As with many sectors influenced by tech these days, technology in construction is rapidly changing. From AI and machine learning to innovative construction technology advances in laser scanning and 3D printing, residential building technology is evolving by leaps and bounds. Read on to learn about the latest forms of new technology for construction, their potential impact on the industry at large, as well as why these changes are happening and why it matters to you. 

Why is technology in construction changing so fast?

New construction technology is developing at a rapid pace and there are several, key reasons why.

First, emerging technologies in construction are keeping pace with overall technological advances in a variety of sectors. Whether we’re talking about drones, wearables, or simulation technology, a multitude of new technologies are being adopted by the construction sector as with many other industries, leading to more technically sophisticated and efficient processes across businesses. 

Second, both increasingly tech-savvy clients and construction professionals are demanding new technology for new home construction. As the world has evolved into being more technology forward in nearly every area of our lives, so are the expectations in the construction field from clients and business owners alike to leverage state-of-the-art technologies for safer, more optimal builds. 

Last but not least, technology companies and start-ups are rising to the occasion to meet market demands for smart construction technology. Substantial industry investment is fueling this need for innovative construction technology, leading to more rapid growth and development.

Positive impact of new building technology

The positive influences of new technology in building construction are significant and far-reaching, including the following main impacts.

Increased efficiency

The evolution of digital construction technology is increasing efficiency across the full construction lifecycle, from planning to implementation to post-build monitoring.

More durable structures

Advances in new building technology are also leading to the development of more reliable and stable structures as a result of these technologies providing increasingly complex analyses and technical insights.

Improved client outcomes

As new construction technology has improved, so have the builds themselves, and subsequently, client satisfaction in the finished results is also improving.

Increased innovation

The development of new residential construction technology—as with technological advances in any creative industry—has led to increased innovation for builders who are utilizing these tools to develop smarter, safer, and more sustainable projects. 

Why should you care about emerging technologies in construction?

Here’s why these home building technology advances should matter to you as a construction professional:

• Construction site technology can help you reduce costs by making your projects more efficient and minimize the cost of labor and materials with more precise planning.
• You can greatly improve profitability by reducing inefficiences and increasing your margins with more advanced technology.
• Using more modern technology in construction industry processes can streamline your workflow, leading to better productivity and faster builds.
• Advanced technology in construction supports more technically proficient evaluations, which can improve safety outcomes and structural durability.

19 trends influencing new construction technology in 2023

1. Construction software & cloud-based workflows

Gone are days of working on construction projects with multiple cobbled together software. The latest construction technology like Houzz Pro’s construction management software helps you manage your business and workflow from start to finish all in one place all while keeping everything seamlessly backed up in the cloud.  

2. AI and machine learning

Whether helping to improve designs and safety or reduce costs, the industry is already benefiting from smart construction technology like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to make powerful, data-driven decisions.

3. Autonomous equipment

As we all know, construction is hard work. Autonomous equipment like bulldozers and drones can help reduce the strain on construction workers and lead to safer, more efficient working conditions.

4. Construction wearables

Wearable technology has spread beyond athletics, recreation and healthcare into the construction industry to provide robust, real-time data about worker performance and potential hazards. Smart gear like hard hats and boots can help detect job site risks while smartwatches gauge worker fatigue and alertness, which are game-changers for occupational safety.   

5. Construction exoskeletons

Motorized exoskeletons are another new construction technology gaining traction in 2023. These exosuit machines support construction workers in the strenuous, repetitive tasks they perform, like lifting and crouching, to help reduce physical strain and injuries. 

6. Drones

Unpiloted aerial vehicles, otherwise known as drones, are ubiquitous these days and the applications of this latest building technology in the construction industry is no exception. Drones are being used for everything from topographical site surveying to monitoring site safety and surveillance.

7. Building information modeling (BIM)

BIM is essentially a method for construction professionals to create digital models of their project structures before building. BIM can significantly reduce the need for change orders and create continuity about the project as it evolves. 

8. Intelligent compaction

More precise compaction is being made possible today through smart construction technology, providing more accurate cutting depths and reducing materials.

9. Laser scanning

Being able to survey a site as accurately as possible is essential for safe and cost-effective builds, and 3D laser scanning technology is making this happen in the construction industry.

10. Weighing tools

Smarter weighing tools and tech are helping construction professionals make more meticulous weight measurements under a variety of conditions. 

11. Site positioning systems

Construction pros are now able to conduct preliminary site analysis thanks to modern site positioning systems that can survey an entire job site before working with a surveyor.

12. Computer-aided design (CAD)

CAD software has become even more advanced in 2023, helping you to speed up and streamline your new building design process.

13. Prefabrication and modular construction

Whether utilizing modular materials and structures or incorporating prefabricated elements into your build projects, prefab and modular designs are having a moment in the construction industry for their affordability, eco-friendly options and versatility. 

15. 3D printing

3D printing in construction is allowing builders to manufacture their own materials that are cheaper, more lightweight and eco-friendly than traditional wood and stone. 

16. Blockchain

Most often associated with cryptocurrency, the use of blockchain in the construction industry is providing more secure, decentralized data storage so that valuable project and client information is safer and yet easier to access by project managers and stakeholders.  

17. Digital twin

Being able to evaluate the safety and performance of a structure as a prototype before it's built under a variety of conditions is now possible with digital twin simulation technology for the construction industry.

18. 4D simulations

4D modeling is another exciting new technology for house construction projects. These simulations show construction builds in 3D plus time to show how the project will advance throughout each phase.

19. Sustainable building technology

Fueled by client-demand and an increasingly environmentally-conscious evolution in the construction industry overall—from solar to biodegradable materials, using greener, more sustainable building technology is becoming even more important than ever. 

Conclusion

If you want to be on the cutting edge of residential construction technology while reducing costs and improving your processes and safety, exploring a few of the latest construction technology advances in your business is a great way to start. Houzz Pro’s end-to-end construction management software is another great way to implement time-saving, process-improving, and client experience-boosting business tools to help you stay ahead of the curve. 

Check out our Guide to Sustainability in Construction for more tips on how to level up in your business.