Top 4 Trends for Construction Firms in 2020

2019 saw some specific trends in the construction industry. For UK firms, the onus was very clearly on the use of drones and the growing value of augmented reality. For 2020, those important trends of yesterday remain vital, but emerging trends for the new year could cause considerable shake-ups in the sector. From new technologies to new ways of thinking, the construction sector in Britain is set to shift priorities and focus on providing new services and new ways of working.

If your construction company is still racing to catch up with last year’s essentials, here’s what you should be looking at in 2020 to keep ahead of your competitors.

1: Management Software

Technology and construction go hand in hand, and the sector is known for keeping up with the latest tech developments. Project management is always one of the most time-consuming tasks that every construction firm in the UK has to deal with, and that’s being made easier than ever with a growing range of software options. From improving timekeeping and schedules to ensuring that processes are carried out in the right order, the right software could save your firm from making costly management errors.

2. Going Green

There is more awareness of environmental impact than ever before, and construction companies are facing huge shifts in their approach to the world around us. This isn’t just about designing the best in green spaces; it’s just as much about sourcing materials from local companies so that transportation costs are kept to a minimum, and carbon footprints can be severely reduced. The growth of local specialists that can provide construction companies with all they need is driving this trend for maximum cost-savings, with centrally-based companies like GF Laser able to get precision metal laser cutting completed and delivered to your site without long waits or significant environmental impact.

3. Modular Construction

This type of construction was a major factor in 2019 and looks set to become the norm for construction companies. Able to build both residential and commercial buildings quickly and easily, modular and prefabricated construction can help to cut costs and speed upon completion times, making it highly appealing to both construction companies and those that use them. When parts of a building can be built off-site and delivered as one finished piece, the cost and energy-saving potentials are enormous. This type of construction project also allows for a more integrated use of recycled materials, which only adds to the focus on green construction methods.

4. 3D Printing

It is now possible to 3D print an entire house, but this is not quite yet practical enough for extensive use. However, 3D printing is already making its presence felt in the construction sector. Because 3D printing is mainly automated, the potential cost-savings are obvious, but there’s also the fact that innovations continue to emerge. We may not yet have seen the full scope for 3D printing in construction, but it is fast becoming a trend that UK construction firms will need to address now if they don’t want to fall behind their competitors.

If your construction company hopes to make it through the year and emerge stronger than ever, it’s time to start paying attention to the industry trends that matter. If you think that the construction industry is going to stay the same as always, you could be in for a rude awakening as your competition starts getting those contracts you relied on.