5 Construction Trends to Keep an Eye on

The construction industry is rapidly evolving as technology and new design requests become commonplace

Key takeaways

• Construction companies are adapting to changing client needs
• They’re using technology more than ever
• You might need some tech literacy when working with these companies
• Hiring a full-service contractor streamlines the process

The construction industry is changing, as companies and their clients look for new ways to speed up work and simplify processes. Many of these changes involve using technology for certain aspects of a project, which provides numerous benefits.

Technology is a positive in many scenarios because it cuts down on redundant work and streamlines construction tasks. However, implementing it can be challenging, especially for those who don’t typically use the latest devices.

Learning how the construction industry is evolving can help as you prepare for your next project. Here’s a look at five construction trends you could encounter when working with a contractor in the near future.

1) Sustainable designs

As you speak with your construction company in the early planning stages, they might inform you about the popularity of sustainable designs. In short, these designs are a way to use fewer resources, which is a massive money-saver when running a commercial or industrial property. 

For example, you can install an energy-efficient HVAC or boiler system and supplement it with solar power. By having your construction firm put some solar panels on your roof, you’ll reduce your monthly bills for decades to come. 

It’s also possible to install systems that minimize water use. Low-flow taps and waterless urinals are examples of ways you can reduce your water consumption, once against lowering your expenses. 

Green construction reduces your carbon footprint and can make your business a destination for customers sharing those values. For example, diners who appreciate your commitment to the environment could be more likely to frequent your restaurant if they know you use solar energy. The result is a significant ROI when following this construction trend.

2) Remote project management

If businesses learned one thing during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s that on-site employees aren’t always necessary. Companies worldwide permitted remote work during this health emergency, and some saw production increase as a result.

Most construction workers can’t stay off-site because they must participate physically in the building process. However, some project managers work remotely, which could change how your project runs.

These managers are using mobile apps to supervise many of their construction projects. The gist is that their construction workers will use these apps to input data, ensuring they’re accountable for tasks and completing jobs on time. 

This construction management software is prevalent on today’s sites, so there’s a chance the person in charge of your project will only be on-site occasionally. While this isn’t necessarily something to worry about, asking some questions ensures you understand who will be actively participating in your build.

3) Smart contracts

Beyond project managers working remotely, one of the latest trends in the construction industry is the use of smart contracts. These contracts are on the blockchain and automate necessary actions within the agreement. 

So, if you owe the construction company money after a certain amount of work is completed on the project, the contract will execute this payment automatically. Complex projects might require multiple smart contracts with unique deadlines, but it’s worth the upfront work because of the time it saves later in the process. 

Your construction company might also use smart contracts with subcontractors and suppliers to streamline project completion. The goal is to finish your build as quickly as possible, and using this technology allows your contractor to automate some jobs that could take significant time.

4) Drone usage

It sounds futuristic, but drones are appearing on construction sites nationwide. Companies use drones in pre-construction to map out the land and its topographical features. Taking measurements from the sky gives a more thorough picture of the site, helping streamline this phase. Mapping the site could take days or weeks manually, while a drone can complete the task in hours.

Next, construction companies can use drones to assist with the design. This technology provides a multi-layered visualization of the construction site for use with Building Information Modeling (BIM) software. The designer then uses this software and the collected data to create a layout and offer a look at how the finalized project will look in its natural environment.

Drones are helpful during the project’s construction phase, helping with inventory management, security, and workers’ safety. This technology also provides real-time progress reports from above, ensuring your project stays on track.

5) Augmented reality software

One of the most fascinating new construction trends present is the use of augmented reality (AR) software. AR utilizes wearable technology like a virtual reality headset to show clients how the finished project will look in 360-degree video. 

You’ll have 100% confidence the design team understands your vision when utilizing this technology because you can see what the contractor will build through the headset. The result is peace of mind throughout the building process. AR can also update any design changes you want in real-time, once again providing confidence. 

Staying on top of the trends

While learning these construction trends is optional as you seek a contractor to handle your next project, familiarizing yourself will streamline the transition into this new way of doing things. The more you understand this technology, the easier it becomes to interact with construction companies and formalize your plans.

You can further streamline the construction process by working with a full-service contractor. These companies handle your project from start to finish, so you don’t have to worry about managing multiple service providers.

RPC General Contractors is an all-in-one construction group that will handle your project from design to completion. Our team understands the latest industry trends and will work with you to complete your job in a manner you find comfortable. Contact RPC General Contractors to learn more about our commercial construction services.