How to beat the rising cost of construction materials & labor

1 November 2022 by CostMiner

As the cost of construction materials and labor continues to rise, it becomes increasingly important for construction estimators to find ways to keep their projects within budget. One way to do this is by implementing price negotiation, early contract awards, and long-term material procurement contracts. By doing so, construction estimators can help ensure that their projects stay on track despite increasing costs.

Who is affected the most

The implications of rising cost of construction materials and labor are far-reaching and will have a significant effect on both the construction industry as a whole and first home buyers.

In the short term, construction companies will be forced to raise their prices in order to cover the increased cost of materials and labor. This is likely to lead to a slowdown in new construction projects, as builders struggle to stay profitable in an increasingly competitive market. It may also lead to layoffs in the construction industry, as companies struggle to maintain their margins.

In the long term, the increased cost of construction will make it increasingly difficult for first time home buyers to afford a new home. The average price of a new home is already well beyond the reach of most people, and the rise in construction costs will only make things worse. This could have a negative impact on the housing market as a whole, as fewer people are able to buy homes.

Top strategies for Cost Estimators to consider

There are a number of strategies that construction estimators can use to combat the rising cost of construction. Some of the most effective strategies include price negotiation, early contract awards, and long-term material procurement contracts.

Price Negotiation:

One of the most effective ways to combat the rising cost of construction is to negotiate better prices for materials and labor. By negotiating with suppliers and contractors, construction estimators can get better deals on materials and save money on labor costs.

Early Contract Awards:

Another way to save money on construction costs is to award contracts early. By awarding contracts before the prices go up, construction estimators can avoid paying higher prices for materials and labor.

Long-Term Material Procurement Contracts:

A third way to reduce the impact of rising construction costs is to sign long-term contracts for materials. By locking in prices for materials, construction estimators can avoid the fluctuations in price that are common in the construction industry.

By implementing one or more of these strategies, construction estimators can help ensure that their projects stay within budget despite the ever-increasing cost of doing business.

Staying on Budget, why it's a must

The importance of staying on budget during construction is twofold. First, it keeps the client confident that they are getting what they paid for. No one wants to see their project spiral out of control in terms of budget, especially when construction costs are constantly on the rise. Second, it keeps the business owner confident that they can complete the project as planned and still turn a profit. Budgets help to keep everyone on track, and it is important to adhere to them as closely as possible during these inflationary times.

What to do if the numbers don't stack up

When it comes to construction projects, there are a number of things that can go wrong. One of the most common problems is when the cost of construction materials and labor rises after the project has been approved and the customer has put down a deposit. In this situation, the construction estimator has a difficult decision to make.

One option is to bear the cost and finish the project within the original budget. This may be difficult to do, especially if the cost of construction has gone up significantly. Another option is to refund the customer's deposit and re-quote the project at the current market rates. This may be more expensive for the customer, but it will ensure that they get what they agreed to pay for.

Ultimately, it will come down to making a decision between wearing the cost or refunding the customers deposit and re-quoting the project. No matter what decision is made, it is important to keep the client informed and make sure that they are happy with the final outcome.

Conclusion

In an unprecedented time, we have experienced a material and labor supply issue. The cost of construction has consequently gone up as suppliers and contractors are struggling to meet the demand. This makes it more important than ever for construction estimators to employ the strategies covered to provide every effort to stick to the budget.

During these tough times, you must also consider more than ever to maintain a strong relationship with both your client and supplier. By keeping lines of communication open, you can ensure that everyone is on the same page and that there are no misunderstandings. This will help to avoid any conflict down the road.

By staying vigilant, estimators can ensure that their projects stay within budget despite the ever-rising cost of doing business, whilst maintaining a strong client and supplier relationship.

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