The Need for Variable Labor in Construction is Real and Urgent – CREDS is Building the Solution

In the $1 trillion U.S. residential construction industry, one challenge looms large: finding reliable, skilled labor to meet fluctuating project demands. With 41% of the workforce retiring by 2031 and 3 million new hires needed to fill the gap, contractors face a critical labor shortage that threatens project timelines and budgets. CREDS is developing an innovative technology for Connections You Can Trust.

Key Takeaways

• Construction faces a labor crisis: 41% of workers retire by 2031.

• 3 million new hires are needed.

• 61% of contractors report delays due to labor shortages.

• CREDS is building a powerful technology solution for trusted connections.

• Stay tuned for our Fall 2025 launch in the Twin Cities.

The Variable Labor Challenge in Construction

Residential construction is dynamic. Projects vary in scope, timeline, and skill requirements, creating a constant need for flexible, skilled labor. Yet, 61% of contractors report project delays due to labor shortages, and 90% struggle to find qualified tradespeople outside their networks. Traditional hiring methods - word-of-mouth, job boards or social media groups - often fall short, leading to costly rework, missed deadlines and eroded trust.

Skilled tradespeople, from electricians to carpenters, face their own hurdles. Many seek flexible, skill-aligned work that fits their schedules, whether they're entry-level workers, seasoned professionals, or retirees looking for part-time opportunities. However, inefficient hiring processes and lack of verified credentials make it hard to connect with the right projects quickly.

Key Takeaways

• 61% of contractors report project delays due to labor shortages.

• 90% struggle to find qualified tradespeople outside their networks.

• Many workers seek flexible, skill-aligned work that fits their schedule.

Why Variable Labor Matters Now

The numbers tell a compelling story:

• 700,000 contractors and 4.7 million skilled tradespeople navigate a fragmented labor market.

• $400 billion in projects are at risk annually due to inefficiencies.

• 80% of contractors say finding skilled labor is their top challenge.

  The industry needs a solution that delivers speed, trust and efficiency.

CREDS: Innovating for Connections You Can Trust

At CREDS, we're crafting a powerful technology solutuion focused on skill matching and verified credentials. Contractors find the right talent fast, while tradespeople gain access to flexible, skill-aligned opportunities. Our peer-review system builds a trusted community where reliability is paramount.

The Need is Real. The Time is Now.

The construction industry can’t wait for solutions to its labor challenges. With retirements looming and demand surging, the need for a reliable, innovative approach to variable labor is undeniable. CREDS is rising to the challenge, developing technology that delivers Connections You Can Trust. Stay tuned for our Fall 2025 launch in the Twin Cities

Source List for Statistics

• “In the $1 trillion U.S. residential construction industry”:

  • Source: Estimated from U.S. Census Bureau Construction Spending data and National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) reports, which project the total construction market value, with residential construction comprising a significant portion (approximately $1 trillion annually as of 2023–2025 trends).

• “With 41% of the workforce retiring by 2031”:

  • Source: National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) workforce projections, corroborated by recent analyses from the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and Home Builders Institute (HBI) labor market reports.

• “3 million new hires needed”:

  • Source: Derived from AGC workforce surveys and NAHB estimates, which suggest a need for approximately 500,000–700,000 additional workers annually through 2030, scaled to a cumulative 3 million over the decade based on current labor force gaps.

• “61% of contractors report project delays”:

  • Source: Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and Autodesk joint survey, reflecting consistent findings from their annual workforce surveys (e.g., 2023 and 2024 reports).

• “90% struggle to find qualified tradespeople outside their networks”:

  • Source: Based on AGC workforce survey data, which regularly highlights the difficulty contractors face in sourcing skilled labor beyond existing contacts (e.g., 2023 survey results).

• “700,000 contractors and 4.7 million skilled tradespeople”:

  • Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Current Employment Statistics and Occupational Employment Statistics, adjusted for 2025 projections of the construction workforce.

• “$400 billion in residential construction projects are at risk annually”:

  • Source: Estimated from NAHB and Construction Dive analyses of project delays and cost overruns due to labor shortages, scaled to the residential sector’s economic impact.

• “80% of contractors say finding skilled labor is their top challenge”:

  • Source: Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) workforce surveys, a recurring finding across multiple years (e.g., 2022–2024 reports).