By Michael A. Bordes
With decades of experience in the construction industry, I’ve picked up a thing or two about the industry and a keen sense of what’s around the corner. My firm has been weathering the pandemic and as I write this article, I’m looking at day-to-day operations and how best to keep my employees at their best. My hope is that 2021 will be vastly different from this year. So, with that in mind, I offer 10 areas of insight into what will be trending in 2021.
- MODULAR or pre-fabricated products will become important in the future years to come. Modular construction is more efficient and faster. The time savings from modular to conventional construction will create 30 to 40 percent savings in time alone and another 20 to 25 percent savings on materials as well. The industry is currently suffering with the lack of labor and mechanics available. Modular will create a much more efficient way of building and the quality will be better also. Having lumber cut on a jig with precise measurements will be the way of the future for most new developments.
- DRONES will become part of our daily work force. The newer way to observe, monitor, and even take photos will come through drones. The neat little flying cameras will help with overviews of properties or sending a camera into spaces we sometimes can’t get to. We now have an additional set of eyes from above!
- EQUIPMENT COMMUNICATION is being put into play more each day. The tech giants are struggling to put automated machines on the road. Companies working on construction equipment are having much success and indeed, future construction sites and road work projects will see these types of equipment soon. These types of equipment will eventually help with less manual labor and more equipment, working with the help of humans operating via some type of program thru computer or smartphone.
- ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE is projected to be used more frequently, mainly because of its ability to reduce construction costs. It can also assist with forecast models which allow project managers or construction supers and team members to determine whether their time frame is realistic. Additionally, using artificial intelligence in construction software solutions can provide safety. This is possible by running scenarios and stress testing. AI is also being explored as a powerful tool to reduce construction site injuries and deaths, which adds to business and human cost in the industry.
- LOWER PROFITS are already being experienced in the United States. These lower profits are due to the fierce competition from Asian counterparts, complexities of projects, and supplies chain disruption, especially during this pandemic. Maybe it’s time to go back to basics and fundamentals in the industry. Strict schedules and proper management can reduce the losses, and also completing a project in a timely fashion will help bring in the profit percentages we need to survive.
- SHORTAGE OF CRAFTMEN/CRAFTWOMEN has become very visible in today’s market. Companies are having a difficult time ensuring enough labor to fill in hourly positions. Apart from that, there are almost 250,000 positions that need to be filled. Due to the lack of workforce, firms have turned to pre-fabricated and modular materials and items.
- COVID REGULATIONS, rules, and laws are becoming an added expense and will most likely remain this way well into the future. This can eventually add from .050 to .060 percent of a project’s overall cost. It will be better to purchase these items in bulk to have additional savings.
- CONSTRUCTION CLOUD COLLABORATION moving forward will be important. The cloud will make such collaboration easy by providing the tools that can be accessed at any time. This collaboration will enable commercial builders the opportunities of reducing costs and preparing efficient project schedules and timelines. The cloud is also secure, responsive, and portable. The cloud can share information safely thru your internal office and field personnel. The clouds is becoming the latest trend moving forward into the future.
- DEDICATED ESTIMATOR in-house will be one of the smartest investments, if you can afford one. Over time, you will start to see the benefits of an in-house estimator by time and experience. The time they spend on your model will help them get honed in for future projects. The new estimator will learn the nuances of your business and get better and better at quoting numbers for your exclusive business.
- SAFETY has already become a trend. It is so important to practice safety from all jobs to all positions. The cost of fines from OSHA or DOL can be expensive along with the possibilities of having your project shut down. Delays are costly and stop work orders are also painful, plus you risk the embarrassment from your client. Safety saves lives and helps us be more aware to prevent injuries. Always practice safe measures.
CLOSING THOUGHT
Moving forward, for my business, we need to start abiding by the new rules and regulations mandated by NYS and all local and city DOB agencies. For all of us, we are nearing the most critical time in our lives when we must be very clear on how we represent ourselves and also how we have our employees model our company. With strong patience and understanding, we will all get through this tumultuous time, as long as we all, collectively, work together.
About the author:
Michael A. Bordes, President of AA Jedson Company LLC, has decades of experience in construction management. Bordes’ expertise, combined with exceptional directorial and organizational skills, has presented him with bigger and broader opportunities and a plethora of satisfied clients. Spearheaded by Bordes, AA Jedson Company, LLC, is driven by a team of experienced construction managers, skilled craftsman, field and support staff who recognize the importance of commitment, responsibility, attentiveness, and partnership. For more, visit www.aajedsoncompanyllc.com.
Modern Contractor Solutions, October 2020
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