Construction trends come and go, which is why it is necessary for contractors, builders, construction workers, and project managers to keep up to date on them all the time. While some of the trends are in design, many of the others within the industry are helping everyone do their job better and faster.
Here are the current top trends in construction:
Green Technology
More and more people are choosing to go green, which is why this trend is not going away anytime soon in the world of construction. Any construction project that uses green technology will be environmentally responsible and resource efficient. The entire project will utilize green methods, including during the design process, the construction process, the maintenance, and eventually even the demolition.
Better Safety Equipment
Safety has always been a concern on construction job sites and workers have been implementing safer standards for years. However, in recent years, better safety equipment has been included in this process to ensure that everyone is as safe as possible when they are working. Smart work boots can be used to show if a worker has fallen, while cooling vests ensure that no one gets overheated on those hot sunny days.
Sustainabilty
Sustainability might seem very similar to green technology, and while it is, it is also slightly different. There are times when contractors are looking to reduce their carbon footprint when at a job site and to do this, they may choose to reuse some materials from previous demolitions. They can also choose materials that are renewable or simply recycle some materials for future jobs. Of course, no one can forget finding ways to reduce electrical costs, saving water, and keeping the inside temperatures consistent throughout the year.
Drones
Climbing to the top of a building is often quite dangerous, but in the past, it was the only way that anyone knew the condition of the roof and other items up that high. Nowadays, contractors and workers can utilize drones to access remote areas, as well as the top of buildings. These drones use cameras to take photos or videos to collect data, determine the progress of the project, and perform safety inspections.
Utilizing the Internet and Technology
The internet makes it easy for everyone in the construction industry to be in the know when it comes to each individual project that they are working on. Everyone can use their smartphones, tablets, and laptops to collaborate, share information and pictures, and create documents. They can also track the progress of the project and the costs of what has been done already to see if they are still on budget.
Virtual reality is also a major component of the newest technology and the way that it simulates a project is helpful for both contractors and the clients. Virtual reality allows everyone to decide whether the design and plans work well or if changes need to be made before the work begins.
Project management software is also helping tremendously with construction projects, because it allows every construction project manager to keep up with everything while being out in the field. This software can be used to provide real-time communication, track every aspect of the project, and provide transparency. Most contractors will want to include scheduling software in theirs, as it will help keep the entire project moving forward with fewer delays.
Robots
Robots are not going to take away all the available construction jobs, but they can make up for the current shortages a little bit. These robots cannot do everything that a human can, yet, but they can be utilized for repetitive tasks like hammering in nails and putting in screws. Currently, self-driven vehicles are in use at some construction job sites and some robots are working on masonry projects.
Off-Site Construction
Completing work on a building off-site and then taking it to where it needs to be is becoming more popular, especially since the quality is not being compromised. It has been determined that off-site construction can be completed at least fifty times faster than on-site construction, which means that contractors and construction companies can do more projects in a shorter amount of time.
BIM
BIM is Building Information Modeling and it involves collaboration between all parties to ensure lower costs and resource management. Current BIM can provide a shorter project cycle, while increasing productivity. Everyone involved will understand the scope of the project better too and that is what helps with everything else.
A few of these trends have been around for a year or so, while others are just beginning to be seen on job sites. They will continue to improve and grow in the future, which is good for those who are always looking for ways to do their jobs better, while also staying safe and in communication with everyone.
Contributed by GenieBelt – construction software and app for volume home builders.
