Georgia, October 18, 2025
In a recent interview, Rebekah Gray, President of Gray Construction, shared her insights on the pressing challenges facing the construction industry. Based in Georgia, her firm emphasizes innovative commercial projects and prioritizes workforce diversity. She discusses adaptive strategies to navigate economic shifts and address supply chain issues that have become prevalent in recent times. Through her experiences, Gray provides a lens into the future of construction and the importance of diversity and adaptability in overcoming ongoing industry challenges.
Atlanta, Georgia – Construction Industry Faces Multiple Challenges Amidst Growth
The construction industry in Georgia is currently grappling with significant challenges, including severe labor shortages, rising material costs, and safety concerns. These issues are impacting project timelines, budgets, and worker well-being across the state.
Labor Shortages Impacting Project Timelines
A recent survey by the Associated General Contractors of America revealed that 91% of construction companies in Georgia are experiencing severe labor shortages, hindering their ability to meet project deadlines. The state’s Worker Shortage Index indicates only 54 available workers for every 100 open jobs, with 323,000 job openings and just 174,106 unemployed workers. Despite efforts to increase wages and enhance training opportunities, critical roles such as architects, project managers, and skilled tradespeople remain hard to fill, causing widespread delays.
Rising Material Costs and Supply Chain Disruptions
The roofing sector is facing significant challenges due to rising material costs and supply chain disruptions. Tariffs on imported steel and aluminum, along with volatile oil prices, have led to a 41% increase in asphalt shingle prices since 2020. Major manufacturers have implemented price hikes, further elevating costs for builders. Additionally, global supply chain issues have delayed raw material procurement, extending lead times for shingles and complicating project schedules.
Safety Concerns and Mental Health Issues
The construction industry in Georgia is one of the most hazardous professions, with high rates of fatal and non-fatal injuries annually. Factors contributing to these risks include the prevalence of high-risk activities, lack of adequate training and equipment, and regulatory challenges. In 2023, construction workers accounted for about 20% of Georgia’s fatal occupational injuries, despite constituting only 8.2% of the workforce. Long workdays, job instability, and workplace culture are factors contributing to the high suicide rate among construction workers.
Policy and Regulatory Developments
In response to the housing needs for the 8,500 workers expected at Hyundai’s $7.6 billion electric vehicle plant in Bryan County, Georgia lawmakers passed a bill allowing a private utility to provide water services for new homes near the plant without local government approval. This measure aims to accelerate home construction, as the county’s water system cannot meet the demand. However, critics argue that bypassing local governments undermines their management of water resources and circumvents drinking water safety rules.
Industry Recognition and Initiatives
Despite these challenges, Georgia’s construction industry continues to prosper. In December 2023, Georgia was named the top state for construction in Associated Builders and Contractors’ annual Merit Shop Scorecard. This recognition is attributed to the state’s dedication to workforce development, with 99% of career and technical education students earning a credential or continuing to a career.
Conclusion
While Georgia’s construction industry is experiencing growth, it faces significant challenges that require attention and action. Addressing labor shortages, managing rising material costs, and improving safety standards are crucial steps toward sustaining the industry’s development and ensuring the well-being of its workforce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the main challenges currently facing Georgia’s construction industry?
The construction industry in Georgia is facing significant challenges, including severe labor shortages, rising material costs, and safety concerns. These issues are impacting project timelines, budgets, and worker well-being across the state.
How severe are the labor shortages in Georgia’s construction sector?
A recent survey by the Associated General Contractors of America revealed that 91% of construction companies in Georgia are experiencing severe labor shortages, hindering their ability to meet project deadlines. The state’s Worker Shortage Index indicates only 54 available workers for every 100 open jobs, with 323,000 job openings and just 174,106 unemployed workers.
What factors are contributing to the rising material costs in Georgia’s construction industry?
The roofing sector is facing significant challenges due to rising material costs and supply chain disruptions. Tariffs on imported steel and aluminum, along with volatile oil prices, have led to a 41% increase in asphalt shingle prices since 2020. Major manufacturers have implemented price hikes, further elevating costs for builders. Additionally, global supply chain issues have delayed raw material procurement, extending lead times for shingles and complicating project schedules.
What safety concerns are prevalent in Georgia’s construction industry?
The construction industry in Georgia is one of the most hazardous professions, with high rates of fatal and non-fatal injuries annually. Factors contributing to these risks include the prevalence of high-risk activities, lack of adequate training and equipment, and regulatory challenges. In 2023, construction workers accounted for about 20% of Georgia’s fatal occupational injuries, despite constituting only 8.2% of the workforce. Long workdays, job instability, and workplace culture are factors contributing to the high suicide rate among construction workers.
What recent policy developments have affected Georgia’s construction industry?
In response to the housing needs for the 8,500 workers expected at Hyundai’s $7.6 billion electric vehicle plant in Bryan County, Georgia lawmakers passed a bill allowing a private utility to provide water services for new homes near the plant without local government approval. This measure aims to accelerate home construction, as the county’s water system cannot meet the demand. However, critics argue that bypassing local governments undermines their management of water resources and circumvents drinking water safety rules.
Has Georgia’s construction industry received any recent recognition?
Despite these challenges, Georgia’s construction industry continues to prosper. In December 2023, Georgia was named the top state for construction in Associated Builders and Contractors’ annual Merit Shop Scorecard. This recognition is attributed to the state’s dedication to workforce development, with 99% of career and technical education students earning a credential or continuing to a career.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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South Korean EV Battery Manufacturers Restart U.S. Operations
Georgia Southern University Begins New Student Housing Project
Georgia’s Mass-Timber Construction Initiative
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ICE Raid in Coastal Georgia Disrupts Local Communities
Author: Construction FL News
The GEORGIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at constructionganews.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Georgia and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Georgia Build Expo, major infrastructure projects, and advancements in construction technology showcases. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Associated Builders and Contractors of Georgia and the Home Builders Association of Georgia, plus leading businesses in construction and legal services that power the local economy such as CMiC Global and King & Spalding LLP. As part of the broader network, including constructioncanews.com, constructionnynews.com, and constructiontxnews.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic construction landscape across multiple states.
