Innovative Tech Trends To Help Home Builders Stay Competitive
A wide range of innovative digital technologies have been increasingly implemented over the last few years in the residential construction sector. These can be divided into digital data, automation systems, digital access and connectivity. Research has found that the interplay between third-party systems that develop these technologies and the companies that use them is key to successful implementation1. At Hyphen Solutions, we developed the only residential construction project management software suite built to optimize the way Home Builders, Suppliers and Trades work together and continue to add new solutions to our suite of solutions. As such, we have in-depth understanding of how innovative technologies can enhance productivity and profit in residential construction and a deep commitment to stay on top of current and emerging construction technology trends.
Top Residential Construction Trends
Augmented Reality (AR)
AR is one of the most intriguing construction industry technology trends. AR superimposes computer-generated objects into a physical environment using mobile applications, headsets and other smart devices. AR is currently widely used to showcase 3D models, provide tours and give Homebuyers a better idea what their home will look like before construction begins. AR has great potential for tracking and documenting the progress of projects and enabling better collaboration among remote teams. By sharing detailed 3D images and videos with remote team members, errors or issues can be identified without going to job sites. Some AR devices like glasses or mobile devices can scan tags or labels placed in specific areas or objects and communicate hazard information, thereby enhancing safety.
Drone Technology
The global drone construction market is forecast to reach 11.9 million by 2027.2 Drone technology is rapidly evolving, with some construction sites already heavily relying on its use. Construction drones provide construction teams with a detailed view of sites, materials, workers and machinery. Drones can accurately capture images and send them to the back-office to facilitate surveying and monitor safety hazards. Some contractors even share drone video footage with clients to help them feel more engaged in the buying process and make key decisions during building phases.
3D Printing
The global 3D printing construction market size was valued at 1.6 million in 2021 and is projected to register a compound annual growth rate of 100.7% from 2022 to 2030.3 This technology can be used to print foundations, concrete walls, plumbing, electrical wiring and other components. Some residential construction companies have utilized 3D printing to create entire homes in just a few days. The benefits of 3D printing include greater accuracy and speed, improved efficiency, reduced labor cost, decreased waste and greener construction. A 3D printed home is also typically more energy efficient because precision printing eliminates small gaps or holes. Although 3D printing is still a relatively new technology for Builders, it’s certainly a trend to watch.
Cloud-Based Collaboration Solutions
Residential construction is a highly fragmented business, with different teams and little to no synchronization, yet collaborative communication is vital to the successful execution of any construction project. Cloud-based collaboration solutions are an effective means for resolving these problems. Cloud computing eliminates acquisition, installation and maintenance costs of computing facilities, which has been a significant hindrance to the adoption of digital technology in the construction industry.4 A single, cloud-based platform with 24/7 connectivity enables real-time collaboration between all stakeholders. This solution allows Contractors and the back-office to work on the same sets of accurate data, thereby eliminating various manual tasks, providing greater cost flexibility and improving profitability and productivity.
Home Construction Software
Digital solutions for construction need to deliver a seamless, real-time experience across many facets of business, including design and materials management, estimating, bids, scheduling, accounting and more. Look for solutions that allow you to manage documents, streamline communications, simplify scheduling and perform other essential aspects of your business in a single integrated platform. Implementing the right home construction software will allow you to optimize processes and maximize profits while bridging the gap between Suppliers and Builders.
Hyphen Offers Innovative Solutions Built by Home Builders for Home Builders
Every day, Hyphen helps 21 of the top 26 North American Home Builders plan, communicate and forecast more efficiently with its flagship solution. BuildPro has become the industry standard for scheduling, procurement, collaboration and communications across the entire supply chain in residential construction. BuildPro’s cloud-based platform links Builders with Suppliers and back-office personnel with field staff to maximize efficiency, reduce costs, eliminate errors and shorten the cycle time of construction projects.
SupplyPro is an integrated residential construction management software system designed specifically for Suppliers, Contractors and Trades. SupplyPro interacts with BuildPro to facilitate real-time communication between Builders and Contractors in a secure, cloud-hosted environment.
Interested in learning more about how Hyphen software created for Builders and Suppliers is innovating and contributing to the rapidly evolving technology landscape? Schedule a demo today to talk to a Hyphen Solutions expert.
1Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fbuil.2021.660758/full
3Source: https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/3d-printing-constructions-market#
4Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0926580520310219
