MIAMI — August 26, 2025 – A new national survey shows that Americans want more transparency and accountability in how construction projects are managed — and they believe technology is the answer.
According to PMWEB’s Consumer Construction Impact Survey, more than half of U.S. consumers (55%) said they are more confident in construction projects that rely on digital project management tools. The survey, which polled 1,000 adults nationwide, highlights a growing demand for data-driven oversight in an industry often criticized for poor communication and project delays.
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“While construction projects are essential for community growth and infrastructure improvement, our research reveals a critical blind spot in how these projects communicate with, and consider, the people they impact most,” said Huw Roberts, CEO at PMWEB. “The data shows that better project oversight and communication aren’t just nice-to-haves — they're essential for maintaining community trust and reducing public frustration.”
The findings underscore a disconnect between project managers and the communities where construction takes place. Nearly half of respondents (48%) said they experience disruptions daily or several times a week, yet 52% reported feeling poorly informed or completely uninformed about nearby projects.
Top frustrations included:
- Unexpected road closures and detours (31%)
- Prolonged disruptions without updates (16%)
The survey also found surprising insights into how far people would go to avoid construction-related stress. One in four (26%) said they would give up social media for a day, while 21% said they’d sacrifice their morning coffee just to avoid construction frustrations for 24 hours.
Blame is another recurring theme. When projects run over budget or schedule, most residents assign responsibility to the city (38%), followed by contractors and overseeing organizations (32%) combined.
Perhaps most telling, only 13% of Americans believe construction projects finish on time, with 26% saying projects almost always take significantly longer than projected.
When asked what would help rebuild trust, respondents prioritized:
- Clear timelines with milestone updates (34%)
- Transparency about delays (24%)
- Easily accessible project schedules (25%)
“These results validate what we’ve long believed: when project teams have better visibility and control over their operations, communities benefit through reduced disruptions and improved communication,” said Vijai Viswanathan, Chief Product and Technology Officer at PMWEB. “While residents may never see the digital dashboards that coordinate these complex projects, they absolutely feel the difference when those tools are working effectively behind the scenes.”
The survey results point toward a path forward where construction firms integrate technology not only to optimize their operations but also to improve community engagement and accountability.
About the Survey
The PMWEB Consumer Construction Impact Survey was conducted in August 2025 among 1,000 U.S. consumers aged 25 and older. The survey explored public perceptions of construction project management, communication preferences, and the impact of construction disruptions on daily life.
About PMWEB
PMWEB is a global leader in lifecycle project management for capital portfolios. The platform serves as a central hub for owners and operators of complex capital programs, managing projects from early planning through delivery and long-term operations. Trusted worldwide, PMWEB helps organizations stay on schedule, keep stakeholders connected, and maintain financial accountability. Learn more at www.PMWEB.com.
Originally reported by PM Web in Construction Dive.