Innovative technologies are transforming the construction industry today. What are the top construction trends for homes and businesses? How are they shaping the future of the industry?
Sustainability
Consult with a residential and commercial construction company, and they will confirm that consumers are seeking sustainability in their latest projects. Green building materials and energy-efficient technologies are at the top of the list for many. Sustainable practices are being seen in every phase of the construction process, and these practices are leading to energy-efficient buildings that can serve water while improving the health and safety of the occupants.
Rising Costs
Rising costs remain a concern within this industry. Material costs have increased significantly in recent years, and interest rates have remained high. Although there has been a recent decrease in the interest rate, the industry continues to be pressured. Fortunately, construction companies can leverage technology to overcome these challenges by enhancing precision and efficiency. Augmented reality, building information modeling, and drones are three ways they are doing so.
Safety
Safety must remain a priority in the construction industry. More than 1,000 individuals lost their lives in the construction industry in 2023, accounting for 20% of all workplace deaths in the country that year. OSHA has taken steps to increase the safety of construction crews by advancing its Heat Injury and Illness Prevention Standard. Heat remains a persistent issue, posing a significant threat to workers in America; therefore, measures such as these will help increase safety for all working within the industry.
Cybersecurity
When people think of risks facing the construction industry, cybersecurity is often not the first thing that comes to mind. However, many construction firms are embracing cloud-based project management, integrated supply chains, and IoT-enabled equipment. Cybercriminals recognize this and are targeting the industry. Companies in the sector have sensitive high-value data that the criminals love to target. Sadly, accessing this material is easy, as these companies often have limited cybersecurity maturity. Every business within the construction industry must take a proactive approach and use measures such as multifactor authentication and least privilege access to prevent unauthorized access to this material.
Robotics and Automation
The construction industry is adopting robotics and automation to enhance the workforce using technology. This highly labor-intensive sector has many repetitive tasks, increasing the risk of human error and fatigue. Automation not only reduces rework but also improves overall project quality. Robots can be used for 3D printing, rebar installation, and concrete placement. Furthermore, they may be deployed for welding, cutting, and other tasks. However, these robots are unable to work in adverse weather and may find it difficult to navigate specific challenges. Human workers will still be needed on construction sites for the foreseeable future.
Modular Construction
Prefabrication and modular buildings are seeing a resurgence. Experts predict this market will reach approximately $110 billion in 2025. The shortage of skilled labor and technological advances are driving this trend. Prefabrication and modular construction allow for rapid construction times while minimizing waste. Labor costs decrease, and the company’s environmental impact is minimized.
These are just a few examples of the many trends currently observed in the construction industry. Virtual and augmented reality are becoming more prevalent in the sector, and 3D printing is being used to build structures or prefabricate components. Advanced building materials and techniques are driving the industry forward, and living materials are becoming more commonplace. Any company that embraces these trends will remain competitive in the evolving landscape. Now is the time for every company to look into them.
