?  Increased Costs The most obvious way the labor shortage is affecting the constructio...

The construction industry is shifting before our eyes. With Americans slowly returning to pre-pandemic behavior, the United States is on the verge of an economic resurgence. Infrastructure is high on the priority list. While this is encouraging for the construction industry, it also puts added pressure on costs and project completion due to the increased demand for materials and labor.  Material and labor will continue to impact the rising cost of construction nationally for the remainder of 2021 and beyond. Here are some of the main factors contributing to increased costs: Oil Crude oil prices have risen by more than 80 percent since October 2020. Oil is critical to the construction industry. From manufacturing materials to transportation and job site equipment operation, oil plays an essential role in the success of construction projects. Oil prices could continue to increase throughout 2021 as we return to pre-pandemic behaviors.  Steel Nationally, steel prices are nearly...

While strolling through the home improvement store, you might have done a double-take on some of the prices. Sadly, it’s not your imagination. The price of building materials is on the rise, and it’s largely due to the novel coronavirus.  If you’re considering a home improvement project this year, be prepared for some sticker shock. You’ll be paying a higher price for just about any project. The price of building materials has increased - with some at their highest prices in years - due to the pandemic. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) , lumber and steel have experienced notable price increases over the last year.  Since April 2020, the price of lumber has increased 50 percent-reaching a two-year high. According to the National Association of Home Builders , reasons for the rising prices include the closing of lumber mills during the stay-at-home mandates, an increase in DIY projects during the pandemic, and a thriving housing market over the past year. If y...

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration , gas prices are up $.90 per gallon from where they were just one year ago. During these times of increasing fuel costs, it’s often small businesses that are hit the hardest.  Business owners are forced to make decisions to maintain operation while still servicing their customers. Rising fuel costs impact multiple facets of a business per a recent report by Small Business Chronicle : supply and overhead, service areas, staffing schedules, and pricing of products and services.  Supply and Overhead Costs Rising fuel prices increase the daily costs of business operations, especially when a company (such as The Window Depot ) depends on suppliers to transport products to our job sites. Timely delivery is crucial to our daily operations and overall customer satisfaction. Rising transportation costs affect the delivery of materials, thus impacting job completion timelines.  Service Areas Any business that performs services...