Ten years ago, labor wasn’t really a concern in residential construction, at least not for much of the industry. Only 13% of builders at the time (2011) considered the cost and availability of labor an “important concern,” according to data from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Yet, today, and really since 2016, it’s residential construction’s preeminent challenge.
There’s been and remains efforts to attract and develop talent to and in construction, and specifically residential construction. The Home Depot Foundation (HDF) in 2018, for instance, donated $50 million to train “20,000 skilled workers over the next 10 years.” And in 2020, the National Housing Endowment, NAHB’s philanthropic arm, donated a further $200,000 to the effort.
Wages have also become more appealing. In 2019, when NAHB published an analysis of the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics Survey, it was found that while national median wages had risen year over year by 3%, construction wages at-large had increased 3.7%. Furthermore, certain occupations, namely those in high demand like stonemasons (7% increase), roofers (5.6% increase), and brick masons (6% increase), experienced more considerable increases.
Still, despite donations and raises, the struggle of filling job openings persists. Nearly 75% of builders in 2020 expected to face difficulties securing and affording labor this year, according to NAHB.
As of May 2021, there were 299,000 unfilled construction jobs.
It’s because of the industry’s enduring labor shortage that those operating within the construction space have been forced to innovate around it. One iteration of that innovation has been labor-reducing (and as a result often cost-reducing) products—of which there are countless examples.
From across the residential construction spectrum, and in an effort to give pros a sense of what’s available, we’ve picked out a few products that promise improved efficiency, sometimes calculated in minutes saved and other times in days.
ASCEND Composite Cladding System - Alside
A composite cladding engineered from glass-reinforced polymer and graphite-infused polystyrene—referred to as (GP)2 technology—ASCEND by Alside promises both variety (i.e., “available in 20 fade-resistant, virtually maintenance-free colors, according to the company) and efficiency. Those claims were further validated earlier this year when ASCEND was named “Most Innovative Building Material” at this year’s IBSx because of “its ability to combine beauty, simple installation and low installation costs to create value for builders, installers and remodelers.”
The material’s easy install is a result of its light weight, self-aligning stack lock, and because it requires no sealing, touching up, joint flashing or caulking, according to the company.
Claimed Alside further, “ASCEND provides the potential for at least a ten percent lower total install cost.”
Cedar Impressions siding - CertainTeed
CertainTeed’s Cedar Impressions siding—which recently became available in new colors and shapes—provides “simplified installation and enhanced performance,” claims the company.
The new double course 7-inch 3G Straight Edge Perfection Shingles and Cedar Impressions accent panels are reported to cover more area and require fewer fasteners than single course siding, therefore requiring fewer installers. CertainTeed further claims that features like the panels’ “continuous lock,” “engineered side tabs with lead-in,” “hammer assist pades,” ability to “prevent hard nailing,” and “hidden drainage holes” (among other advantages) also help in reducing labor time and costs.
Diffuse - Nesite
Diffuse is a radiant flooring system from Nesite made up of modular, removable finishing panels that is unique both because it’s raised and because it can be installed without cement screed.
The company says that while a typical radiant flooring system may take up to four to six weeks, Diffuse can be installed in about one week.
READ MORE: Kitchen Products and Features Buyers Actually Want in 2021
Easy Connect Joining System - Andersen Windows & Doors
Andersen’s Easy Connect Joining System is a labor saver by design, claims the company. Through interlocking fiberglass joining plates that the manufacturer pre-applies to window frames while at the factory, Andersen’s system aims to reduce install time by delivering large window combinations ready for insert “directly into rough the opening and ready to be connected to adjoining combinations,” claimed the product’s press release.
In a 2018 survey, Andersen effectively substantiated its claims, finding among 156 builders/general contractors that a large, pre-assembled window combination unit (i.e., the Easy Connect Joining System) compared to four smaller, individually installed units cut the number of installers required by half.
PermaBase Cement Board - National Gypsum
The factory-produced substrate PermaBase Cement Board claims that the product saves on install time. Home Innovation Research Labs tested that claim against the instal time of stone veneer using the traditional metal lath-and-scratch method and found that, in fact, install time was reduced by 35% (a four hour difference) and total install cost by 6%.
The manufacturer includes a cost savings calculator on its site.
SmartBox Shark Tooth - Southwire
A simple concept, SmartBox Shark Tooth is a two-in-one drill bit and electrical box. The unique design allows installers to easily match their cut to their box to install, because the cut is made with the box that will eventually be installed
WeatherLogic - LP Structural Solutions
Where LP’s WeatherLogic Air and Water Barrier achieves labor efficiency through its makeup, claims the manufacturer.
“The product integrates sheathing and a water-resistant barrier for moisture management,” LP explains. Typically, a builder or remodeler would need to install the sheathing first followed by the housewrap. The company further claims that “the installation and clean up of this solution can save time and labor.”
Wetwall - Wilsonart
A tongue-and-groove shower wall panel system (of the high-pressure laminate variety), Wilsonart’s Wetwall is a ceramics/natural stone/wood alternative (analog?) that claims both water impermeability and simplified installation.
“It works on a tongue-and-groove system—it locks very tightly,” explained Michael Maynard, product manager for Wetwall. “It’s impervious to water.”
Regarding installation, as a light, thin product, Wetwall can be placed over both fiberboard and existing tile—which saves on labor hours, claims the company.
Said Maynard, “you could install it in two and a half hours.”
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