“As of 2023, the BIM market was worth $8.06 billion and is expected to grow to $9.43 billion this year,” says Exploding Topics. At Kilgore Companies, we pride ourselves on knowing commercial construction trends. With the industry and jobs in construction constantly changing, it’s needed to embrace new approaches, technologies, and methodologies. In this article, we’ll explore six key trends that are shaping the future of commercial construction.
Sustainable Construction Practices
Sustainability has become a huge part of modern construction projects. Clients are increasingly wanting environmentally friendly solutions that reduce carbon footprints and minimize waste. At Kilgore Companies, we are implementing sustainable construction practices across our company.
One of the trends in sustainable construction is the use of green building materials. These materials are sourced responsibly, often recycled or renewable, and contribute to energy efficiency. Using these features like solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and green roofs not only reduces environmental impact but also helps with long-term cost savings for our clients.
Sustainable construction extends beyond materials to include efficient design and construction processes. We prioritize LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification for many of our projects, ensuring they meet standards for sustainability and environmental performance.
1. Advanced Building Technologies
The advancement of technology has revolutionized the construction industry. From Building Information Modeling (BIM) to drones and 3D printing, these technologies are bettering efficiency, accuracy, and safety on construction sites.
BIM, in particular, has become part of our construction projects. This digital twin enables us to identify potential issues before they arise, prep the construction schedules, and improve collaboration among stakeholders.
Drones have also become a valuable tool in commercial construction. Drones can be used for site surveys, progress monitoring, and safety inspections. Their aerial perspective provides valuable data that helps with decision-making and overall project management.
2. Modular Construction
Modular construction is becoming more popular in the commercial sector due to its speed, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability benefits. This approach involves prefabricating building components off-site and assembling them on-site, reducing construction time and helping to limit disruptions. By leveraging modular techniques, processes can be sped up, it can improve project predictability, and meet tight deadlines without compromising on quality.
Modular construction works with sustainable practices by helping with material usage, reducing waste, and enhancing energy efficiency. It also offers flexibility and scalability, making it a good option for a wide range of projects.
3. Emphasis on Safety and Wellness
“Construction is a high-hazard industry that comprises a wide range of activities involving construction, alteration, and/or repair. Construction workers engage in many activities that may expose them to serious hazards, such as falling from rooftops, unguarded machinery, being struck by heavy construction equipment, electrocutions, silica dust, and asbestos,” says OSHA. Safety has always been a top priority in construction, but recent trends emphasize a holistic approach that includes worker wellness. At Kilgore Companies, we focus on creating safe and healthy work environments for our teams.
One trend is the use of wellness features in construction design. This includes ventilation systems, natural lighting, ergonomic workspaces, and access to green areas. These elements not only better productivity but also contribute to employee satisfaction and well-being.
Technology plays a big role in improving safety on construction sites. Wearable devices, IoT sensors, and real-time monitoring systems help with hazards, track worker activities, and ensure compliance with safety protocols.
4. Jobs in Construction: Building a Bright Future
As we navigate these trends in commercial construction, one thing remains clear – the industry is full of opportunities for skilled professionals. Jobs in construction are diverse and rewarding, offering a chance to be part of projects that shape the landscape.
From architects and engineers to project managers and skilled laborers, the demand for talent in construction continues to grow.
5. Digital Transformation and Automation
The construction industry is undergoing a digital transformation, embracing automation and digital tools to speed up processes and improve productivity. At Kilgore Companies, we recognize the potential of digital technologies to revolutionize how we design, plan, and execute construction projects.
One of the key parts of digital transformation is the adoption of construction management software. These platforms centralize project data, facilitate communication among teams, track progress, and enhance decision-making. By using digital tools, we can better workflows, reduce errors, and deliver projects more efficiently.
Automation also plays a big role in construction, particularly in repetitive tasks and equipment operations. Robotics, drones, and autonomous machinery are increasingly integrated into construction sites, improving precision, safety, and productivity. This shift towards automation not only speeds up project timelines but also frees up human resources for more complex and creative tasks.
6. Resilient Design and Disaster Preparedness
In an era marked by climate change and environmental challenges, resilient design, and disaster preparedness have become a big part of commercial construction. At Kilgore Companies, we focus on designing and building structures that can stand up to natural disasters, extreme weather events, and other unforeseen challenges.
Resilient design surrounds a range of strategies, from reinforced structures and durable materials to innovative water management systems and energy-efficient solutions. By bringing resilience into our projects, we ensure longevity, safety, and sustainability for our clients and communities.
Disaster preparedness goes hand in hand with resilient design, emphasizing proactive measures to mitigate risks and respond effectively to emergencies. This includes developing emergency response plans, incorporating backup systems, and implementing sturdy safety protocols. Our commitment to disaster preparedness ensures that our projects not only meet current standards but also help prepare for future challenges and uncertainties.
The trends outlined above – are driving changes in commercial construction. By embracing these trends and staying aware and agile in our approach, we can deliver strong results that help exceed client expectations and contribute to a more sustainable future. Explore jobs in construction and be part of a team that builds with innovation and excellence. Together, we can build a brighter tomorrow.