With the end of 2017 comes a period of looking forward to the new year. Trends in the construction industry happen for a reason and that reason is that most companies face similar circumstances and experiences that affect the industry as a whole. In this article, we’ll go over some of the top construction trends for 2018.
Safety
If there is one major cause of lowered productivity, distraction from long term goals and loss of company morale it’s workplace accidents. The construction industry has long been known as a leader in the category so it remains imperative that safety continues to be a focus of employers and employees alike. The advent of safety apps for mobile phones has helped with general overviews of safety in the workplace and will hopefully help reduce lost time due to accidents in the forthcoming year.
Technology
Technology has long played a part in driving the construction industry forward and we see 2018 as being no different. There will be more reliance on technological advances in driverless vehicles, use of virtual and augmented realities, 3D printing, drone use and mobile phone apps that affect everything from safety and communication to data control. As all other businesses are affected by progress in technology, so to is construction.
Modular Construction
Modular construction increases the speed in which buildings can be put together while lowering the costs of doing so. Urban areas can benefit from short term modular buildings, while more permanent constructions allow room for growth without the commitment if things don’t work out as planned. Modular construction also reduces the amount of waste and debris typically associated with more traditional methods of building.
Cost Controls
As the world’s economy continues to grow, so do land prices, labour costs and the price of supplies. Because of these growing expenditures, construction companies will have to find ways to reduce other costs to remain competitive. Aforementioned points such as technology, modular construction and safety will all play roles in cost savings, but the industry can also help its own cause by looking forward and encouraging more students to consider a skilled labour career. Providing internships and educational opportunities today will lower costs in the future.
