The world isn’t what it was a decade ago – or even a year ago. We are rapidly evolving with new technologies developed daily. When you compare the infrastructure of the 90s to today, you’ll notice that much of construction – such as construction materials, practices and procedures – has changed dramatically in this short time span.
Now, the industry is moving toward more healthy and sustainable solutions that combat global warming and other worrying challenges. In addition, teams are employing new technologies to automate and accelerate operations.
That’s why it’s important to look at emerging construction industry trends for 2022, which include improved collaboration, 3D printing, Building Information Modeling (BIM), an emphasis on green building and more.
The future is now – and these innovations are proof of it. Let’s get started.
1. Use of advanced technologies like construction software
Advanced technology is fast transforming all industries around the world, including the construction sector. Some of the notable construction technologies include 3D printing, virtual reality (VR), drones, Building Information Modeling (BIM), customer relationship management (CRM) software and data collection systems.
All of these tools and services benefit the construction industry in a variety of ways, including the use of data by construction businesses to make better decisions, increase productivity, improve workplace safety and decrease risks. Additionally, companies can use artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning systems to predict future project outcomes as well as forecast demand and supply in the coming years.
Then there’s CRM software for the construction industry. This will assist companies by increasing the visibility of the sales funnel and sales pipeline. For example, Buildertrend – the leading tech within the residential construction industry – contains a full suite of sales tools to help contractors land more projects, close deals faster and lose fewer opportunities.
Overall, one of the promising construction industry trends we’ll see in the coming years is the use of advanced tools and technologies.
2. Improved collaboration
Another one of the key construction industry trends we can expect to see in 2022 and beyond is improved collaboration. This means multiple construction teams – such as sales, marketing, customer service, construction and those in the field – are all working better together.
It all happens in the online world, too. An increasing number of construction companies are migrating to the digital space by replacing traditional communication practices such as email and spreadsheets with advanced cloud-based solutions.
These cloud-based tools boost team communication significantly by enabling instant access to real-time updates – regardless of where the team is based. Eventually, this will ensure all members working on the same construction project remain connected to one another, increasing overall performance.
In addition to enhancing team communication, construction industry collaboration solutions provide a variety of other benefits such as file storage and sharing, streamlined project management, simplified scheduling, improved security and faster data processing.
3. Greater focus on worker safety
Recently we’ve seen a greater focus on worker safety initiatives, something companies previously overlooked during housing booms.
Here’s what that looks like: Providing adequate training to their staff, setting clear guidelines and consequences, constantly inspecting the site, collecting feedback from employees, holding regular meetings with workers to understand their problems and providing top quality safety gear.
All of these practices benefit teams in reducing accidents and unintentional deaths. Tech plays a big role here, too. Building businesses are also employing software solutions to monitor processes and identify flaws before they happen.
4. 3D Printing
We can expect a boom of 3D printing technology in the coming years. That means teams will be able to literally ‘print’ an entire building.
It doesn’t just sound cool – there are some major benefits to this ambitious approach. Challenges we might expect 3D printing to solve include waste reduction, design freedom and human error reduction. Additionally, 3D printing in the construction industry reduces injury and incident occurrence, lowers material costs, speeds up building and improves durability.
All of these advantages will significantly improve a project’s overall performance and quality.
5. Emphasis on green building
One of major emerging construction industry trends is an increased emphasis on green building. What does this mean exactly? Let’s make it simple: Green building is the practice of constructing structures using environmentally responsible techniques.
Keeping in mind global warming and other environmental challenges that pose severe long-term threats, the construction industry has adopted environmentally friendly systems and techniques.
This approach is likely to be adopted by a rising number of construction teams since it provides a number of benefits, including reduced water and energy waste, conservation of natural resources, improved air and water quality, protection of biodiversity and ecosystems, reduced costs and increased value.
6. Advanced building materials
The steel your grandpa built with might not be the steel you use today. Traditional building materials such as concrete and polymers have been enhanced or replaced by more innovative products over the last few decades. This enables distinctive and sophisticated design while ensuring energy efficiency, sustainability and security.
This construction industry trend is likely to continue for many years to come. Thermasteel panel systems, spray-on coating and kebonization of softwood to hardwood are some additional examples of advanced building materials.
7. Building Information Modeling (BIM)
The last trend on our list is the use of Building Information Modeling (BIM). It may sound complicated, but this is nothing more than a digital portrayal of the project you plan to build. This model greatly aids construction firms, architects and civil engineers in visualizing how a space will be constructed and how functional it will be.
Step into the future now with Buildertrend construction software
Improved communication. Risks mitigated. Increased productivity. The benefits of these seven construction trends are priceless and limitless.
For small and independent builders, some of these may seem out of reach or only available to the biggest in the industry. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. When you start using construction project management software, many of these trends are instantly in your palm.
Buildertrend is advanced technology that improves communication and allows you better visibility on processes like worker safety or material procurement. To see what the leading tech solution for residential home builders, remodelers and specialty contractors can do for your business, demo Buildertrend today.
