Many commercial buildings currently under construction have materials that are sourced from Chinese and other global manufacturers. We should consider how much construction material will now either be delayed or reordered as a result of coronavirus. And at what cost? What is the impact of those delays and cost changes on the viability of the originally underwritten construction budget?

Key to all of this is having an open, candid and timely conversation between development sponsors, lenders, and the construction management team. Here are five discussion points the counterparties should cover as project impacts continue to evolve on a day-to-day basis.

Alternative Material Sources

When it comes to avoiding increased costs, it is crucial to quickly consider sourcing replacement material providers that are reliable alternatives. In many cases, this may be domestic sources. Rapidly finding alternatives will enable the project to continue to move forward within the contract term and available contracted extension periods.

Contingency Utilization

If alternative materials are required and sourced, and under the assumption cost increases will occur, contingency balances will be impacted. General contractor and lender contingencies should be carefully managed in the near term. Budget reallocations will also come into play, as the construction management team seeks ways to manage expenditures in increasingly difficult market conditions.

Cost increases that exhaust contingency balances will place new financial stress on the sponsors and lenders. Capital infusions to cover cost overruns and "top-up" contingency balances may be required from sponsors. Lenders will likely tighten controls on contingency and reallocations to ensure budgets remain fully capitalized, which acts to further stress the construction loan.

Milestone Misses, Delays, and Extensions

The minute a sponsor suspects supply chain issues, recasting the time to complete is imperative. Bring this new project schedule to the lender's attention immediately and discuss extension and modifications, if necessary. Good news travels fast…bad news travels faster. Milestones and other covenants cast in the construction loan agreement that are missed will be closely monitored in this period. Non-monetary defaults and related waivers, if any, will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis. Having a clear and open dialog with executives and portfolio managers can create a positive, collaborative setting.

Determine Interest Reserve Sufficiency

Construction loans have an interest reserve balance that is paying monthly interest expense, so a determination should be made on how far the current interest reserve balance will carry the loan. Similar to cost increases, a capital call may be required to "top-up" interest reserve balances if the revised project schedule will fully deplete those reserves prior to completion. Given the national emergency declaration, lenders may be able to defer interest or make other accommodations during this period of hardship. Again, communication between the parties can help all sides plan for and meet their internal governance and control requirements.

Be Cognizant of Market Effects

Regardless of the source of repayment – either lease or sale – commercial project sponsors must be proactive and treat the emerging disruptions with a sober consideration of downside risks. Any and all actions should be taken to protect the project business plan. Contracts supporting the primary source of repayment must be monitored carefully to preserve transaction exit strategies. This means sales contracts, pre-leasing agreements, and other forms of future cash flow dependent on project completion and delivery of physical space must be reviewed, confirmed, and extended as needed. Negotiations to recast forward commitments may be necessary to preserve loan performance.

Pandemic force majeure will become a frequently debated topic. Confusion between sponsors, general contractors, and lenders will arise if losses begin to mount. These will be difficult times and share some similarities to 2007-2009, where projects were susceptible to a range of adversities. Strong and stable leadership that aggressively makes critical-path decisions have the best chance for success.

Jim Fraser is the director of CRE Strategy at Built Technologies.

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5 Steps To Take When Construction Materials Are Delayed

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