The latest trends in the construction industry have emerged due to technological advancements and the changing work dynamics as a consequence of strict regulations governing construction sites and human interaction in the post-pandemic era.
Incorporating technology is essential to retain a competitive advantage in the industry and to empower you with tools to develop better plans for the future. Certain trends remain popular year after year, while others are short-lived and fade away from the scene in no time. Let’s talk about the new trends that are changing the landscape of the construction industry:
Focusing On Workers’ Health And Safety
Coronavirus turned our lives topsy-turvy in many ways. However, it led to some positive changes along the way as well. For example, it made businesses more cautious about the health and safety of their employees. The construction industry was not exempt from this rule and saw a massive transformation in work and safety practices. Nowadays, officials are visiting construction sites regularly and penalizing them for not staying on top of health and safety protocols.
Training your employees is one way to enhance your organization’s safety culture. Make sure the training is not a once-in-a-while event. Instead, it should be an ongoing process. That way, your employees are more likely to retain and apply what they have learned.
Investing in the proper safety equipment is an essential requirement for making the work environment safe for workers. Construction workers who do not have the necessary equipment are prone to making catastrophic mistakes. Some of the go-to PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) for construction workers include hard hats, safety gloves, prescription safety glasses, work boots, ear plugs, high visibility clothing, and respirators. Additionally, construction companies must ensure that all equipment on the job site is in top working order.
Rise Of Modular And Prefabricated Construction
In light of the recent epidemic, modular and prefabricated construction is on the rise. These structures are often modest. Once built, they can be carried by trucks from one place to another. This construction style is perfect for businesses that want separate offices with independent systems, remote workers who require a home office, or hospitals that need a few more rooms. In addition to being cost-effective, prefabricated buildings are relatively faster to construct. Additionally, this process is ideal for making temporary structures. All these characteristics suggest that this building style is here to stay.
Use Of 3D Printing
Construction continues to rely heavily on 3D printing. We have recently seen many office buildings and mansions raised in record time using this technology. Low-income and emergency housing are good prospects for 3D printing. A standard 3D-printed house currently costs roughly $10,000. However, experts suggest that the price could come down to as low as $4,000 in the coming years. Construction equipment parts, building materials, and other items are already being 3D printed in large quantities.
Keeping an eye on 3D printing is essential because of its potential to reduce waste, speed up turnaround times, and mass-produce bespoke designs without altering existing machinery.
Prioritizing Sustainable Construction
An energy-intensive sector like construction and environmental sustainability do not always go together. According to a well-documented report, the construction industry consumes raw materials and natural resources and generates an estimated 39% of the world’s carbon emissions. However, there is some positive news. The construction industry is gradually becoming more environmentally friendly.
In addition to organic sustainability programs, clients are becoming increasingly concerned about combating climate change and are demanding green certifications, tax credits, and other ways to protect the environment. This trend encompasses everything from the use of materials derived from sustainable sources to the construction of structures that lead to carbon-neutral societies. Sustainability in construction is more than just creating low-impact structures. It is a new approach to the construction industry that aims to enhance how people live and build. You can also check Bella Contracting which has expertise in full site, interior & exterior, and environmental demolition.
Leveraging Drones
Drones have been a prevalent construction tool trending in the last few years. Their usage in the industry has grown by 239% annually. Over time, the trend will witness an even more significant surge because building projects are becoming more complicated. The following are some of the key applications of these cutting-edge tools:
Topographic mapping: When preparing for large-scale building projects, topographic maps are a must. Among other things, they can expose costly mistakes in designs unsuitable for a particular environment. Though topographic maps are handy, they are expensive and time-consuming. That is where drones come into play. They can drastically reduce the time it takes to visualize a site’s topography because of their capacity to survey large areas of land.
Monitoring progress: Many of the most recent drone systems include real-time monitoring features for increased security and optimal response time. That way, drones enable project managers to devise weekly progress maps in a much more efficient and cost-effective manner than traditional methods. Besides, they also help to improve overall efficiency and communication between construction companies and their clients.
Reaching unsafe and inaccessible areas: Drones can operate in otherwise inaccessible or dangerous places. For instance, drones can inspect roof structures from a great height. It is a far safer choice than sending inspectors or personnel to areas with minimal safety boundaries.
Diversification Of The Supply Chain
Contractors have been forced to find substitute suppliers or pay more for supplies due to the interruption in supply chains. Even now, there are no signs that this situation will get better soon. This trend entails reassessing long-standing commercial ties and taking chances to build new alliances.
There will be a price to pay for this risk. New contracts may place more emphasis on escalation clauses to cover unexpected costs. At the same time, it could also be an excellent prospect for nimble suppliers and contractors to reach clients that may have been tough to access previously.
Conclusion
The construction sector is about to enter a prosperous new decade marked by widespread developments after overcoming the challenges of preceding years. Many industries are on shaky ground due to the economic climate, and the construction sector is no different. However, construction managers are devising novel approaches to optimize their operations. The current top construction trends will result in a more technologically sophisticated and ecologically responsible industry.
