Though the construction industry was slow to embracing the tools offered by technological advancement compared to other industries, the story has been different over the past decade. The industry now boasts of emerging trends such as changes in supply routes and technology. As older trends are being made fresh, new ones are springing up every year. Hence, it is highly important for construction companies and all players to keep up with the continuing growth and evolution in the industry so that they will not fall behind and prepare for the future.

Below is a list of the trends that will keep you up-to-date with the happenings in the construction industry.

Technology Advancement and Integration

Advancement in technology has impacted almost all industries, construction inclusive. There are basic technologies that are specifically suited to construction. These technologies have and will continue to make construction work easier and safer. Some of them include:

• 3D printing;
• Augmented reality;
• Building Information Modeling;
• Construction software and data ecosystem;
• Increased prefabrication, modularization and eco-friendliness;
• Drones;
• Robotics; and
• Cloud and mobile technology.

Drones and 3D Printing

Drones are used for rapidly mapping large areas over long distances, producing valuable aerial heat maps and thermal images. The advancing drone software provides real-time actionable data that can be used for rapid decision-making, streamlining the entire construction process. Drones can be increasingly used to reach heights and do jobs in place of human workers to prevent injury. They also make sure that materials are placed properly. 3D printing, on the other hand, can be used to ensure that materials are produced and used in perfect sizes.

Building Information Modeling (BIM)

Building Information Modeling is an advanced software modeling which offers immense benefits to the architecture and construction industries. It has changed the way architects and construction engineers approach building design as it provides powerful tools that enhance creation of dynamic design and streamlined structures that stand the test of time. BIM improves collaboration and creates efficiency in workflow, enhances visualization prior to construction; it enables easier project management, and reduces waste and cost.

Better Safety Equipment

Construction works come with a lot of hazards such as workplace accidents, fatalities and different degrees of injuries. The knowledge of this has helped experts to research more and scrutinize the industry. The result of this is the development and innovation of technology to make construction sites safer. There are now several mobile apps and computer programmers creating easier ways for construction workers to consciously adhere to approved safety measures on jobsites.

Construction Management Software

Construction management software helps construction companies and personnel to be more competitive and master operational efficiency.

The numerous software available come with diverse features and functions. They create opportunity for workers to tackle end-to-end needs, compile data and share files with mobile teams. Other functions and features offered by these software include: easy budgeting, document storage, payroll and HR, monitoring inventory, and project management. The key to maximizing construction management software is to choose the best that suits one’s needs. This can be done by their usability and integration with other software. Their customization options, upgrades, additional features as well as availability of support and training can also be considered before making a choice. Some of the software currently in use in the industry are:

• Procore;
• CoConstruct;
• Buildertrend;
• PlanGrid;
• ProjectSight;
• RedTeam;
• Quick Base; and
• Projul.

Sustainability

The construction industry has embraced green technology as many homeowners, buyers, renters, and commercial tenants are now using it as standard. Green technology aims to lower a building’s carbon footprint and the use of resources and building models to reduce the use of resources, as buildings are reportedly responsible for 40 percent of energy consumption and 30 percent of greenhouse gas emissions.

The major challenge with green technology and eco-friendly features remains their expensiveness. The rising costs of materials is not helping matters either.

Modular and Prefabricated Construction

These two trends are now very popular. This is because they are energy-efficient and cost-effective. These features have been favoured lately as a result of the continuous rise in the costs of building materials. Many construction companies, who have the desire to cut cost, have been projected to also embrace modular and prefabricated construction. These trends create effective hot melt adhesives and the overall ease of design which make home building process quite easy. This means that many permanent modular and prefabricated buildings will spring up in the near future.

Rising Costs and Persistent Labour Shortage

There are also downward looking trends in the construction industry. Some of these are rising costs of materials as stated earlier and persistent shortage of labour. Rising costs of materials is a big issue for construction companies as it leads to increase in construction costs and affects their profit margins.