9 construction trends to watch out for in 2023

The world isn’t what it was a decade ago – or even a year ago. Housing market trends are evolving and new technologies are 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 construction industry trends are 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.

Top industry trends to look out for

Trends	Importance	Rating out of five
Advanced technologies	High	4
Improved collaboration	High	4
Worker safety	High	5
3D printing	Medium	3
Green building	Medium	3
Advanced building materials	Medium	2
Building Information Modeling	Medium	2
Online presence	High	4
Financial monitoring	High	5

It’s important to pay attention to the 2023 economic outlook and emerging construction industry trends for 2023. These trends 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

According to the State of Residential Construction Industry annual report, 26% of builders plan to invest more money in software in 2023 than they did in 2022. With inflation and the possibility of an economic downturn, investing in technology to protect and grow your business is essential.

Advanced technology is quickly 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 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 2023 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. More construction companies are migrating to the digital space by replacing traditional communication practices such as email and spreadsheets with cloud-based alternatives.

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 that 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 staff
• Setting clear guidelines and consequences
• Constantly inspecting the site
• Collecting feedback from employees
• Holding regular meetings with workers to understand their problems
• Providing top quality safety gear

All of these practices benefit teams in reducing accidents and unintentional deaths. Construction tech plays a big role here, too. Building businesses can use software solutions to monitor processes and identify flaws before they happen.

However, there’s room for improvement: 45% of builders don’t use software to manage health and safety in the workplace. A comprehensive construction platform, like Buildertrend, is the key to increasing the work you’re already doing to keep your workers safe on the job.

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.

3D printing may be able to solve challenges including 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. These include:

• 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 in construction 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)

Another important aspect to consider is the use of Building Information Modeling (BIM). It may sound complicated, but this is nothing more than a three-dimensional digital portrayal of the project you plan to build.

The model includes details on the structural, electrical, plumbing, HVAC and other elements dealing with the construction materials. BIM helps builders, architects and civil engineers visualize how a space will be constructed and its functionalities.

8. Enhanced online presence

Producing online content is crucial for builders to generate high-quality construction leads. By utilizing blogs, social media and email marketing, you can engage your target client and establish yourself as an industry expert. Your content should educate, inspire and ultimately drive more quality leads your way. 

Build a contact list and send regular updates from a branded email address to deliver information on industry insights, exclusive offers and upcoming events.

You should also keep search engine optimization in mind to ensure that the content you create ranks high in search engine results. If you spend time making content, you want your potential clients to see it. Learn more about SEO best practices to increase your visibility.

9. Financial monitoring

Studies show that builders’ financial understanding has continued to improve in 2023.

Over half of builders surveyed (57.3%) for the 2023 State of Residential Construction Industry’s annual report are generating monthly financial reports. To effectively stay on top of your financials, monitoring gross profits on every job on a monthly basis is important.

Some critical steps involved with monitoring financials include tracking job costs, calculating the gross profit for each job, reviewing profitability and making adjustments wherever necessary. Performing these tedious tasks informs your decision making, shows areas that require improvement and aids in the long-term financial health of your business.  

Why it’s crucial to keep up with construction industry trends

To be a leader in this evolving business, construction companies must stay informed on industry news and updates. Here are just some benefits of keeping up with the latest and greatest.   

Improved competitiveness

Staying current with industry trends like construction AI can help construction companies stay ahead of competitors. Research your competition’s strategies, marketing approach and any trends they’re adopting. Regularly conduct this market research and analysis to stay in touch with new technology and emerging trends.  

Increased efficiency

By embracing new technologies and processes, you’ll improve efficiency and productivity. To be extra efficient, use a good construction management software with construction forecasting – forecasting is just one way that tech will organize your workflow.

Enhanced safety

Staying up-to-date with safety trends and best practices can help construction companies reduce workplace accidents and injuries. Investing in professional development for your employees will keep everyone in the loop on best practices.

Better reputation

By demonstrating a commitment to innovation, safety and sustainability, construction companies can improve their reputation with customers. Also, it’s a wise decision to be a regular presence at networking events and trade shows to connect with others in the business.

Step into the future now with Buildertrend construction software

Improved communication. Risks mitigated. Increased productivity. The benefits of these nine 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 the palm your hand.

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.

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