5 Ways Precast Helps Contractors Overcome Labor Shortage

If you're a contractor, you’ve likely felt the pressure of trying to overcome labor shortage challenges. Skilled workers are in short supply, jobsite productivity is down, and timelines are tighter than ever.

But there’s a smarter, more reliable solution: precast concrete.

Here are five practical ways precast helps contractors overcome labor shortage issues and keep projects on track.

1. Fewer Workers Needed On-Site

One of the most direct ways precast helps overcome labor shortage obstacles is by reducing your crew size. Precast components are manufactured off-site, delivered ready to install, and can be set with a small crew using a crane.

Smaller crews. Safer jobsites. More predictable schedules.

2. Shorter Installation Timeframes

With precast, there’s no waiting for formwork, weather windows, or long cure times. Everything arrives ready to go, helping you avoid delays that can worsen when you're short on labor.

Precast lets you:

• Shrink project durations

• Reduce total labor hours

• Stay on schedule… even with limited crews

This is a powerful way to overcome labor shortage setbacks that slow traditional builds.

3. Overcome Labor Shortage Challenges by Reducing Trade Dependencies

Stick-built methods rely on multiple trades, finishers, rebar installers, form carpenters, electricians, and plumbers, all of whom are increasingly difficult to coordinate during a labor shortage.

Precast limits your dependence on those trades because the structural work is already done at the plant. Fewer specialized workers are needed on-site, and installation moves faster with fewer variables.

Gainey’s can pre-plumb your structures and install internal equipment on our time, not yours. That means you can order structures like utility vaults with everything already inside, delivered ready to drop into place.

• Fewer subcontractors to schedule

• Less time spent coordinating on-site trades

• More done before the product even reaches your job site

This kind of value-added service is a powerful way to overcome labor shortage problems while increasing speed and consistency across your project

4. Smarter Labor Planning Across Multiple Jobsites

When crews are stretched thin, effective planning becomes critical. Precast simplifies your jobsite schedule, allowing your labor force to be deployed more efficiently.

Benefits include:

• Less overlap across trades

• Fewer delays due to crew availability

• Ability to manage multiple projects with smaller teams

This approach helps contractors overcome labor shortage pressures without sacrificing momentum.

5. Stay Competitive with Leaner Crews

Precast allows you to stay competitive by bidding confidently, even with smaller crews. It reduces your risk, boosts your reliability, and demonstrates to owners that you’re planning for success, even in challenging labor markets.

With precast, you can:

• Lock in schedules

• Reduce onsite variables

• Deliver consistent results with less manpower

That’s a clear path to overcome labor shortage issues and protect your bottom line.

Contact Us

Thinking about using precast for your next project?

We partner with contractors across the Gulf Coast to deliver labor-saving, time-efficient precast solutions that keep projects moving, even when skilled labor is hard to find.

Let us quote your next project!