Where new construction tech is driving ROI

Technologies and tools make construction work easier, more efficient and more profitable. This issue includes a look at the best uses for prefab, advancements in site monitoring and a few new tools of the trade. We also share insights for how to prepare new hires for success. 

But first, let’s close Women’s History Month with an eye to the future. Meet Faith Shelton, whose unique fear of bridges has led her to study civil construction and engineering. 

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>>  Psst. Over here. Learn about the construction and architecture of the International Spy Museum in Washington, D.C. 

>>  Read all about it. Get the facts from NAHB’s new AI guide for homebuilders. 

>>  Goals. Enjoy this inspiration for contractors who dabble in woodworking or CNC from Frank Lloyd Wright. 

>>  Where is the lie? Maintain or replace? Woodworker Jason Gelfand says what we’re all thinking.

Trends driving growth in modular construction

Interest in prefabricated construction components continues to accelerate, but reaping its full value requires a strategic approach. 

Off-site construction is especially valuable for sites with difficult or complex access, like hilly terrain, narrow egresses, limited staging or high security. With most work done elsewhere, delays are reduced and productivity rises.

Prefabrication is also a good choice for contractors who want to minimize community and service disruptions because there’s less noise and total time to build is shorter. Modular is also a smart way to reduce weather delays since all or most of the components are constructed indoors. “The instant the word ‘modular’ comes out of your mouth, we want to be involved,” says Joseph Lawless, senior engineer at Mammoet.  

Why it matters: When labor is lacking and costs are cascading, anything that improves productivity and margins is a win for contractors. If you’re not already working in the modular space, now could be a good time to start. (HOK)

Advanced tech suite soothes multiple contractor pain points

Projects are becoming more complex. Contractors are looking farther afield for work. And the labor shortage rolls on. These factors, alongside rising economic worries, fuel the quest for technological solutions. 

Developed at Virginia Tech, MARIO (Multi-Agent Robotic System for Inspection On Site) harnesses the power of gear like robots, sensors and drones, and technology like AI, digital twins, simulations and computer vision, to boost site monitoring without adding headcount. Researchers say the suite of solutions delivers real-time data and improved accuracy so you can uncover coordination issues, defects and other causes of rework. Sensors and other tools improve safety and reduce risk, too. 

Why it matters: “Construction projects are expanding geographically while the industry faces a shortage of skilled labor,” explains Kereshmeh Afsari, associate professor of construction engineering and management. “At the same time, progress monitoring often remains a ‘black box,’ with limited real-time visibility into evolving conditions. MARIO addresses this challenge by deploying an integrated team of advanced robotic technologies that provides real-time reality capture from the field.” (Virginia Tech)

New tools hit the market

Considering some new gear? These recently released products may be worth a look. 

Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel 10 ¼” Rear Handle Circular Saw, the largest in the manufacturer’s cordless line, cuts deep (3-13/16” at 90 degrees) and its thick-kerf blade moves through 4x lumber in one trip. It also features AutoStop kickback control system and a strong electric brake.

Ridgid’s 18V Subcompact 1/4-Sheet Sander boasts a 1/16-inch orbit diameter and a six-speed brushless motor that achieves oscillating speeds up to 12,000 OPM. Its foam backing pad and internal dampening system reduce vibration by an impressive 50%. 

DeWalt’s 20V Atomic Extended Reach Ratchets’ 18” necks give you better access, and their bigger form factor makes them easier to use without taking off your work gloves. They also have onboard LED lights for improved visibility.

Why it matters: Investing in the new tools makes work easier, faster and safer. Choosing the right ones can yield rapid ROI and improve your margins. (ProToolReviews.com)

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Invest in training new hires 

"How do you ensure that [new hires] are going to make your company profitable? Well, the only way you can ensure that is you have to have training for them. If you don't...you will lose them quicker than you've gained them. You have to have a template that says, ‘This is how we do this here...I know that you have the skills, but you need to know how we satisfy our customers."  —Timothy Wingate Jr., financial expert

Financial expert Timothy Wingate Jr. explains how to make better hiring decisions in the latest “Construction Champions Podcast.” He and Host Ron Nussbaum also talk about the financial metrics you need to guide hiring decisions.

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The Level is curated and written by Margot Lester and edited by Bianca Prieto.