Enhance Your Operational Efficiency With the Right Construction Tool 

Construction is a $1.8 trillion dollar industry in the United States, with New York City alone generating approximately 20% of the Gross Domestic Product and providing 10% of jobs and 5% of wages. Although construction activity in New York continues to remain strong, there are many pain points faced by the modern building company that challenge growth, productivity, and profitability. Factors like the rising prices of materials, labor shortages, and inefficient work practices continue to negatively impact the return of investment on projects. More and more, construction companies are seeking improved timelines, costs, and workflow efficiencies on their New York jobsites. 

The following covers the most common pain points faced in the construction sector and what you can do about it.  

• Problem #1: Rising Project Expenses 

According to research conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America, both New York construction companies as well as builders nationwide reported concern about the potential for further price hikes on raw materials and continued supply chain issues in 2024. Nationwide, construction costs increased by an average of 4% in 2023, with costs in New York predicted to escalate by the same amount in 2024.  Over the past three decades, the cost of construction in New York City has increased more than 400 percent, outpacing overall cost increases in other large U.S. cities. These factors have resulted in a continual upward trend in the cost of construction projects and, as such, lower returns on investment for New York projects.    

• Problem #2: Reduced Productivity 

A study by the National Bureau of Economic Research reported that productivity in the construction industry has been declining for decades. Their research indicates that the value added per laborer in 2020 was 40 percent lower than in 1970. In addition, labor-productivity growth in construction has averaged only 1 percent per annum over the past two decades, compared to 3.6 percent for the manufacturing industry. Poor project planning and management are key areas that contribute to increased costs. Inefficient material handling on site is an example of poor project planning that results in extended timelines.    

• Problem #3: High Labor Costs

Labor costs have increased due to an ongoing shortage of skilled laborers nationally, with the U.S. construction industry unemployment rate averaging 4.6% for 2022 and 2023. The high demand for labor, coupled with record-low numbers of skilled workers and apprentices, has driven up wages. A 3-6% increase in labor costs is predicted for 2024. Rising labor costs are being felt most keenly in New York, a city that has struggled to develop and keep skilled laborers for more than a decade. Higher prevailing wages and more extensive union work rules also mean that many builders working on New York projects are looking for ways to minimize their labor costs. 

• Problem #4: Outdated Installation Methods

When it comes to material handling requirements on construction sites, loading platforms continue to be the tool of choice. However, traditional outriggers can cause costly delays due to their outdated installation method. It takes upwards of 45 minutes to install, relocate, or remove fixed decks, in part due to the required minimum of six re-shore props and the fact that they cannot be bolted down. Although loading platforms help to streamline material handling needs on site, this timely installation method negatively impacts productivity on site.     

 How a Planned System Can Help  

Investing in rental equipment to enhance productivity, reduce labor costs, and streamline workflow on site is the solution. Innovation in resolving the above problems has led to the introduction of more efficient material handling tools in the market such as the SuperDeck® retractable loading platform system.   

Not only able to be stacked vertically, but also rolled in and out as needed, the SuperDeck® offers a convenient drawer-like system proven to quicken the material handling process. It also reduces labor costs by requiring only one operator and by eliminating the need for staff to manually carry materials to levels that would be inaccessible using a traditional outrigger. Taking only 15 minutes, its two-prop installation method saves critical time on site, helping to boost productivity.  

If enhancing your operational efficiency is a priority, speak to the team at Preston Rentals to learn more about how the SuperDeck® can provide the solution for your upcoming project. Call 888 399 DECK (3325) or visit our website: https://www.prestonrentals.com/