New building materials and methods seem to pop up daily. Some are growing in popularity and trending. Here are some ways construction companies can use them to stay ahead of the curve.
1. Leverage Survey Technology
Using technology to complete a site survey can speed up building processes. Drones are even becoming the industry standard. They can measure, take photos or calculate positioning with the right attachments. They finish much more quickly than traditional methods.
They can perform surveys five times faster than traditional approaches. Plus, it’s usually safer to use them. A company can send a drone to survey or monitor a project rather than workers on foot. It saves them from crossing uneven or dangerous terrain.
2. Improve Safety
The construction industry needs more labor. It must add nearly 550,000 workers in 2023. This figure is in addition to the regular hiring pace. Even if a company can’t attract more people, it can improve safety to ensure the current ones stay.
A routine safety training program can protect workers from injury, hazard violations and equipment accidents. It’s one of the best ways to keep people safe and on the job. Plus, it may increase productivity since it teaches them the most efficient ways to carry out tasks.
3. Build Sustainably
Sustainable building methods have been a rising trend for years. They often combine efficiency with green living, appealing to clients and companies alike. For example, green roofs can increase structural integrity, reduce energy costs and help the environment.
They even provide a 224% return on investment since their life span is double that of regular roofs. They’re an excellent investment, so construction companies offering the option will appeal to more customers.
4. Reduce Material Waste
Many construction companies looking to reduce material waste as a cost-saving and sustainability measure can use dematerialization to stay ahead of the curve. It’s a process that aims to reduce waste through recycling and reusing construction materials and fixtures.
The practice is easy — someone needs to collect items from old projects or thrift stores. Since it uses less timber, cement, glass and asphalt, it’s much more affordable and eco-friendly than traditional methods.
5. Utilize New Construction Methods
Modular and prefabricated homes had a market size of $147 billion in 2022, with experts projecting a 6.5% compound annual growth rate until 2032. These methods involve building most of a project off-site. They’re popular because they’re affordable and straightforward.
Workers do most of the assembly in controlled conditions, so there are never any weather delays. It also makes getting materials and equipment much faster. Speed is of the essence in the construction industry, so these things are a bonus.
6. Use Building Information Modeling
Building information modeling utilizes a three-dimensional display of the construction project to make the planning and building processes easier. It helps architects and clients complete their vision, improving communication and speeding up the process.
7. Build With Modern Materials
Modern building materials can benefit building processes and are usually better than traditional ones. For example, engineered cementitious composite is a highly flexible substance and can handle a lot of pressure. Unlike regular concrete, it doesn’t form large cracks over time.
Construction companies should utilize these items to stay ahead of the curve. For example, they could use a three-dimensional printing machine to build a wall in record time. Plenty of options are out there.
8. Integrate Robotics
As of 2022, the construction industry had nearly 25% more open positions than hires. While a need for more labor has been a trend, robotics may be a permanent solution. It’s a relatively simple but very effective approach.
A robot can automate whatever role it needs to. It could lay bricks or pave roads. On top of reducing the need for more workers, it also supports the current workforce. It can handle tough or tedious jobs so people can focus on more important projects.
9. Digitalize the Process
Augmented and virtual reality is starting to catch on in the construction industry. Architects and engineers can use the technology to see their vision in real time as they walk through a site. They could decide if they wanted to add a wall by directly looking at it through a headset rather than imagining it.
Virtual reality can help improve communication since no one has to guess what’s happening in someone’s head. Also, they can help connect project managers when off-site, speeding up building processes. Learning how to work the devices is usually easy because they’re user-oriented.
10. Equip Workers With IoT
An Internet of Things (IoT) device can collect real-time information about the construction site, better informing workers and supervisors of potential hazards. Companies can use it to stay ahead of the curve.
Everyone can use an IoT wearable device while working to stay safe or on track. It could measure the amount of hazardous chemicals in the air, alerting workers when they must leave the site.
Plus, this technology can gather data while people work. Project managers can analyze everything it collects to see potential areas of improvement. They could use it during the next project to speed things up or increase savings.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
Staying ahead of the curve in the construction industry is as easy as utilizing smart and sustainable building methods. Most even have added benefits like increased savings or safety. Implementing these minor changes can make a big difference in various building projects.
