How We Face Construction Challenges & the Promising Future for Clear

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the construction industry has experienced significant changes. As demand rapidly outpaces supply, lead times are lengthening, and material costs are skyrocketing. If you’re looking to start a construction project, it’s important to understand the current market tensions and how they’ll impact your operation. At Clear Construction, we’re confident in the future of our industry, and we’ve found ways to mitigate complications so our clients can move forward with successful projects.

Clear Design + Build Team Collaborating in the Studio

Challenges: Supply Chains, Lead Times, Rising Labor & Materials Costs

The industry is currently experiencing pressure on all sides. In the past, construction materials were usually purchased as needed. Currently, doors and windows are up to 30 weeks out, and specialty appliances like Sub-Zero refrigerators, lighting control systems like Lutron, and home automation systems like Crestron are all a year out.

Like the rest of the world, the construction industry is also facing serious labor shortages. A recent survey reported that 75% of construction firms are looking to hire, and of those, 78% cannot find qualified personnel. Labor costs are further exacerbated by the fact that 21% of the industry is made up of employees over the age of 55 who will be phasing into retirement.

Clear’s Custom Drawings + Renderings

Clear Team working efficiently to keep projects on schedule

How We Work with Clients to Navigate Supply Chain and Lead Time Issues

These problems are universal, but they aren’t challenges that’ll keep us from doing our job. We are patient, flexible, and adaptable as we find creative ways to move forward. With each of our clients, we devise a plan to mitigate supply chain and lead times issues.

If we work with clients in the design phase–we can avoid delays by encouraging door and window selections and placing orders immediately. Within construction, there are many sub-industries of artisans and craftsmen to turn to who work in small shops and readily offer American-made products and services. If the products you want are still back-ordered, we’ll talk with you to understand the inspiration behind your vision so we may suggest other available options to work with your timeline. 

Clear Team collaborating in the Garden Street Design Studio to bring clients’ visions to life

Every client and phase is different. We appreciate clients not wanting to commit to the entirety of a build when timelines are unpredictable, which is why we offer the option to work together one phase at a time. That way, you don’t have to be tied down, while you make progress on feasible elements of your build. Our design feasibility agreement is one example that helps clients make progress while still offering flexibility with their options. Regardless of whether your priority is budget or time, Clear Construction is equipped to guide you through the process and provide the highest quality solutions available.

How We Have Proactively Built a Strong Team

Creating opportunities and a culture that attracts highly talented individuals has been a priority for us long before the “great resignation.” We’ve successfully built a strong and skilled team, which has allowed Clear Construction to thrive regardless of the ebb and flow of the industry or fluctuating labor shortages. Clear is a great place to work for those looking to be a part of a valued team of hard-working and innovative professionals. We have more opportunities for company growth on the horizon as we are expanding our divisions and services. Our employees have a diverse range of experience. The more experienced are actively training the next generation to preserve the highest level of quality across every detail.

Successful Projects without Compromising on Quality

There will always be challenges. That’s just business and life. However, we find it exciting to get creative and pivot accordingly and to continue investing in a strong team. Clear Construction is in a great position to keep growing and executing successful projects that do not compromise on quality.