Despite having faced several challenges in recent years, the commercial construction industry is still on the rise. It will be worth an estimated $728 billion by 2028.
Managing commercial properties is no small task. They can vary significantly, and once a building starts becoming a bit dated, all kinds of problems can begin to arise.
Smaller renovations can help to improve a building, or you may want to opt for a full reconstruction. Either way, making use of the latest advancements can offer some major benefits to a commercial property.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the latest trends in commercial construction services that you should know about in 2023. Keep reading for more.
1. Sustainable Building
Sustainability is becoming a huge trend in almost every industry in the world, and things are no different in construction. The carbon footprint of construction companies has increased over the decades, and many are now making an effort to reverse this.
Some of the areas that modern construction companies focus on include:
- Erecting net-zero structures
- Renewable energy
- Investing in green building
- Enforcing buy-clean policies
Alongside this, governments all over the world are working on building code amendments that can influence the impact that construction has. Despite all this, as the industry grows, so do emissions.
The construction industry is one of the largest producers of CO2, and as it stands, decarbonization isn’t expected until 2050. To a degree, this is a motivator for businesses and governments to continue to address sustainability wherever possible.
This is something that will continue throughout the coming years through things like green roofs, passive design, and the use of sustainable building materials. Offsite construction and efficient project management can also help in this sense.
2. Digitization and Automation
In every area, companies have competitors. As a commercial property manager, you need to take advantage of the latest technologies if you want to keep up. These days, this includes things AI (artificial intelligence), robotics, and various other tools.
Automation tools are used in a range of industries to streamline processes. They can handle simple, tedious tasks, helping to save a lot of time and money. The time you save here can be used more effectively, and time is a very valuable asset when it comes to commercial property management.
3D printing is another technology that has come a long way in recent years and will continue to see more use in the near future. It allows for efficient production of accurate parts and can help save on costs.
Some organizations have started using AR (augmented reality) and VR (virtual reality) to provide more immersive experiences. This can provide a new perspective that gives more detailed insights into a project.
Communicating with stakeholders is crucial, and these technologies can make that much easier. It results in a more detailed and seamless construction process that can prove useful for contractors, commercial property managers, and clients.
3. Modular Design
Modular design is quickly gaining a lot of popularity as it offers an incredibly quick method of construction. Whether designing for residents or commercial purposes, a construction company can use parts that are fabricated offsite and then assembled onsite.
On top of speeding up the entire construction process, this method is typically more environmentally friendly and presents plenty of design options. Some people worry that they won’t be up to standards, but modular buildings can meet all the same codes as other buildings. The fact that the construction timeline can sometimes be cut in half makes it very appealing to both contractors and clients.
Manufacturing parts offsite is far more reliable. It can be done in factory environments, so weather isn’t a factor (which it can be with conventional construction projects). It can happen at the same time as other onsite work, so different teams won’t have to wait for others to complete their tasks.
Parts can often be made using recycled materials, and modular design results in less waste. In many, cases, it’s also safer and more cost-effective, meaning it will likely become far more popular moving forward.
4. Integrated Project Delivery (IPD)
In the complex world of commercial construction, collaboration is more than a buzzword—it’s a necessity. Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) is emerging as a transformative approach that brings together owners, architects, and contractors from the project’s inception to completion. This collaborative model aims to break down the traditional silos in construction management, fostering a culture of teamwork and shared objectives.
The benefits of IPD are manifold. For starters, it can significantly reduce project timelines by enabling real-time decision-making. When all key stakeholders are involved from the get-go, it eliminates the lag time often associated with approvals and revisions. According to a study by the Lean Construction Institute, projects using IPD are three times more likely to be completed ahead of schedule.
5. Materials Science Innovations
Some construction materials (such as timber and concrete) have been in use for thousands of years. Despite that, improvements are made all the time as newer, better materials are developed.
Innovative materials can offer benefits such as:
- Durability
- Energy efficiency
- Flexibility
- Cost
As these advancements continue, everyone involved will benefit more. Some materials that are likely to grow in popularity in the coming years include engineered wood, plastic composites, and carbon fiber-reinforced polymers. This can be expected within both commercial and residential architecture.
The Future of Commercial Construction Services
The construction industry is one of the oldest in the world, yet it continues to advance. Innovative technologies, sustainability, and new approaches to working will all have a huge impact on the changes we see through 2023 and beyond. This will lead to improvements in what construction services can offer, which will help commercial property managers and clients alike.
For commercial property managers, staying up-to-date and informed is vital. Property Manager Insider provides the latest commercial construction services news and updates to help property and facility managers stay on top of things. Take a look at our commercial property managers page where you can find more info and sign up for our newsletter.
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