As 2026 begins, contractors across the country aren’t just setting personal goals—they’re wishing for practical changes that would make their businesses stronger, safer, and more profitable. After years of volatile material costs, labor shortages, tighter insurance markets, and increasing regulatory pressure, contractors know exactly what they want from the new year. These aren’t pie-in-the-sky dreams; they’re grounded resolutions that reflect the realities of running a construction business in today’s environment.
Here are 10 New Year’s resolutions contractors wish for in 2026—and why each one matters.
1. Predictable and Fair Insurance Markets
At the top of almost every contractor’s wish list is stability in insurance. Contractors want fewer last-minute non-renewals, more transparency from carriers, and premiums that reflect actual risk—not blanket assumptions. A predictable insurance market allows contractors to bid jobs confidently and plan growth without fear of sudden coverage gaps.
2. Fewer Claims, Better Loss Control
No contractor plans for claims, but many wish 2026 brings better jobsite safety, stronger subcontractor controls, and fewer surprises. Improved safety programs don’t just protect workers—they protect margins, reputations, and future insurability.
3. Reliable Labor and Skilled Workers
The labor shortage continues to challenge the industry. Contractors hope 2026 brings more skilled tradespeople entering the workforce, better retention, and fewer disruptions caused by staffing gaps. Reliable labor means projects stay on schedule and clients stay happy.
4. Stable Material Pricing
Wild swings in material costs have wreaked havoc on budgets over the last few years. Contractors wish for more stable pricing so they can estimate jobs accurately, protect profits, and avoid constant renegotiations with owners.
5. Faster Payments and Better Cash Flow
Late payments remain one of the biggest stressors for contractors. In 2026, contractors are hoping for owners and GCs who pay on time, fewer disputes, and smoother cash flow that allows them to focus on building—not chasing checks.
6. Stronger Contracts with Less Fine Print Risk
Many contractors wish they could enter 2026 with clearer, fairer contracts. That means fewer one-sided indemnification clauses, reasonable insurance requirements, and less hidden risk buried in legal language. Better contracts lead to fewer disputes and cleaner project closeouts.
7. Fewer Regulatory Headaches
From changing labor laws to compliance requirements, contractors are dealing with more regulation than ever. A major 2026 resolution is simplicity—clear rules, consistent enforcement, and fewer administrative burdens that pull owners away from running their businesses.
8. Trusted Advisors Instead of Call Centers
Contractors don’t want to explain their business to a new person every time they pick up the phone. In 2026, they’re wishing for trusted advisors—people who know their account, their projects, and their risk profile, and who can act quickly when issues arise.
9. Better Risk Management, Not Just Coverage
Smart contractors know insurance alone isn’t enough. They want proactive risk management: guidance on certificates, additional insured language, subcontractor controls, and claims strategy. The goal is fewer problems before they start—not just coverage after the fact.
10. Peace of Mind
Above all, contractors wish for peace of mind in 2026. They want to know that their insurance, risk management, and compliance are handled correctly so they can focus on what they do best—building, growing, and leading their companies.
Where BGES Group Fits In
At BGES Group, these contractor “wishes” aren’t abstract ideas—they’re exactly what we work on every day.
BGES Group is a construction-focused insurance brokerage built around one core principle: be there when contractors need us most. We understand the realities of construction because we live them daily alongside our clients. When markets tighten, claims happen, or last-minute issues threaten a job, contractors don’t need excuses—they need answers.
We work with contractors across trades to secure competitive, properly structured insurance programs, even in difficult markets. More importantly, we don’t disappear after the policy is bound. Our clients deal with one knowledgeable, reliable point of contact who knows their account and responds day and evening—not a rotating call center.
BGES Group helps contractors with:
- General liability, excess liability, workers’ compensation, and umbrella programs
- Contract review support and insurance requirement analysis
- Additional insured and certificate compliance
- Risk management strategies designed to reduce claims and long-term costs
- Guidance through audits, renewals, and claims advocacy
We pride ourselves on being street-smart, transparent, and proactive. We tell contractors the truth about the market, prepare them in advance, and help them avoid problems before they turn into costly mistakes. In short, we aim to deliver exactly what contractors are wishing for in 2026: stability, clarity, and peace of mind.
Start 2026 with the Right Partner
If your New Year’s resolution is to work with an insurance broker who actually answers the phone, understands construction, and treats your business like their own, BGES Group is ready to help.
BGES Group Gary Wallach
📞914-806-5853