Construction is an industry that is continuously changing and evolving. Not a year goes by that technological advances, increased focus on sustainability or some other relevant developments fail to alter the way business is conducted in the construction industry. If you own a construction company, it is vital to stay abreast of recent industry developments in order to stay ahead of the curve.
- Start Using Augmented Reality
The technology of augmented reality allows for virtual elements to be incorporated into real-world surroundings. The process involves overlaying a 3D, computer-generated image onto and actual space to provide a model for what a particular project will look like once it’s complete. The market for this technology is expected to grow to $90 billion by 2020.
Augmented reality is an efficient way to stage a project and provides a tangible display for clients to analyze before construction begins.
Builders and developers benefit from:
- A 3D view of a future product in a real environment.
- The ability to automate the measurements of buildings.
- Simulated safety and hazard training.
- Real-time evaluation of structural changes to architecture.
Augmented realities also allow builders and developers to take a virtual walk through a project to identify needed changes. Everyone involved with the project can also view the finished product before completion.
- Invest in Cost Estimating Software
Estimation and costing software for building provides users with a collection of information, processes, and programs that allow for accurate cost estimations of a construction project. Basic estimating software will allow you to estimate the costs line by line with the ability to add and edit information as needed.
Cost estimating software will help builders align their designs with the desires clients have for the project. It is also possible to create exact square foot models that can be adjusted as needed.
Estimation and costing software for building will also allow you to access cloud-based software anytime you desire and quickly find pertinent information regarding the desired project. This software provides detailed breakdowns of costs, quarterly updates of changes to project costs, and alerts when relevant changes take place.
- Utilize Environmentally Sustainable Material
Sustainable products in construction are often referred to as green building products. These products are manufactured from recycled materials that can include stone, metal, and paper. Other materials that can be quickly recycled include:
- Bamboo – A fast-growing plant that is used often in the construction of sustainable buildings. Bamboo is a versatile plant whose fast-grow capability makes it easy to replenish.
- Cork – This sustainable building material is often used for floors. Cork can be extracted from the bark of a tree without the need to cut the tree down.
- Reclaimed Lumber – This building material is taken from older structures before being treated and reused. Building with this material conserves timber and uses less energy to recycle than it takes to produce new lumber.
- Recycled plastic – Instead of sourcing, mining, and milling new components, companies are able to produce concrete using ground-up trash and recycled plastic.
This helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while reusing a material that would otherwise end up in a landfill.
Bottom Line
The one constant in the construction industry is change. This can be problematic for some construction business owners who have grown accustomed to an old way of doing things. Owners of construction businesses should incorporate the three tips above to embrace changes in the construction industry.