This is an article in the series adapting to the pandemic, where we intend to share useful tips for making it through these troublesome times.
The COVID-19 pandemic has ground the old “normal” to a halt. The effects of the current coronavirus crisis will be felt long after stay at home guidelines are lifted. Even after businesses re-open, it will be a long while before we fully adjust to a new normal. Among the industries permanently affected is the construction industry, which is hugely dependent upon teams working together in person.
As we shift to a paradigm in which human interaction is required less and less, what will the future of construction look like? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are the top changes to anticipate in the construction industry after COVID-19.
New Building Modeling and Completion Strategies
To ensure the safety of each and every contractor, more projects are being managed remotely. As a result, some companies are utilizing technology to ensure that the recommended social-distancing guidelines are met.
Long term, as construction companies find more cost-effective ways to continue building, this may result in the use of artificial intelligence and advanced modeling computer programs. They will be used to measure and complete initial renderings of buildings.
Software is being developed that will allow for near real-time imaging of construction sites. Additionally, this software can help with the mapping of projected work so that projects can be pitched, bid upon, and approved completely remotely. Because of current conditions, in which human interaction needs to be reduced, these different work conditions will certainly be on the rise.
How will AI create more jobs?
Let’s start with the basics. AI may replace jobs due to its greater capacity for:
- Computing
- Modeling
- Measuring
It can complete these tasks in a safe and interaction-free way. However, the engineering, troubleshooting, coding, and maintenance of AI programs and machines will require lots of manpower. If you are interested in becoming one of those people who create software, visit BootcampRankings and check their rating of coding courses.
Currently, AI is helping keep the workforce protected while it manages some of the dirty and dangerous jobs following the coronavirus outbreak. As AI helps support remote communal working, it may make it possible for work to resume normally which will support the industry as it begins to recover, and even grow, post-outbreak.
Will 3D modelings and tours of buildings be more popular?
From bid walks, hosted via webcams, to remote-controlled machines taking the place of human construction workers, the industry is evolving. The use of technology to enhance daily construction-related projects is only going to be more prevalent.
Construction workers are, in many cases, considered essential in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. Creative solutions involving state-of-the-art technology are enabling them to meet their timelines without necessarily putting themselves in harm’s way.
This last point is critical. Many construction workers currently have less sick pay and time off than may be necessary to keep them safe and healthy. This is especially necessary in the event of possible exposure to COVID-19.
To mitigate this risk, workers are turning more and more to digital modeling and real-time coworking experiences offered over the internet. Increasingly, if workers don’t have to do something in person, they’re finding other solutions so that they can stay safe.
How will housing development budgets be affected?
Due to the reported material shortages and delays, an unfortunate reality is that budgets may increase. However, this is only short-term, until supply chain issues work themselves out and the current demand peak wanes.
In addition, it may be difficult to secure finances for construction. Financial institutions and lenders are being careful with their loan approval rating while the economy is on shaky ground. This may not impact the size of housing development budgets but can certainly delay any projected timelines.
As technology advances and research is done to find solutions for halted construction, the market for AI implementation is growing. The cost of those advances may go over and above the cost of business as usual, but should even out as the economy works to get back on its feet.
Key Takeaways
Ultimately, the construction industry will begin to move again following the coronavirus outbreak. The priority of the industry has to be the safety of its workers. While some construction workers continue as essential workers, the plan for some construction agencies is to figure out how to mitigate their losses by investing in technology.
