How Philadelphia Construction Survived COVID-19

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Essential Workers

When it comes to the COVID-19 Pandemic, very few things have gone as expected and the construction scene in Philadelphia is no different. Like most large cities across the nation, construction projects ground to a halt in March 2020 as businesses waited for guidance on if and how they could return to work safely. However, the need for continued road and building maintenance, as well as the potential need for construction of new medical facilities, made construction personnel some of the first to be considered essential workers. By August 2020, new construction permits in Philadelphia were at record levels and the work has continued ever since.

Booming Construction

This stream of construction projects has held steady in Philadelphia for many reasons. First, many projects had already been planned and financed, and the halt during the early months of the pandemic created a bottleneck. So it makes sense that when workers were allowed to return to their projects, they made up for lost time. 

Rushing Permits

Secondly, Philadelphia’s 10-year tax abatement rule on new construction was originally set to expire in early 2021 (it has since been delayed until 2022). Since the rule is based on when the permit was purchased and not on the groundbreaking of a project, many businesses bought permits preemptively to avoid any extra taxes. This secured several projects that may have been put off and helped continue the trend of increased construction in the city and surrounding areas. 

Surging Markets

Another significant factor in the increased rates of construction around Philadelphia was the surging housing market. As interest rates dropped and many searched for larger homes to accommodate their new work-from-home lifestyle, construction bloomed. Since many workplaces went completely remote, many of those working outside Philadelphia are now able to truly call the city home. 

Finally, institutional development around Philadelphia soared, bringing with it several new, large-scale construction projects. An increase in hospital and educational needs lead to expansion in the Navy Yard and University City, and thanks to the massive increase in online shopping, warehouse and other storage buildings also demanded construction and repair. 

The Future of Philly Construction

As we start to see a decrease in COVID cases and life regains some pre-pandemic feeling, will construction continue? While nothing is certain, there are no shortage of projects on the horizon. In December 2020, the Philadelphia City Council passed Philadelphia’s first residential development impact tax, meant to send millions towards new, affordable housing projects. With many companies planning on staying remote, a conversion of office buildings to apartments, hotels, and other businesses can also be expected. 

No matter what happens, Steadfast will be there to meet all of your construction needs, and we look forward to watching Philly’s construction continue to thrive. 

Recycled Asphalt and Vegetable Oil: How the City of Phoenix Created a Recipe for Success

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While mixing recycled asphalt and vegetable oil probably won’t make you popular in the kitchen, it has made an Arizona city one of the first to use recycled asphalt (RAP) on city roads and highways. 

Being the fifth largest metropolitan area in the United States with a population of over 4.8 million people and 1,400 miles of paved road, Phoenix spends a lot of time and money repairing its major passageways. One way to save the city some money? Recycled asphalt. 

Misconceptions about the durability of RAP, as well as a lack of shared research, have led many in road construction to overlook it as a more efficient means of paving laned roads. Solterra Materials, a Phoenix-based asphalt mix company, was convinced that it could be used and began performing a series of experiments mixing RAP with various rejuvenators. Eventually, they landed on the perfect recipe: RAP, Cargill’s engineered vegetable oil-based Anova® rejuvenator, and a slight asphalt grade bump.

Working in tandem with the city, Solterra procured a one-mile section of road in a highly industrial, heavily trafficked area for their testing. There they evaluated RAP properties at 10%, 15% and 20%, and worked closely with the Cargill team to add the exact amount of rejuvenator. The results found that the 20% RAP mix performed as well as virgin mixes, and had a 10% cost savings. It showed a flexibility index increase from 12 to 18.5 as measured by the I-fit, and had enhanced low temperature cracking resistance. 

After seeing the results, it was a no-brainer for the City of Phoenix. Beyond its great performance, the 20% RAP mix also uses less energy, takes up less landfill space and ultimately costs taxpayers less money. They have included RAP in their standard paving strategy, and plan to start paving more roads with the mix this month. They’ll continue to monitor the performance of these roads over the next several months, but all those involved expect to see continued satisfaction. 

Thanks to companies like Solterra materials sharing their research, perceptions around recycled asphalt are beginning to shift. As a company that prides itself in green building and the most efficient use of resources, Steadfast is thrilled to see moves like this being made in the asphalt industry. With the high performance, lower cost, and increased environmental friendliness, we expect it won’t be long until RAP starts making it way to those of us on the East Coast. When it does, we’ll be happy to see it.

We Love Our Toys

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The only difference between men and boys is the cost of their toys.

Anonymous

Let’s face it: we’re all just kids having fun with our toys. 

Ask any little boy (and many girls!) between 4 and 8 years old what they want for Christmas, and odds are most of them will tell you a truck, crane, or some other small version of machinery.

There’s a love there that we all share, something magical about operating a mechanical device to move earth, crush garbage, and do things we could never do on our own. Modern machinery allows us to make the impossible happen, giving the operator a sense of wonder and control at the same time. 

While technology keeps progressing, giving us newer and more interesting devices to play with, children also reap the benefits: 

CleverLeverage listed many machines that are available in kid sizes, including excavators and diggers with backhoe attachments! Diggerland Theme Park also gives kids (and adults) the opportunity to use life-size machinery to crush and carry. 

There’s a reason both children and adults get a kick out of operating machinery and exploring the possibilities of new tech: we love playing. 

For many of us in the heavy equipment and construction fields, operating heavy equipment, playing with new gadgets, and exploring the cool things we can do with new technology is all part of the same childhood love. 

At Steadfast Entities, we’re so lucky to keep playing with the things we love! Specializing in heavy equipment and modern construction technology, the opportunity to learn, explore, dig, crush, and move never ends. 
This curiosity is so important, as technology is constantly defining the construction industry and moving us forward. Learning new and better ways of creating our world will carry us into the future. Explore some of the cool tech that Steadfast Entities has available here!

Construction Software Comparison

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There are so many amazing construction software options out there nowadays to help you with your next project. Don’t know which one to choose? This Steadfast comparison chart will help you decide between construction software options and make your next project a success!

PriceCustomer ServiceBusiness SizePlatformProsCons
Procore

Starts at $4,500/yearGoodAny SizeProcore connects everyone on your project, including owners, contractors, and subs. This fully integrated and comprehensive product offers the full array of accounting, mobile, estimating, and project management features.This can be an expensive option. If you don’t need all the integrations and features, you may pay for options you don’t end up using.
CMiC Construction Platform


Quote RequiredJust OKSmall or MediumCMiC is great for small and medium construction companies, from contractors to heavy/civil projects and project owners.Features Not Included:
Equipment Tracking
Incident Reporting
Residential Projects
Viewpoint Spectrum

Quote RequiredJust OKAny SizeSpectrum is good for commercial general contractors, civil contractors, electrical contractors, mechanical, plumbing and HVAC contractors.Difficult to navigate some of the features.

Features Not Included:
Estimating
Residential Projects
HCSS

$20/month/userGoodAny SizeThis product is ideal for heavy/civil and general contractors. Also design/build, facilities management, & more.Features Not Included:
Accounting
Contracts
CRM
Equipment Tracking
Estimating
Mobile or Offline Access
Subcontractor Management
JobNimbus


$25.00/month/user
GoodSmall or MediumThis product is perfect for home service businesses that need help managing contacts, tasks, jobs, documents, and financial info.Features Not Included:
Commercial Projects
Equipment Tracking
Incident Reporting
Offline Functions
RFI & Submittals
Monday.com

$7.80/month/userGoodAny SizeIntuitive interface, capable of managing multiple teams, cross-functional, and a great platform for many different industries. Many customization options.Features Not Included:
Accounting Integration
Offline Access
Residential Projects
CoConstruct

$49.00 one timeExcellentSmall or MediumGreat for companies who build residential environments, including home builders, remodelers, design/build, hardscaping contractors, and more.Features Not Included:
Commercial Projects
Equipment Tracking
Offline Access
RFI & Submittals
ProjectTeam

$59.00/month/userExcellentAny SizeProjectTeam is perfect for general contractors and architects looking for a customizable project system. Many easy-to-use tools for any kind of project.Features Not Included:
Estimating
Offline Access 
Residential Projects
BuilderTrend


$299.00/monthGoodAny SizeBuildertrend is ideal for homebuilders, remodelers, specialty contractors, and general contractors.Features Not Included:
Equipment Tracking
Offline Access

Data pulled from several websites, most notably Capterra.com. Click here to view the full array (over 300!) of software options and compare your favorites.

The Right Equipment At the Right Time

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Choosing the right equipment for your job is no small feat. If you identify the right fit for your project, you’ll maximize efficiency, safety, performance, and revenue. Cutting costs with a smaller machine could hurt your productivity, require more parts, and be a waste of money if the machine proves to be ineffective. Buying too big, though, may create unnecessary expenses, difficulty operating, potential safety hazards, and inability to work in smaller spaces. 

Consider these 4 areas before deciding on your heavy equipment:

1. Work Type & Scope

Of course, the first place to start is considering what needs to be done. What type of work will your heavy equipment perform? Hauling, demolishing, digging, grading, landscaping? How long will the job take and how many different functions are required? 

Whether buying or renting, longer or more complex projects require equipment that’s multi-functional, with versatility in different situations, tight spaces, or job needs. Compact or modern equipment is designed to be more effective at smaller sizes, so it’s worthwhile to consider the latest heavy equipment technology and how it applies to your project. Below are some examples:

2. Ease of Operators

In addition to the scope of work, you have to consider your operators. Equipment should be straightforward and safe to use. If you have your own operators, make sure they’re knowledgeable and comfortable operating the equipment you selected – otherwise you could have accidents, injuries, or disgruntled employees to deal with. With bigger or more diverse projects, consider hiring specialized operators who can ensure the job is done effectively and safely. Last but not least, consider the weather your operators are working in. Upstate New York in February? That enclosed cab is looking pretty good!

3. Built to Last & Easy to Maintain

The third aspect of equipment selection is considering the manufacture and available parts of your machine. Where was the machine made? International brands may have to ship parts from overseas, delaying your work. If your machine is too highly technical or modern, it may require a specialist to repair. Consider your repair plan and pick higher quality machines so you’ll be prepared for the inevitable project obstacles. 

4. Benefits of Renting

The final consideration when choosing your job’s heavy equipment is deciding to buy or rent. Of course, buying is a large investment and risk. It may be worth it if you know exactly what you need and have the available capital to invest in long-term ownership. For most growing companies, however, renting presents several benefits with a fraction of the risk. Renting new or used equipment…

  • Offers a wider range of equipment and operators, ensuring the perfect fit for any project
  • Accesses expert recommendations and equipment sourcing 
  • Lowers the project cost, even with bigger or more modern machinery
  • Eliminates maintenance, parts, or specialist concerns
  • Gets your equipment delivered to your job site when you need it

Whether renting or buying, if you take into account these 4 important considerations, you’ll be in a great position to maintain productivity, safety, and income on your next project. 

Steadfast Entities is passionate about heavy equipment that’s right for any job. For expert recommendations, operator staffing, or a wide range of heavy equipment rental, email us today at info@steadfastentities.com! 

Constructing During COVID-19

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The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic and the construction industry have had an interesting relationship this year. Some construction projects are essential and others aren’t. Even though many construction workers continued their jobs as the virus raged on, PPE and social distancing measures weren’t as universally applicable. This has caused some confusion as different states take different approaches. 

So, what are the best practices for people working in the construction industry today? How do we keep our teams safe while still generating revenue?

Read the below tips on keeping your workforce healthy with reasonable precautions suggested by the CDC, OSHA, and others. 

Masks

OSHA and the CDC recommend wearing a face covering whenever possible, but especially when social distancing from others is not possible. 

Given the varying environments workers may find themselves in on work sites, it may not be realistic for employees to cover their faces if they…

  • Work alone or significantly distanced from others
  • Work outdoors and/or in the extreme heat  
  • Get their face covering soiled, wet, or dirty during their shift
  • Must already wear a face covering, mask, or face shield for their work

However, if a team of workers spend a shift together, indoors, working on a project that requires them to be within 6 feet of each other at times, then masks are highly recommended. 

Social Distancing 

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides this guideline chart regarding COVID-19 risk on construction work sites:  

Lower Risk (Caution)Medium RiskHigh RiskVery High Risk
Tasks that allow employees to remain at least 6 feet apart and involve little contact with the public, visitors, or customers.
No special precautions. 		Tasks that require workers to be within 6 feet of one another. Tasks that require workers to be in close contact (within 6 feet) with customers, visitors, or members of the public.
Masks should be worn. 		Entering an indoor work site occupied by people such as other workers, customers, or residents suspected of having or known to have COVID-19, including when an occupant of the site reports signs and symptoms consistent with COVID-19. 
Consider delaying this work.		Category not applicable for most anticipated work tasks. Note: Most construction work tasks are associated with no more than high exposure risk; see the work tasks associated with lower, medium, or high risk on this chart.
Unlikely to occur in construction.

Like in the previous example of workers together indoors for a full shift, any work site falling in the Medium column should require face coverings. When your project has a High Risk due to possible COVID exposure, the project should be delayed if possible. 

Sick Time & Administrative Controls

Every project manager should also consider administrative controls as additional precautionary measures. The following steps could effectively prevent an outbreak among your staff and demonstrate to your team and clients that you’re taking their health seriously:

  • Stagger shift start/end times and reduce traffic in high-congestion areas to promote social distancing (ex: open additional break rooms)
  • Adopt flexible sick time policies that encourage workers to stay home when sick
  • Introduce thermal scanning or screening questions when entering buildings
  • Increase sanitation practices
  • Reduce in-person meetings

The Future

It’s not just construction. Numerous industries are balancing the tightrope of maintaining operations and keeping employees and clients safe. 

Fortunately, we live in a time when technology and available resources can meet the demands of a “new normal.” As long as project managers continue to assess safety, follow safety guidelines, and explore new options, sites will be safe and we’ll keep building. 

Keep an eye out for next week’s blog post on one technology that’s taking construction by storm! In the meantime, connect with Steadfast on LinkedIn.