The previous years have been challenging for the construction sector. The global pandemic pushed the economy towards recession, putting all construction activities on hold.
After a swift year, the construction industry is ready to develop and innovate in 2023. Many new technologies have emerged, specifically catering to the construction sector. They promise to reimagine the construction process with higher productivity and efficiency levels.
Simultaneously, regulations for the construction sector have become more stringent today. That means all industry players will focus on sustainability to eliminate environmental damage. Simply put, we will witness a rise in green buildings and smart cities. Further, the rising labor shortage has increased reliance on women in construction, creating a diverse workforce.
Robotic applications have also started influencing the construction industry. They can assist with manual tasks like bricklaying, reducing the risks of workplace injuries. Overall, the construction industry is ready to bounce back with more innovation and efficiency.
Now, let’s discuss six trends reshaping the construction industry in 2023.
Table of Contents
Modular Design
Constructions companies continue to innovate with modular designs. It allows them to construct offsite and put together the building on-site. Ultimately, the process expedites the construction process and reduces carbon dioxide emissions.
After all, construction happens in a controlled-factory environment. There is no risk of weather interruptions and minimal chances of accidents. In addition, modular construction can happen alongside, which means you don’t have to wait for other teams to finish their tasks.
Therefore, people wanting to construct homes quickly can look for companies offering modular design. Renowned construction firms, like Horner Building Company, offer residential and commercial construction with minimal waste. You can inquire about previous projects to understand the construction process better.
Green Buildings
Climate change has quickly become one of the most concerning issues today, and unfortunately, the construction industry plays a massive role in fossil fuel emissions.
According to statistics, construction creates 40% of global carbon dioxide emissions. As the world is becoming more considerate towards these issues, the construction industry is taking measures to curb its impact through green building practices.
Construction companies have started investing in environment-friendly practices. They use green materials to build structures that decrease environmental impact.
Industry leaders also seek ways to minimize material waste that results from demolitions. Further, they use locally sourced construction products, free from chemicals. These green building methods contribute to the environment and shrink energy usage. It also saves thousands in electricity usage, benefiting everyone.
The Rise of Smart Cities
Nowadays, almost every person has a smart device in their home. These gadgets can do everything – from cleaning homes and saving energy to providing information. Similarly, such devices have also made their way into the construction sector.
They focus on making cities smarter by ensuring security and safety. Lately, tech experts have incorporated artificial intelligence into urban communities. As a result, construction companies are integrating AI into their workflow.
Likewise, building typology – the data-collecting sensors is one of the essential components of a smart city. Construction companies must build a plan accordingly to integrate these sensors. All in all, leaders in the construction industry must address these concepts to keep up with smart cities.
Diverse Workforce
Even though the demand for construction companies continues to grow, the workforce powering this industry is shrinking. Since 2014, construction jobs have increased significantly, but there is insufficient labor.
As a result, construction companies have launched recruitment campaigns targeting women to join the labor force. Since most construction posts don’t require a college degree, there are no barriers to entry for women.
Unlike other sectors, there is no pay gap between men and women in the construction sector. Further, many construction firms have created policies to cater to a diverse workforce, such as offering parental leave. These fundamental changes make construction positions more appealing for females to work.
Design Technology
Today, clients demand more options from their builders. They have higher expectations than ever, creating a highly competitive market. As a result, companies must keep up with emerging design technology to ensure they can cater to consumer demand.
Believe it or not, technology influences different aspects of the construction industry, with building information modeling (BIM) being the most famous one.
It can reimagine construction design and the entire process before construction starts. Architects can design a virtual building model, show the design, and get client approvals. It also enables builders to analyze the project properly before starting construction.
The virtual tour of the construction projects highlights every nook and corner. That way, contractors can identify any issues that can halt construction. It saves money and time in every stage, ensuring there is no time for unexpected problems or mishaps.
3D Printing
Undeniably, 3D Printing has been in the limelight for a long time. It initially catered to product prototyping, but now it has emerged as a critical player in the construction industry. 3D printers can print building walls and process cement, reshaping the construction process. They can also process concrete, speeding up the manufacturing process.
Besides making the construction process less labor-intensive, it reduces waste. As 3D Printing is an additive manufacturing process, it only uses the material necessary for creating structure. Hence, when paired with other waste-reducing processes like lean construction or prefabrication, it has the potential of a waste-zero building.
Another great thing about 3D Printing is designing freedom. Architects can build complex designs that are otherwise impossible due to expensive materials. It opens doors to creativity and more innovation in the construction space.
Lastly, 3D Printing makes construction more automated and programmable, reducing workplace injuries. After all, everything is a proper protocol with minimal human involvement. The only setback for this technology is the high cost of purchasing and renting the 3D equipment. It is costly and requires regular maintenance, making it arduous to justify costs over benefits.
Final Thoughts
Truthfully, 2023 is shaping up to be a lucrative and incredible year for construction. This industry will continue to expand with innovative technology and high service demand. However, construction firms must focus on meeting customer expectations and leveraging tech.
It will enable them to complete projects faster at a much lower cost. Likewise, it will reduce the likelihood of mistakes, accidents, and injuries on-site, increasing productivity. If you haven’t yet, capitalize on these trends and take your construction business to new heights.