NMHC COVID-19 SURVEY: ELEVATORS AMONG SHORTAGES

         A survey by the Washington, D.C.-based National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) conducted in late March on how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting projects found that members are dealing with "unprecedented delays" resulting from labor, permitting issues and materials shortages, citing elevators as an example, the Commercial Observer reports. NMHC Vice President of Research Caitlin Walter tells the source that many elevators are sourced from Italy, creating delays. "When you look at the type of development occurring in the most recent cycle, it's high-density, urban stuff that requires elevators," she says. "That's also an issue on the property management side for renovations and upkeep." Fifty-five percent of respondents said they were experiencing construction delays, with 76% reporting delays in permitting, 59% delays in starts and 41% outbreak-related labor shortages. Twenty-four percent said lack of materials is affecting construction, and there are shortages of "anything from China." NMHC plans to conduct additional surveys to track developments.