Watch Out for These Top 10 Construction Industry Trends in 2022
Construction is a notoriously financially difficult industry to work in, but after years of setbacks and uncertainty it seems like things may be turning around. These next few months will provide us with valuable data on how companies are doing during this time where they face increased costs while also battling shortages for labor or materials that have been limiting their growth potential before now.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a lasting impact on how the construction industry does business. From scheduling and closing projects to hiring workers, many aspects of this process will change as new technology continues its progression in modernizing building sites with improved ability for winning bids while also increasing profit margins among professionals involved at every level–from management down through labor unions representing them.
In a time where the construction industry is becoming more competitive and market shifts, it’s important to stay on top of these trends. Read ahead for 10 must-watch construction industry news in 2022 that will help you be successful!
PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
The COVID-19 pandemic is having a major impact on the construction industry, with state regulations stressing cleanliness and strict safety protocols. This means there will be increased union influence in projects which could add cost or time.
The industry is too diversifying for one tone of voice to cover it all. Machines are being created to eliminate common threats. Some wearable innovations such as work boots that connect through Wi-Fi and alert others if you fall have made their way into job sites for increased protection against falls or other mishaps with hazardous materials like in this example: “Material moving mules can even transport heavy loads autonomously.”
A headset also decreases noise pollution by keeping workers tuned into what’s around them while actively reducing sounds up until they’re needed so noises don’t get heard by any employees nearby when wearing these types of devices.
Beyond worker gear, robots are already replacing human workers. More accurately than “replacing” humans these bots change the jobs that people do – in most cases they’re augmenting our decision-making power (like deciphering and translating data findings into actionable insights) while giving some tasks away altogether.
3D printing is revolutionizing the construction industry by providing a safer, more environmentally friendly way to build things. Not only does it decrease transportation risks and allow for earlier detection of noise or heat at site-builders but also provides warning systems so that equipment can be moved before an emergency situation arises.
EFFICIENT TECHNOLOGY
For developers and builders this year, it’s all about technology in construction. Technology like the COVID-19 pandemic has caused an increased reliance on efficiency enhancing innovations to make sure projects get done efficiently without any delays or setbacks due their lack of resources during a time where everyone needs them most. These are a few types of techs that will only increase in popularity through 2022 and beyond:
SMART CONTRACTS
Experts see blockchain technology improving relationships in the construction industry. It’s a powerful component that provides more secure and fast-moving workflow, allowing all involved parties access to improved productivity.
By using smart contracts, all organizations within a project can benefit from having an easy-to use system that tracks their purchases and payments. The blockchain ensures rules are followed while providing increased security for both parties involved in the deal as well.
CONSTRUCTION DRONES
The drone has become an essential tool in the construction industry, with its use growing by 239% year over year. The technology offers far more uses than just aerial photography for real estate and commercial efforts; they are able to deliver supplies into hard-to-reach places without having any trouble whatsoever.
Drones are changing the way we live, work and play. They can be used for rapidly mapping large areas over long distances to create valuable aerial heat maps which provide real-time actionable data that helps streamline construction processes. They are quickly becoming the go-to for onsite construction safety and security. This is because they can be used instead of humans in dangerous situations, like an unsafe work site where there could potentially be injury or accidents with equipment loss preventing projects from being finished timely which impacts schedules meaning you get hiccups along your building process.
The future is now and that means we need to start thinking about how our businesses can use technology in new ways. Two great examples of this would be implementing advanced AI techniques on moving construction equipment monitoring systems, or even creating an app for employees who want more flexibility with their work hours.
AUGMENTED REALITY
The global augmented reality market is expected to be valued at more than $1.2 trillion by the end of this decade, up from about 37 billion in 2019 alone! The world has been relying on pre-existing models for years now and AR means efficient project staging that makes any construction site tangible – plus it helps buyers or tenants visualize what they’re purchasing before buying anything outright.
For builders and developers, AR facilitates the use of wearable technology and 360-degree video to enable:
- 3D visualization of future projects on their surrounding environment
- Automated measuring of buildings
- Fast and affordable simulation of architectural and structural changes
- Safety training and hazard simulations
BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING (BIM)
Industry leaders are using building information modeling technology that allows them to create computer renderings of buildings and utilities. The ease with which these models can be managed, as well as their data shared efficiently among many users, has led some companies in the prefabrication sector adopting this new form of construction–which will likely lead us all towards a more efficient future.
GROWING NEED FOR LABORERS
In a world where the demand for labor has been increasing, it makes sense that there would also be an increase in quality. Though robots can’t replace human beings altogether and do pick up some slack as they become more advanced over time.
It’s no surprise that technology has led to an increase in the need for more educated workers. However, women are stepping up as they fill some of these roles with their vast competencies – especially when it comes down to construction industry jobs which only account for 10% female representation and hiring trends show 94% growth by 2018 among woman-owned firms alone.
Construction firms are now targeting Generation Z, born between 1995 and 2010 in their recruitment efforts. In the past, trade school was seen as a negative option for those looking into an education specializing in construction work, but this is not true anymore because of COVID-19 pandemic attitudes about alternative educations. Options have shifted greatly resulting from increased positive perception towards these programs which positioned companies well to showcase career growth potential within their industry while also giving them many opportunities to experiment new technologies.
REMOTE WORKSITES AND MOBILE ACCESS
Construction workers can now access their jobsite through mobile applications. These apps include real-time inspections, on site accountability and accurate measurements taken from a phone camera.
Collaborating remotely is no easy feat, but it’s necessary for the success of a project. COVID-19 made this effort even more challenging by requiring teams to collaborate without physical access or materials; AECOM developed technology that allows public approval meetings virtual because they’re unable meet in person anymore due their location (AECT). Other companies offer apps like AirMeasure which can measure spaces while users are offline – useful if your connection isn’t perfect.
RISING MATERIAL COST
The Producer Price Index for construction goods increased by 17% in the U.S., and interest rates are likely to compound all types of costs, resulting in further pressure on total project volume. However, technologies like drones can help maintain this rate as they allow projects greater flexibility without sacrificing safety or quality assurance (AR).
Innovative living materials and technology may push up costs further, even though they ultimately provide more savings for users in the long run. Some of these innovative materials include:
- Self-healing concrete
- 3D graphene
- Transparent aluminum
- Light generating concrete
- Invisible solar cells
GREEN BUILDING
The green building industry is booming, with more consumers looking to purchase or lease eco-friendly properties. Unfortunately, this trend has been slow in catching on due largely because sustainable features are often seen as luxuries despite their long-term savings – but things will change over the next decade as EcoTech and environmentally friendly construction becomes a commonplace.
Renewable energy sources captured 11% of the U.S.’s 2019 energy market and are only expected to grow as accessibility increases. That’s a huge opportunity for renewable power in an already fossil-heavy world.
Green construction is a process, not just an idea. It’s filled with the technology and models that help buildings be more environmentally friendly as well as provide occupants with psychological benefits when they enter into one of these structures.
Google’s new London HQ is an example of greenscaping. The developers deemed the project a “landscraper,” which has similar dimensions to skyscrapers but are built horizontally rather than vertically so they can cover vast surfaces and improve their resistance against high-powered storms driven by climate change.
MODULAR AND OFFSITE CONSTRUCTION
It’s a new world of construction, and the market is booming. Modular homes are leading this boom with $110 billion predicted to be made in 2025 alone! This increase can largely be attributed to lack of skilled labor as well as cutting-edge technology that helps builders make their projects more cost efficient while ensuring they have quality standards set at all times
The rise towards modular living isn’t just happening here either – it’s also spilling over into other sectors like commercial development or industrial buildings where prefabrication will play an integral role moving forward.
New technology has enabled these prefab and modular buildings to grow larger than ever before. The 21-story CitizenM Bowery Hotel, opened in downtown Manhattan this year is now the tallest project of its kind; it also exemplifies how construction can be done quicker when utilizing a building method that’s already established as opposed to starting from scratch with traditional methods. New York City recently partnered up between their Department on Housing Preservation & Development (HPD) alongside an international developer who specializes in constructing such properties – these partnerships are expected produce more affordable living spaces for those still needing assistance after Sandy Hook or other disasters hit neighborhoods hardest hit by poverty rates.
The prefab industry has been affected by a shortage of COVID-19, with some manufacturers shutting down to address the pandemic. But as a whole, modular construction is not going anywhere because it offers better control over employee safety and increase social distancing practices in climate-controlled environments which are essential for maintaining certain distances between workers.
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SOFTWARES
With the help of comprehensive construction management software, you can stay competitive in your industry and maximize profits. The best brands offer end-to-end services from project financing to payroll safely without any hiccups or worries.
Top reviewed construction management software solutions for 2022 include:
Construction management software is a necessary investment for any construction firm. The right program will help you track projects and assign portions of them to different employees, while also providing reporting capabilities that let managers know what’s going on with their teams at all times.
When choosing between two similar products, it’s important not only look at ease-of use but also integration options so they work well together as well as additional features such as scalability or customization available depending upon your needs today yet planned growth in the future.
FOCUSING ON RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS
Tech companies are now competing with some of the most well-established and prestigious construction firms in Scandinavia.
This shift has caused Skanska, one such company involved primarily with large transportation projects to change their strategy towards less risky investment opportunities In addition they have also announced that future plans do not include any public private partnerships or joint ventures; instead focusing on smaller arrangements where there is still potential for success but lower risk if things don’t go according plan.
The construction industry has been struggling with a sharp decrease in large-scale projects, but there are some indications that private sector ones might be coming back. In 2021 alone, residential spending was up nearly 25% and starts to increase by 7% next year as well.
SMART CITIES
Technology is making our lives easier and more importantly, smarter. This Smart Cities trend has the potential to improve many aspects of daily life by providing better infrastructure for communications networks like power grids as well as transportation systems so people can move around easily.
It’s also nice that these developments are environmentally friendly because they reduce air pollution from cars or even fossil fuel burning plants in some cases.
The construction of Masdar City, an experimental city in the United Arab Emirates, that is projected to be a model for sustainable development. The project has been underway since 2007 and will include cost-saving features like solar power generation while also generating clean energy on site using natural resources from within its eco system; Songdo International Business District (SIBD) which includes proposals for new Manhattan expo zone alongside innovative architecture design–such as chair less chairs! It’s expected this ambitious initiative may help revitalize New York’s economy following 9/11.
With the rapid changes in construction, builders and developers must be agile to remain competitive. Skilled labor shortages are likely of concern for many industry professionals as well-priced skilled workers become harder find with increased regulatory challenges on workplace safety coming from intense scrutiny over climate change adaptation.
New practices can help reduce risk while also winning contracts; embracing new technologies will assist you through your projects seamlessly so that they run smoothly at every turn.
The pandemic created an anomaly for statistics in the construction industry but looking forward to it, is largely positive. After a tepid period will be followed by upswing throughout 2022 as new economic centers continue to develop and grow with time.
Contact JeBailey & Co. today at (407) 559-6412, or email us at info@jebaileyandco.com to learn more about our other services or request a quote!
