Keep Your Eyes on These 4 Construction Industry Trends in 2017

Starting back in 2008, the whole construction industry took a big hit thanks to the growing economic crisis. During the recession, American housing prices plummeted. The sudden lack of demand in residential property, coupled with little money to invest in infrastructure, dramatically decreased the amount of work for construction crews. Many builders walked away from their jobs to find more profitable employment elsewhere.

But those days are long gone, and the construction industry is starting to surge. The economy is recovering, interest rates are low, and the new administration is promising greater investments in infrastructure and rural America.

It’s an exciting time with lots of potential, because whenever an industry rebounds, you can be sure that innovation isn’t far behind. So, what can you expect from the construction industry in 2017 and beyond?

The following is a list of some of the major trends to look for.

1. It’s a Candidate’s Market

Those who left the construction industry during the recession haven’t all made their way back. And yet, demand in the industry has increased to the numbers that existed prior to the recession. That means there’s a severe shortage of skilled labor in the industry.

Whenever there is high demand with low supply, it becomes a candidate’s market. Those looking to hire must work harder than ever before to acquire and retain top talent. This provides constructers workers with a lot of power and plenty of options over those fighting for their talent.

If you have construction experience as a superintendent, project manager, estimator, or worker, now might be the time to see what positions are available and what you qualify for.

2. Technology is Taking Over

As it is in just about every other modern space, technology and automation are taking over. The construction industry is no exception. While initially slow in adopting technology, the shortage of work and the constant need to cut costs, many in the construction industry are now turning to technology to improve site operations.

Everything from wearables to drones are helping employees and employers get more done.

For example, workers are now equipped with wearables to ensure they are protected on job sites and aware of potential hazards. Machinery is being equipped with sensors to monitor when maintenance is needed. Virtual and Augmented Reality are also picking up steam in this space.  Using devices like Microsoft’s HoloLens, workers and engineers can get a more detailed view of project blueprints or overlay designs onto real-word structures.

Building surveyors can use drones to conduct site inspections and identify any defects or repairs in locations that could be difficult to access. These drones not only save time, they help keep workers out of potentially dangerous situations.

Tech adoptions is also opening the industry to a new portion of the workforce. Those with technology skills now have a new industry to explore.

3. A Greater Push to Go Green

Despite the United States’ decision to withdraw from the Paris Agreement on climate change, the importance of environmental protection is still very much a mainstream concern.

Many industries continue to emphasize the importance of minimizing their carbon footprint and being as green as possible.

Look for the construction industry to make even more improvements in this area. The industry is starting to realize that minimizing its environmental impact is not just good for publicity; it can also help their bottom line.

Nielsen reported that more than half of those who responded to their global survey on corporate social responsibility said they were willing to pay extra for products and services from companies committed to going green.

4. A Rise in Prefab & Off-Site Construction

While prefabrication and off-site construction are not anything new, their potential to help cut costs and improve quality control has caused more and more companies to adopt it.

Off-site construction includes all of the same materials and meets the same requirements as traditional construction methods, but avoids many onsite challenges.

When fully completed units are delivered to the construction site, they are ready to assemble and therefore final construction is quicker and far more efficient.

This method also helps the earlier trend of going green. Quality control in factories allows for better materials and less waste, not to mention less energy consumption and on-site disruption.

These trends, and many others, point to an exciting time for the construction industry. Technological advances are improving efficiency and safety, off-site construction is reducing waste, and best of all, there are plenty of positions available for those with construction skills.

If you were hesitant to rejoin this workforce because of the economic downturn, it might be time to reconsider.