Construction in a New PC World

Whether it be days, weeks or months, contractors, like companies in every other industry, will need to adjust to a new PC world.  PC as in post-coronavirus.  While in many ways, the daily tasks we perform at our jobs will stay the same, the way we go about performing those tasks will undoubtedly change, and probably already has.

Contractors will be looking to deliver the quality construction their customers have come to expect, all while ensuring the safest job site possible.  Two recent trends, modular construction and increased use of technology, may help contractors achieve both.  In fact, the use of modular construction and technology may actual accelerate as a result of the coronavirus.

Modular construction has a wide range of benefits from increases in efficiency and quality, to decreases in costs and construction time.  Additionally, modular construction has been seen as a way to combat the shrinking, aging workforce.  A report by McKinsey & Co. published last year found that modular construction could potentially cut construction time by as much as 50% and reduce costs by upwards of 20%.

Contractors are also turning to technologies such as building information modeling (BIM) and virtual reality (VR).  BIM is allowing for easier, more effective collaboration between architects, engineers and contractors while planning and designing projects.  The use of BIM coupled with VR provides owners the ability to experience the project in ‘real life’ prior to the first shovel of dirt being moved.  These technologies are making it possible to identify design flaws and errors before they occur, resulting in fewer changes and delays once the project has begun and increasing the owner’s overall construction experience.

These practices are not without their challenges or difficulties; however, they can be beneficial in providing quality and efficient service all while reducing the number of people that will be needed at job sites, factories and even conference rooms.

Some companies are better suited to adjust to whatever comes their way, but there is no question that those that can adjust most efficiently and effectively have the greatest chance to thrive in our new PC world.

Please visit our Coronavirus Resource Center for related content.