I sometimes get in a weird habit where I will email myself news articles, resources, etc for me to “get back to when I have free time to read.” Am I the only one?

As I am a big proponent of self-education, I finally got caught up on the number of articles I had saved for myself involving all things commercial construction news. If you have even less time than I, let me help you out. Here are some recent news stories related to commercial construction:

Construction Industry Shows Signs of Recovery: Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the construction industry has shown signs of recovery. We’ve seen these headlines beginning to emerge since the start of Q3 2021, however, in some spots it has been slow. Part of the recovery seems to be due to many construction firms having adapted to new safety protocols and are using technology to improve project management and communication.

Sustainable Building Practices on the Rise: The top two triggers for green building are client demands and healthier buildings, but their economic benefits that can’t be overlooked. These building practices continue to gain momentum in the commercial construction industry as these benefits continue to materialize. More companies are incorporating green materials and energy-efficient designs into their buildings, which can lead to cost savings and reduce their environmental impact.

Skilled Labor Shortage Continues: The skilled labor shortage remains a challenge for the commercial construction industry. Many firms are struggling to find qualified workers, particularly in trades such as plumbing, electrical, and carpentry. And this is a tough one as many industries are facing this. I wonder if part of it is accessible exposure to these careers at younger ages or if transferable skills are not being accepted. Take me for instance, being an independent contractor for two years, I had many things that are very applicable to what I do now. But on paper, those two years “don’t count” for many. Are we not giving people full credit to overcome shortages?

Modular Construction Gains Popularity: This is probably my favorite topic and one that I admittedly went down a wormhole of various YouTube videos. Modular construction is gaining popularity in the commercial construction industry due to its speed and efficiency. By building components off-site and then assembling them on-site, builders can save time and reduce waste. Don’t just take my word on this check out this article here, where they go into how the modular construction market is expected to reach $35865.44 Million by 2030.

Technology Plays a Larger Role: Technology continues to play a larger role in commercial construction, with many firms using software and digital tools to streamline processes and improve project management. Virtual reality and augmented reality are also being used to create more accurate and immersive building models. And some of those programs are just simply wild. From what I have used from variations of massive CAD systems, I can barely wrap my head around how VR and AR are creating major construction efficiencies.

These are just a few examples of the latest commercial construction news. As the industry continues to evolve, it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments to remain competitive and successful. Where do you get your news? What sources do you follow?

Nate Regina