The construction industry has never been an easy one to get ahead in. When you’re building a construction company, there is a long list of factors and variables to consider, all of which revolve around planning for the future. It’s imperative to make smart decisions and investments to ensure your business will continue to thrive years down the road. Not quite sure what decision is a good decision or what makes an investment helpful? Keep reading for some tools, technology, and construction techniques to get you started.
Top 5 Construction Techniques
#1. Incorporate the Use of Cost Estimating Software
Cost estimation software is a specialized digital program made for the construction industry. This software functions by automatically adjusting the labor units. This allows the construction estimating software to calculate the installation difficulty factor for each milestone based on the task involved, research, and data procurement. The software allows you to integrate different data points such as direct costs, indirect costs, evaluation of contractor bids, field costs, and more. This is one of the most important construction techniques.
The process used by the software is likely more efficient and accurate than manually going through tabs of spreadsheets and other documentation. Using it allows you to save a lot of time with the lowest margin of error. You can set up multiple tabs and cross-reference them with each other for increased accuracy. All of these advantages give cost estimating software a superb edge that a human brain can’t compete with.
Inaccurate estimates are terrible for your business reputation because once you submit the project cost, clients tend to stick with it for the rest of the project. If you ask for extra funds midway or later into the project, it can result in unpleasant situations. The software can help avoid tricky situations like these.
#2. Use of Artificial Intelligence in Construction Techniques
Though comparatively new, AI has already achieved promising results in the construction industry. In the most basic terms, AI is a software that mimics human cognitive functions like problem-solving, pattern recognition, and learning (also known as machine learning).
The application of AI in the construction industry has already been categorized into four distinct categories. Planning and Design, Monitoring and Maintenance, Autonomous Equipment, and Safety. Planning and development apps like GenMEP create 3D models proactively using artificial intelligence. The AI builds the models based on different data sets like architecture, structural engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, plumbing and work schedule timing, and human resources. The BIM 360 IQ by Autodesk uses a complex machine-learning process to predict the risk factors involved in the construction techniques.
#3. Incorporate the Use of Green Technology
Another great way to offset the project cost and do some good for the environment is the use of green technology. The most significant advantage of utilizing green technology is that it is highly energy efficient. This, in turn, reduces project costs in the long run, both during and after the completion of a project.
The energy efficiency ratio is impressive, reaching up to 30–40 percent. As an added benefit, it also promotes a healthier working environment for the workers and all involved.
#4. Incorporate the Use of Augmented Reality
The use of VR (Virtual Reality) and augmented reality is nothing new in the construction industry. They probably find their most practical application in this industry augmented reality software creates a simulation that mimics real-life physics according to the requirements of a construction project. This simulation helps in different phases of the construction project, starting with project planning, automated measurements, project modifications, team collaboration, and more.
Augmented reality software provides the benefits of accuracy, checking the safety factors, and, most of all, saving unnecessary costs in the long run. But it also has some drawbacks, cost and mental exhaustion are the big ones.
Using VR software involves using peripheral devices, which are somewhat exhausting if used for long periods. Also, maintaining the equipment and keeping the software updated means care and manual labor, which many businesses cannot afford or neglect.
#5. Incorporate Using Prefabricated and Modular Buildings
Using prefabricated buildings in construction work has become a recent trend that brings many advantages to the table. The basic premise of using prefabricated and modular buildings according to ECHOtape, “Prefabrication is the act of making buildings or building components in another location, presumably one better suited to construction.”
Prefabrication means the different aspects of the construction are carried out elsewhere and assembled on site. Since the parts can be manufactured simultaneously, the construction downtime can is dramatically reduced if done correctly. The only drawback is you need a lot of connections to pull it off properly.
It’s Hard to Get to the Top
Coming out on top is never a given, especially in the cutthroat world of construction. That’s why you need to use every edge and advantage at your disposal. Especially, advances in technology in construction techniques that make your job easier.