Construction trends for 2022 may mark a significant change and an upheaval for the construction industry, going forward. And with many projects still delayed or canceled, this year probably won’t be any better. Even with builders’ risk insurance, property owners and developers struggle to stay afloat.
But it isn’t all bad news. Some construction trends for 2022 offer a glimmer of hope for the floundering industry. And although we would stop short of predicting an upturn in the making, we will say that a bit of cautious optimism would be in order. Take a look at some of the most significant construction trends in 2022 to see what we mean:
Modular Construction Takes Off
Modular and prefabricated construction is among the most exciting new trends this year. Although they have gone through periods of popularity in recent years, they are undergoing a resurgence among builders and clients looking to achieve consistently higher quality and shorter production timelines.
Labor Issues Continue
Unfortunately, the labor issues that have hounded the industry will likely persist in 2022 and beyond. Labor shortages and understaffing continue to be significant stumbling blocks, and many firms have struggled to overcome the challenges.
Approximately 80% of U.S.-based contractors are experiencing difficulty finding qualified workers for craft jobs. The COVID-19 pandemic has only worsened a difficult situation, with many firms unable to entice former employees back to work.
Collaboration is King
As the demand for lower costs and greater efficiency rises, expect to see more and more segments within the construction industry utilize collaborative tools. These are integral to communications and coordination between head offices and field personnel.
Many construction firms report using Dropbox and similar file-sharing services for collaborative functions. There is also widespread usage of online project collaboration software across the industry.
Still Going Green
Green technology isn’t in danger of going away any time soon. An increasingly familiar aspect of construction in the 21st century, it will continue to inform everyday tasks and policies in the coming months.
Even with all the progress made in sustainability and green technology, much work still needs to be done. The demand for reduced emissions and carbon production goes unabated, from building to maintenance and even demolition.
Safety is Still First
Construction and safety have always had a tenuous relationship, which isn’t likely to change in the future. Despite increased safety measures, construction sites still account for more than 21% of all work-related deaths. As recently as 2018, over a thousand workers died from electrocution, impact, and other construction hazards. Expect to see more improvements in construction technology, which should unleash a stream of new and more innovative safety equipment.
Design-Build Becomes the Norm
Design-build has been an industry buzzword for a few years now. You can expect it to become even more ubiquitous this year and beyond.
Design-build essentially involves assuming the various responsibilities of the construction trade‒architecture, contracting, and construction‒within a single entity. It has many benefits, including improved communication, organization, efficient teamwork, and shorter delivery times.
Presently, design-build is the preferred choice for public construction in 47 of the 50 states.
Automation is the Future
Automation has also been part of the construction scene for some time. Like design-build, we can probably expect to see it utilized more and more in the years to come, for equally good reasons. Automation improves efficiency in construction projects, shortening delivery schedules and ensuring consistency. Even today, automated drones and vehicles take the burden of repetitive tasks from human workers, allowing them to perform more specialized jobs.
Conclusion
As you can see, many of the trends expected to take hold in the construction industry promise positive developments this year. Many challenges remain to be sure. But construction companies that utilize these trends to their benefit may be able to maneuver their way to a position of strength and advantage.
About Snyder Specialty
Snyder Specialty, LLC is a New York-based underwriting facility that provides a range of property and liability solutions for personal and commercial lines. Specializing in coastal properties and hard-to-place risks, Snyder Specialty expands your current capabilities with proven solutions for complex risks. Find out more about the company’s range of services by calling (718) 362-8039.
