The construction industry is ever-changing. Major advances in technology, a growing focus on going green and several natural disasters like the wildfires in California and Hurricanes Harvey and Irma all impacted the construction industry in 2017.
Here’s a look at The Top 6 Construction Trends that Ben’s General Contracting Corp. predicts the industry can expect in 2018:
1. Increase in Modular and Prefabricated Construction Projects
In 2017, modular and prefabrication construction increased in popularity in both residential and commercial construction. Modular homes and modular commercial buildings are built off-site in a temperature controlled factory environment and are not affected by bad weather delays or delays waiting for inspections. With the added benefits of being cost-effective and energy efficient, coupled with the quick completion time (they come 80-85% complete), the demand for modular construction will continue to grow in 2018.
Click here to learn more about the advantages of modular construction.
2. Smart Home Technology on the Rise
According to market research company, Statista, the household penetration of smart homes is at 14.2 % in 2018 and is expected to hit 28.6 % by 2022. In 2017, 33% of homes were estimated to have at least one connected device. Homeowners are purchasing items like smart appliances, smart door locks, or smart thermostats allowing them remote access to adjust their home’s temperature or lock their doors from their smartphones and tablets. Voice activated smart speakers like Amazon Echo or Google Home are making these smart appliances even more attractive. Statista further states that, “Smart homes are predicted to spread not just to residential areas and living spaces, but various types of buildings and industries.”
3. Drones
Drones, equipped with cameras, are one of the most significant trends in the construction industry for 2018. They can provide several benefits to contractors and their clients. Drones can survey job sites, inspect difficult to access sites and improve site safety. Footage collected from drones can help monitor the job site and capture job progress for both builders and their clients.
4. Material Costs Continue to Rise and Alternative Materials May Be the Solution
Material costs are high and are expected to continue to increase steadily in 2018. Partially due to natural disasters like Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, builders are seeing an increase in lumber prices. In addition, drywall, concrete, iron, steel, and roofing material prices continue to rise. According to John Burns Real Estate Consulting Senior Vice President Jody Kahn, that by the end of 2018, approximately 21 billion dollars of building materials will have been needed to clean up Florida and Texas. Kahn further states that spending on building materials rose 9% last year and may rise another 5% this year. To make up for these rising costs, builders can look to eco-friendly, renewable or recycled building materials in 2018.
5. Focus on Going Green
The Green construction movement is not a new one, but it is still going strong in 2018 and predicted to continue to rise for many years to come. Solar panels, water conservation, energy efficient windows, and touchless faucets are just a few of the biggest trends in green, energy efficient home and commercial construction.
For more about ways to boost your commercial building’s energy efficiency, click here: https://www.bgccorp.com/2017/09/boost-your-commercial-buildings-energy-efficiency-four-tactics/
6. Focus on Outdoor Spaces
The trend towards investing in outdoor living space began several years ago and is still going strong in 2018. Many homeowners highly value creating their outdoor oasis and fire pits, pools, building larger decks, and outdoor kitchens are just a few of the trends we will continue to see increase in popularity in 2018. And it is a great investment according to Remodeling magazine’s 2017 Cost Vs. Value who found “a nearly 60 to 71 percent return on investment when homes with outdoor living features are sold”.
Interested in remodeling your home in 2018? Call us today at 516-623-2945 for an appointment!
-Article Written by Lauren Norinder
