What are you guys doing?
Hi All,
I am a small builder in a rural town, and I am very curious how other builders are coping with this crisis? I currently have two jobs going. One, a small remodel, has three of my carpenters on it – framing in an open air situation. The other is a house that is wrapping up rough ins. It is very rare that more than 10 people are on the job at any one time. However, I am starting to question whether or not I should just shut things down?
Just like any builder/employer, I desperately want to keep things moving, and keep people earning a paycheck, but fear I am putting people at risk? Of course, I am not “making” anyone go to work, and my subs are adults, and can make those decisions for themselves, but as we know the sense of duty in the construction industry runs deep. I just feel this is the time for careful leadership, and looking to my peers for guidance……
Greg
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Replies
I’m a consulting engineer. All my projects are currently on pause (although I’m on call for a few critical telecom sites). Most of my projects lately have been with auto suppliers which have been going like gangbusters for the last few years, but as you probably all saw on the news the auto plants have all shut down as of yesterday. The plants I’ve been working in do heat treating of metal parts so large plants with few people, and I like to joke that the first thing they do with stuff that comes in is bake it in furnaces so we’re probably safer than most :)
I was talking with one of my suppliers yesterday and they’re seeing the same thing with many of their customers: projects getting put on pause, but everyone saying that as soon as this passes they’ll need a bunch of materials to complete the jobs.
I think people are mostly being cautious but are going to be rushing back as soon as the current crisis passes. The only question is how long before the crisis passes. I’m guessing 2-3 months, and let’s hope it’s no longer than that. I don’t think think this is the end of the world, but it is a big disruption and it’s prudent to be cautious and take some precautions. You’re probably in one of the safer industries since your guys are fairly spread out and not in a tightly enclosed space, but it’s worth being careful anyway. There is a lot of info out there in terms of basic precautions you can take, many of which can help limit the spread of any illness and should always be followed, not just now.
Bill
Matt Risinger made a video on the subject, with good advise, including his Doctor wife Christy. In case you haven't seen it, here it is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KI7-oGnpFck
Thanks Armando.
I'm building a house for myself currently. Drywallers are currently mudding and taping, I'm fine if the take time, but also appreciate their finishing the work.
Also setting posts, and formwork for pole barn slab, and patio. So far nothing has been impacted.
I did go to Ikea and bought for kitchen cabinets. And the wedi suppliuer for the walk in shower and things, expecting difficulty getting materials in the next couple months.
Work wise (I work for a social media company) we're commissioning a new 1M sqft building in the next couple weeks, expect it will be essential personnel only until summer. Working from home until I'm considered essential.