Builders and contractors want to keep up with the latest construction industry trends so that they can stay ahead of the competition. Here are nine trends that could affect how you conduct business in 2019.
Better Construction Management Software Construction management software has steadily improved over the last few years, and many affordable packages are now available that bundle together software for bidding and estimating, project management, change orders, scheduling, human resources, billing, accounting and more. 2019 will see more large and small companies making use of affordable integrated software solutions.
Use of Drones Continuing into 2019 will be one of the hottest trends of recent years: the use of drones. Drones, unmanned aerial vehicles, are here to stay. Drones equipped wih cameras and other electronics can access remote locations, collect data, complete safety inspections, capture project progress and so much more. Surveyors use them to create 3d mapping or images that later can be used to depict an area. You can expect rules on usage of drones to begin clarifying as the FFA begins to refine regulations.
With costs of quality drones falling, usage will expand in 2019.
Green Design and Construction Technology Also continuing into 2019 is the trend toward green design and technology in construction. Every construction project is expected to increase their participation through green design aiming towards the LEED certification. This trend, which started some years ago, will continue to rise in 2019. The essence of green design and construction is the effort to create resource-efficient and environmentally responsible construction projects. It includes every aspect of construction, including planning and design, demolition, and cleanup.
With 20 percent of global emissions directly attributable to the construction industry, green building practices can go a long way toward supporting, rather than harming, the environment—especially at a time when aging buildings make new construction so critical.
As was true in 2018, 2019 will also see more local aimed at fostering the green building trend.
Sustainability Closely related to green technology, sustainability can be defined as a broader policy of using methods and business models that make the world a better place. While "green" building practices are really focused mostly on reducing the carbon footprint of a particular construction project, sustainability has broader goals. Among the elements of sustainable construction practice:
For example, a sustainable construction project may feature building designs aimed at bringing natural light into the center of a building, thereby reducing electrical costs. Or, a building can be designed to reuse drain water from sinks to flush toilets. Some sustainable projects look to integrate existing structures into a new project, or to make use of recycled or repurposed building materials.
SCS offers custom home remodeling, kitchen remodeling, bath remodeling, basement finishing, room additions and total home remodeling services with unprecedented reliability and a conscientious desire to help our customers achieve their dreams in the Lawrence, Lenexa, Kansas City and Topeka, KS areas. On the commercial side we provide services for light commercial construction, tenant finish and general contracting services also in the Lawrence, Olathe, Leawood, Lenexa, Overland Park, Kansas City and Topeka, KS areas. Contact us today and find out why our customers are completely satisfied with their remodeling and home building projects.
Increasing interest in sustainability by millennial consumers and clients will require forward-thinking construction companies to accommodate this trend in 2019.
Growing Material Costs Costs of building materials will continue to increase into 2019, a trend that began in December 2017, leading to a 9 percent increase over the course of 2018. Largest cost increases will be seen in iron, steel, manufactured steel products, and softwood construction lumber. The impact of newly initiated import tariffs will increasingly be felt in 2019 through increased costs of materials.
Reduced Labor Force With U.S. unemployment rates low and construction activity remaining relatively high, a shortage of skilled construction labor will continue to be a problem in 2019. The problem will only get worse with expected reductions in immigrant labor. Builders will find it necessary to invest in training to equip existing workers with the skills necessary, and they will need to invest in the tools and higher wages necessary to keep those workers satisfied and productive. Training and development will need to be an integral part of every construction company's policy in 2019.
The labor shortage is so severe in all segments of the building trades that you can expect to see work slow-downs and scheduling delays become routine in 2019.
Better Safety Equipment 2019 will see a push toward better safety equipment to counter the higher number of construction-related accidents and fatalities seen in recent years. For example, there are now "smart" work boots available with GPS transmitters that will allow supervisors to spot workers who have fallen or have slowed down due to fatigue. This technology will become increasingly common in 2019. The quality of moisture-wicking fabrics and cooling vests is also improving. Drones and other robotic surveying equipment will make it easier to spot problems on a job site.
You may also see increased regulatory enforcement aimed at reducing the increased incidence of job site accidents.
Building Information Modeling (BIM) SCS offers custom home remodeling, kitchen remodeling, bath remodeling, basement finishing, room additions and total home remodeling services with unprecedented reliability and a conscientious desire to help our customers achieve their dreams in the Lawrence, Lenexa, Kansas City and Topeka, KS areas. On the commercial side we provide services for light commercial construction, tenant finish and general contracting services also in the Lawrence, Olathe, Leawood, Lenexa, Overland Park, Kansas City and Topeka, KS areas. Contact us today and find out why our customers are completely satisfied with their remodeling and home building projects.
Better Construction Management Software Construction management software has steadily improved over the last few years, and many affordable packages are now available that bundle together software for bidding and estimating, project management, change orders, scheduling, human resources, billing, accounting and more. 2019 will see more large and small companies making use of affordable integrated software solutions.
Use of Drones Continuing into 2019 will be one of the hottest trends of recent years: the use of drones. Drones, unmanned aerial vehicles, are here to stay. Drones equipped wih cameras and other electronics can access remote locations, collect data, complete safety inspections, capture project progress and so much more. Surveyors use them to create 3d mapping or images that later can be used to depict an area. You can expect rules on usage of drones to begin clarifying as the FFA begins to refine regulations.
With costs of quality drones falling, usage will expand in 2019.
Green Design and Construction Technology Also continuing into 2019 is the trend toward green design and technology in construction. Every construction project is expected to increase their participation through green design aiming towards the LEED certification. This trend, which started some years ago, will continue to rise in 2019. The essence of green design and construction is the effort to create resource-efficient and environmentally responsible construction projects. It includes every aspect of construction, including planning and design, demolition, and cleanup.
With 20 percent of global emissions directly attributable to the construction industry, green building practices can go a long way toward supporting, rather than harming, the environment—especially at a time when aging buildings make new construction so critical.
As was true in 2018, 2019 will also see more local aimed at fostering the green building trend.
Sustainability Closely related to green technology, sustainability can be defined as a broader policy of using methods and business models that make the world a better place. While "green" building practices are really focused mostly on reducing the carbon footprint of a particular construction project, sustainability has broader goals. Among the elements of sustainable construction practice:
- Preservation of the natural environment
- Efficient use of resources
- Promoting social progress and culture
For example, a sustainable construction project may feature building designs aimed at bringing natural light into the center of a building, thereby reducing electrical costs. Or, a building can be designed to reuse drain water from sinks to flush toilets. Some sustainable projects look to integrate existing structures into a new project, or to make use of recycled or repurposed building materials.
SCS offers custom home remodeling, kitchen remodeling, bath remodeling, basement finishing, room additions and total home remodeling services with unprecedented reliability and a conscientious desire to help our customers achieve their dreams in the Lawrence, Lenexa, Kansas City and Topeka, KS areas. On the commercial side we provide services for light commercial construction, tenant finish and general contracting services also in the Lawrence, Olathe, Leawood, Lenexa, Overland Park, Kansas City and Topeka, KS areas. Contact us today and find out why our customers are completely satisfied with their remodeling and home building projects.
Increasing interest in sustainability by millennial consumers and clients will require forward-thinking construction companies to accommodate this trend in 2019.
Growing Material Costs Costs of building materials will continue to increase into 2019, a trend that began in December 2017, leading to a 9 percent increase over the course of 2018. Largest cost increases will be seen in iron, steel, manufactured steel products, and softwood construction lumber. The impact of newly initiated import tariffs will increasingly be felt in 2019 through increased costs of materials.
Reduced Labor Force With U.S. unemployment rates low and construction activity remaining relatively high, a shortage of skilled construction labor will continue to be a problem in 2019. The problem will only get worse with expected reductions in immigrant labor. Builders will find it necessary to invest in training to equip existing workers with the skills necessary, and they will need to invest in the tools and higher wages necessary to keep those workers satisfied and productive. Training and development will need to be an integral part of every construction company's policy in 2019.
The labor shortage is so severe in all segments of the building trades that you can expect to see work slow-downs and scheduling delays become routine in 2019.
Better Safety Equipment 2019 will see a push toward better safety equipment to counter the higher number of construction-related accidents and fatalities seen in recent years. For example, there are now "smart" work boots available with GPS transmitters that will allow supervisors to spot workers who have fallen or have slowed down due to fatigue. This technology will become increasingly common in 2019. The quality of moisture-wicking fabrics and cooling vests is also improving. Drones and other robotic surveying equipment will make it easier to spot problems on a job site.
You may also see increased regulatory enforcement aimed at reducing the increased incidence of job site accidents.
Building Information Modeling (BIM) SCS offers custom home remodeling, kitchen remodeling, bath remodeling, basement finishing, room additions and total home remodeling services with unprecedented reliability and a conscientious desire to help our customers achieve their dreams in the Lawrence, Lenexa, Kansas City and Topeka, KS areas. On the commercial side we provide services for light commercial construction, tenant finish and general contracting services also in the Lawrence, Olathe, Leawood, Lenexa, Overland Park, Kansas City and Topeka, KS areas. Contact us today and find out why our customers are completely satisfied with their remodeling and home building projects.
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