We are almost halfway through 2018, and, let me tell you, it has been quite the interesting year for construction. Many twists and turns have manifested to show just how unpredictable the business really is. All companies, especially ones in construction, need to keep up with the latest trends in order to not fall behind. And if they want to be competitive and make a niche for themselves in the industry, they need to conform to the up-and-coming trends.
First off, if you are in the construction industry, and are looking for quality materials and parts, you need to look for reliable options, like Dynatect Manufacturing. They are known to offer some of the best rubber bellows. This is something you should definitely consider looking into.
The Top Construction Trends This Year
Here are some of this year’s emerging trends which I predict are bound to carry over into next year, or even further.
1. Green design
Tons of construction companies are integrating green design in almost all their projects. Green design is a specific means for building projects by way of environmentally sustainable resources, using to its advantage elements such as air, water, and unrefined energy.
Many construction companies are also aiming to possess a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification (LEED).
This is a certification which ensures that these construction companies are truly conserving energy. There are four levels of LEED certification:
- 40-49 (LEED building certification)
- 50-59 (Silver certification)
- 60-79 (Gold certification)
- 80+ (Platinum certification)
Companies are aiming towards LEED because they are trying to establish a name for themselves as global leaders within the industry.
It is estimated that 20% of global emissions come from construction companies. However, the need for buildings is an ever-increasing necessity. Green design ensures that their buildings will be able to sustain any of the different environments and climates throughout the globe.
2. Technological advancements
In this day and age, technology is indeed ever-changing. However, it has been slow going for companies to actually integrate all of the available forms of technology.
For example, construction RFI software has been immensely helpful to companies for determining the outcome of all their projects, and the various costs involved therein.
Over the past few years, the use of drones has been increasing as well. Even small projects have been able to make ample use of a bird’s-eye view.
When dealing with construction, the advantages are as follows:
- Surveyings
- Inspections to improve maintenance detailing
- Inspections for health and safety
- Promotional photography
- Live feeds while walking through sites
- Thermal aerial image recordings
3. Increase in material cost
In 2017, the overall cost of material rose to somewhere around a 7% increase. In 2018, the trend continued its ascent to about 2-3% more. It is a phenomenon bound for continuation. You can be certain that 2019 will be have its ups and downs as well.
The cost of labour is no exception to large expenses. Though there is actually a rather large shortage of skilled labourers.
The increased cost of labour and materials is said to be brought about by the increased cost of oil production. In 2017, the price of one barrel was $50. Currently, the cost is around $74. And construction of all kinds would simply not be possible if it weren’t for oil.
4. Modular buildings
Millennials, for the most part, are able to quickly adapt to new changes. And in the past several years, modular buildings have been gaining a lot of popularity.
Due to the incredible rate at which they are able to construct homes and buildings, modular companies have been showing up all throughout the news media.
Advantages to owning a modular building
Here is a glance at why buying a modular building is a great idea:
- They save a lot of time and money
- They have the capacity to recycle materials, reducing waste
- They are mostly built off-site, which reduces the impact on landscape
- They offer reductions in risks and accidents
- Some builders offer you the option of packing your own home — in the long run, you are able more to move however you wish
5. Better safety equipment
New construction equipment will result in new sets of standards. Construction sites are prone to many casualties and accidents, therefore, it is necessary that appropriate regulations and equipment are present at all times.
For instance, there are work boots that use Wi-Fi to track construction site workers. This is quite useful indeed, for they can tell a contractor if the worker has fallen, had an accident, or has stopped working.
The use of drones has also proven to be a great boon, because they can survey on a wider range. Areas where there are problems or areas prone to increased accidents can be regulated with ease.
6. Construction Project Management solutions
Construction Project Management is a software which provides special project help and support. They include within their grid the capacity for agricultural, residential, institutional and heavy civil project details.
Companies are coming up with new project management solutions to organize all of their projects, by keeping all documents related to said product within a digital folder.
