Author: Laura Black

Smart cities are rising up—and construction companies are going to be tasked with building the city of the future. But often, as contractors know, it can be more nuanced than that, as local governments have regulations and directives for how to fuel smart city growth. Of course, all of this need to be done while keeping citizens’ best interests in mind. So, how exactly will this continue to unfold in the months ahead? A new report from the ITIF (Information Technology and Innovation Foundation) suggests in order to reap the benefits of the smart city, while still maintaining trust with…

We all have heard many of the statistics such as this one: 4,764 workers died on the job in 2020. The good news is worker deaths in America are down—on average, from about 38 worker deaths a day in 1970 to 13 a day in 2020—and worker injuries and illnesses are down from 10.9 incidents per 100 workers in 1972 to 2.7 per 100 in 2020. Still, 4,764 deaths are too many. This is why many companies are turning to technology to create a safer construction jobsite. Consider the example of Brivo, a smart-building tech provider, which has partnered with…

We all know the challenges the homebuilding industry faces—supply-chain delays, labor shortages, high inflation, and rising interest rates, just to name a few. Now, the question remains: How are these challenges actually impacting homebuilding? A new report points to some interesting trends. The Assn. of Professional Builders recently shared its 2023 trend forecast for custom builders and remodelers. Here is what it discovered. Builders reported 2022 as a record year for revenue and most importantly, their net profits were up. Many builders also reported signing contracts at record margins during the last quarter of 2022 even as the market softened.…

Tomorrow is International Women’s Day, so we can expect an onslaught of content about the importance of women’s equality—and it is important to talk about how we move toward a gender equal world, particularly in industries like construction that have historically been male-dominated. But I think right now the most important thing we can do is be honest. There are real hurdles that still stand in our way to #EmbraceEquity, as this year’s campaign suggests we should do. Let’s name three of these barriers right now. For one, women still carry the bulk of the workload at home. Research shows…

Construction is a unique industry in that work often needs to be done on site. But does it? Just because it has always been done that way, should it continue to be done that way? There are huge opportunities that exist if we can identify how best to move to offsite construction. With offsite construction, work can be done more efficiently, in a manner that is safer for workers, and has the potential to provide more affordable housing to all. Sounds great, right? So, why then aren’t we building more projects offsite yet? Markets like the United Kingdom, Japan, and…

There was a headline earlier this month that said the 2021 Great Resignation has now become the Great Regret, as 80% of the job hoppers wish they hadn’t quit their old roles, with Gen Z the most regretful. This points to the fact that workplace trends are evolving nearly as quickly as technology does. Are construction companies ready for the progression that is happening the workplace in 2023? Perhaps one of the biggest questions on everyone’s mind is with an economic downturn on the horizon—and many companies turning to large layoffs—will the labor market still remain competitive? We know in…

For decades pundits have been talking about what the “future home” might look like—some looking to the shape and design of the home; others looking at the technologies present in the smart home; and others looking at the unique construction methods used to build the home. Even media throws its predictions of what a futuristic home might be. In fact, look no further than the 1960s show the Jetson’s Skypad Apartments in Orbit City, which envisioned a Space Needle version of a home that looked like a circle pod on a long stick. Others lean into the more high-tech mansion—think…

Is a downturn coming for the construction industry? Some pundits say yes, and some say not. The construction industry continues to see high inflation, disrupted supply chains, and construction companies struggle to find the talent to complete projects on time and on budget. A closer look at the numbers paints a clearer picture of where we currently are at and where we are headed in construction. FMI’s North American Engineering and Construction Industry Overview in the first quarter of 2023 gives some interesting takeaways. For one, total construction spending in 2022 was driven primarily by residential building, multifamily, commercial, and…

Technology innovation can sprout up from many places. It can come from the minds of engineers. It can develop in labs in higher institutions. And it can become something more right from inside the four walls of a construction company. The challenge becomes fostering that innovation and helping it become something bigger, especially when small tech startups struggle to get up off the ground. Still, even with the challenges it faces, the construction industry is experiencing considerable digital disruption. Often considered a laggard, many in construction recognize that innovation needs an infusion of investment to help it take off. As…

The predictions for 2023 are coming fast and furious for anyone who has a stake in the construction industry. Let’s take a look at what is in store for the construction industry in the year ahead. Forecasts can run the gamut—everything from construction industry trends that are skyrocketing to tech movements that are taking hold across many vertical markets. Each helps shape the way the market and business unfold in the year ahead. Industry Trends to Watch Let’s start by narrowing in on construction industry and real estate trends to be aware of in the year ahead. Many reports are…