As technology advances, so does our knowledge of how to improve various industries, including construction. The need for effective problem-solving results in a number of commercial construction trends that accommodate societal and industrial changes.
Difficulties like labor shortages, company expansion, and environmental impact require creative and effective solutions. That’s why construction companies like E.K. Bailey adapt with the times, staying up-to-date with the current trends, strategies, and methods for the best construction results.
1. Technology-Assisted Construction
The construction industry has seen increased growth of technology-usage as it becomes more advanced and user-friendly. Not only is it important to adapt accordingly, but it can also be very beneficial to make use of these technological tools.
A few particularly useful pieces of technology in construction are:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Virtual Design & Construction (VDC)
- 3D Printing
These commercial construction trends can provide a number of benefits to projects, allowing for production to run more smoothly and errors to be caught early on. Some of the benefits of technology in construction are:
- Reduces chance of faulty or incorrect builds
- Real-time data analysis for construction monitoring
- Improved efficiency & minimized delays
Taking advantage of the technology that we have means that construction companies can improve their process and the results.
2. Sustainable Building Materials
Another commercial construction trend that has been becoming steadily more popular is the use of more sustainable building materials. The environmental impact of rapid construction has been getting progressively worse and we are now seeing the need for incorporating more sustainable options.
Sustainable materials are often from renewable sources, can be recycled, are from recycled materials, have a low environmental impact during production, and minimize waste. Some of the more common building materials include:
- Mass timber
- Hempcrete
- Recycled materials
Utilizing these resources allows for construction companies to keep up with building demands while also minimizing impact on the environment.
3. Modular & Prefabricated Construction
One commercial construction trend we have seen more of is off-site fabrication. This means that certain components are manufactured away from the construction site and then are delivered ready to install. Though this may seem like it adds an extra step to the construction process, it can actually allow for better quality production in a factory.
Off-site construction can be beneficial for construction because it:
- Minimizes material waste
- Reduces construction time
- Increases efficiency
Knowing the ideal location and procedure for each step of construction benefits the building managers, overseers, clients, and contractors.
4. Smart Buildings & Data Centers
Smart buildings and vertical data centers have been all the rage in commercial construction trends. Here are some of the common changes and reasons why many businesses are opting for these kinds of structures:
Vertical Data Centers
- From single to multi-story buildings; more visually appealing & practical
- Optimizing space to accommodate growth
- Improved energy efficiency with compact design
Smart Buildings
- Increased energy efficiency
- Enhanced safety & space optimization
- Cost reductions
- Occupant Comfort & Experience
Rather than spreading out and taking up more ground space, it has been a popular choice for companies to opt for buildings that grow upwards and make use of new technology. Especially since many corporations are seeing an increase in tech-related jobs, these are both good structural choices to accommodate the company growth and be efficient with space.
5. Labor Shortage Innovation
One difficulty that the construction industry continues to face is the labor shortage. Shortages can lead to quality control issues, reduced productivity, strained client relationships, increased costs of production, and project delays.
Though not quite a “commercial construction trend”, there has been a surge and high need for improved construction efficiency and smart workforce management. There are numerous ways to handle this obstacle of labor shortages:
- In-house experience
- Strategic hiring
- Design-build
It’s important to hire a construction company that knows how to make the most of manpower and resources without going over budget or extending the construction timeline. We at E.K. Bailey are deeply involved in the construction process, working to increase efficiency in every step.
Hire E.K. Bailey for Your Construction
E.K. Bailey, being in business since 1954, has seen a lot of technological advancements and changes. With shifting societal demands and difficulties came a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the field. We balance traditional, reliable construction methods with commercial construction trends to ensure the best results.
If you are looking for experts in pre-construction, consulting, design-build, or construction management, look no further than E.K. Bailey. Give us a call or reach out today to let us know how we can best serve you.
