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Nearly every industry sees constant changes, but construction over the past few years has been seeing both advancements in technology and major social impact. Construction has always relied on some systematic approaches, but like other industries, it’s been forced to adapt. Here are some crucial areas where the future of the construction industry is going to be quite different from traditional ideas.
Small Business
Housing developments, from condos to retirement villages, are going up everywhere. More small businesses and contractors are appearing to pick up the demand in local markets. Residential construction has been the top growth area for small businesses, thanks to upturns in demand, lending, and property values. That also means opportunity for related industries like landscaping, real estate, designers, and architects.
The commercial side of construction is also on the rebound. Demand for more office space, more storage, and more strip malls rather than large complexes are also feeding construction SMBs.
It’s not so difficult for an experienced and ambitious person(s) to make the switch from sub-contractor to business owner. It only takes funding and familiarity with local and federal regulations for insurance, bonding, and basic safety equipment from hard hats to the best construction boots. It may sound like a tall order, but there’s plenty of help out there.
Hipsters
Forget about any stereotypes involving hard-hatted construction workers. Today’s younger crews come from all walks of life as more young people turn to growing construction companies to earn a living. Get used to seeing hipsters working construction sites.
That’s not a bad thing. The Millennials and later Generation Z progeny are raised in a connected, informational world of internet and cell phones. They know how to get things done. With high expectations, they seem to have a greater attention to detail and quality, even in something as basic as mixing concrete. As older workers with their years of experience retire, those are good traits that can benefit the industry.
And like it or not, they are the shapers of the future. That means that their tastes, perspectives, and choices are important to bring to the construction trade.
Technology
It’s already changed the construction and will have even more influence. There doesn’t seem to be much concern about having robots takes away construction jobs; instead, more companies are realizing that technology provides several more efficient, more precise tools, which will always be good for the construction industry.
More designs are being first created as precise 3D models. Huge 3D printers can even create the actual building components. Laser scanners can take fast and accurate measurements of a variety of features. Airborne drones facilitate visual inspections and mapping with minimal effort, including streaming footage to computers. They have other benefits; Danis Building of Ohio used its drone purchases to stimulate press releases and business.
Big data analysis is providing companies insights that help to develop greater efficiency and better marketing for increased profitability. Cloud services are an increasingly useful tool, especially for small constructions companies that are mostly out of the office. With a laptop or smartphone, they can access online files and apps from anytime, anywhere.
Green Building
Climate change and environmental concern are one of the biggest issues in society. Less than 32 percent of the Earth’s forests remain. With all the press on the subject, people are left feeling anxious, or guilty, and want to do their part. There’s increased demand for recyclable green materials.
Most people still seem to regard green building concepts as ugly, more expensive, or as inferior to traditional products in durability. Green construction was once the hallmark of commercial or private activists with plenty of money to spend.
But environmental concerns are not fading. They’re growing, and as a result, better and more affordable green products continue to appear. Construction companies must be prepared to follow along, or they could be losing revenue opportunities.
Lumberjacks
Yes, lumberjacks – or the lumber industry. The term refers to people who cut down trees, but there are many more roles in the lumber trade. It’s one of the industries that seems to be lagging for good reasons. Hardwoods are expensive, and more people are turning to alternatives like laminated floors or veneered furniture.
Consumer tastes also tend to change. One of the most popular woods once was once red oak from the Appalachia region. Now, lighter grains like maple are preferred. But companies like Bransom Floor Service of Texas are able to stay profitable due to the simple fact that upscale clients still love hardwood floors. In some cases, it will increase home value.
Part of the problem is also the green movement. Trees need years of growth to be practical. More environmentalists out to “save the trees” encourage their friends and neighbors to opt for the more sustainable alternatives.
The construction industry needs to adapt. The demand is there and continues to grow, but social influences and technical tools must become a part of operations to stay profitable. Construction, after all, is a service industry.
Amanda Wilks
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