Heraclitus, the ancient Greek philosopher, said, “The only constant in life is change.” What does this have to do with construction, you ask? In short, everything.
In an ever-changing world, it is natural that the role of a general contractor will change as well. Gone are the days when contractors simply managed construction sites – today, they have to wear multiple hats and embrace sustainability, technology, new construction materials and more to adapt to modern challenges.
In this article, we explore the ways in which the construction industry is changing and adapting to the increasing demands of the modern world and how these changes are affecting general contractors.
Embracing technology
Technology is revolutionizing virtually every industry, and although the construction industry has been slow to adopt digitally, it is finally embracing new advancements and technologies. Many contractors today use project management software solutions, 3D modeling, and some even rely on drones for site analysis, planning, and design. These tools help contractors plan projects more efficiently, detect problems early, and ultimately reduce costly errors.
Technology also helps contractors connect with customers and grow their business. For example, lead generation companies that provide flooring leads help contractors increase sales by directly targeting potential customers who have already shown interest in their services.
Becoming more sustainable
The world is becoming increasingly eco-conscious, and general contractors who plan to continue to be successful are keeping pace. Increasingly, contractors are incorporating greener building materials, such as reclaimed or recycled wood, bamboo, or steel, and energy-efficient designs. Solar panels, geothermal heating and cooling, and green roofs are just a few of the sustainable innovations that contractors are adopting.
While part of this adaptation to eco-conscious practices has to do with complying with new regulations, part of the reason also has to do with reducing environmental impact and saving customers money in the long term.
Better collaboration and communication
Every successful construction project is the result of effective collaboration and communication between different partners and team members. Today, the vast majority of successful contractors use digital tools and platforms to communicate not only with subcontractors, but also with architects, engineers, suppliers and clients.
Project management software solutions are ideal for this, as they enable real-time collaboration between team members and help reduce miscommunication, delays, and costly errors. Regular communication apps are, of course, standard at this point, as they help ensure everyone is on the same page.
Adaptation to new building codes and regulations
As mentioned, building codes and regulations are also changing. For example, many states now require insulated concrete forms to meet minimum energy performance standards, so general contractors who want to stay ahead of the curve are continually educating themselves and adapting to new standards.
After all, most of today's buildings need to be future-proofed, meaning able to withstand natural disasters and environmental challenges. Whether it's fire codes, accessibility requirements, or environmental standards, staying up to date is essential for general contractors.
This is also why collaboration with partners is so important: to ensure your projects comply with all the latest codes and regulations, contractors must work hand in hand with architects and engineers.
Stricter security practices
Safety has always been a top priority in construction, but the methods for achieving it have evolved. Today, general contractors are implementing cutting-edge technologies and safety measures to protect workers and the public.
Wearable technology, such as smart helmets and vests, can monitor workers' health and safety in real time. As mentioned, drones are also used, but not just for site analysis and planning: they can also inspect high-risk areas and thus help minimize the need for workers to be exposed to danger.
