The construction industry is experiencing a major revolution due to the introduction of new technologies. House building has witnessed a wave of new technologies designed to improve efficiency, increase productivity and benefit the environment.
The major revolution of technology – from 3D printing to drones – is revolutionising how projects are planned, managed, and completed.
Is this the end for traditional house building?
A major shift in the housing industry is the rise of the modular home, houses manufactured in factories and then transported to be assembled on-site. Modular homes are an option for those seeking a cost-effective and energy saving way of building a house.
Technology has played an important role in the growth of modular homes, most notably 3D printing. This innovative technology enables custom-designed homes which can be constructed quickly and cost effectively, as well as complex shapes and designs which would otherwise be impossible with traditional construction methods.
The change from traditional methods is not just physical, it is also digital. From the perspective of clixifix® it is clear more and more housing associations and housebuilders are investing in and trusting technology. From physically building houses, to managing customer service and dealing with defect management, technology is heavily woven into these areas.
Connectivity plays an important role in ensuring that these technologies are successfully implemented. Making sure there is interconnectivity between different systems or establishing reliable connectivity in remote areas is paramount for the technology to deliver the outcome required. When housebuilders are on site, they need to be able to access information offline. This will allow them to give detailed information to residents face to face rather than via email.
Defect technology
Could digital capture and image recognition software play a role in reducing defects? It combines digital video capture with image recognition software to analyse data and pinpoint potential defects.
Although the technology is new and in its infancy, according to PBC Today, the Netherlands successfully uses the technology to detect road defects. In fact, the automated analysis of roads successfully detected more than 95 percent of defects, such as cracks, potholes, and repairs, even with shadows and objects blocking the view.
Dubai has also adopted a similar system.Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) patrol cars scan the Emirates motorways to detect cracks and potholes, as well as any other defects in need of repair, to reduce potential risks and inconvenience to motorists.
Can this technology be used to analyse houses and detect a defect before the resident moves in? There are obvious financial and processing benefits that would entice housebuilders to make the initial investment. The technology will reduce the need to spend money and time on resolving defects and this will ultimately free up time to focus on future projects.
It is heavily reliant on training and bringing onboard the house builders to fully immerse themselves and maximise the capabilities of the technology.
Technology that is changing the way houses are built
To quote building experts at BuilderOnline “In the past few years, the residential construction sector has made some significant strides in the adoption of various technologies and continues to push forward in finding the best solutions to address the industry’s pain points.”
The following technologies have all played their part in impacting the business of building a home:
Future possibilities
The potential of AI and robotics extends to post-construction, with the integration of smart systems for the maintenance and monitoring of buildings. As these technologies continue to evolve, they promise to redefine the construction industry, making it faster, safer, and more efficient.
A word from our CEO and co-founder, James Farrell
“Technology will always continue to change the way the industry builds houses. Companies including ourselves will never stand still, we are always looking for ways to help housebuilders, Housing Associations, Principal Contractors and Subcontractors with their communication, defect reporting and defect management. Technological advancements will inevitably improve other areas of the industry. As the industry shifts it won’t be the case of ‘if’ but ‘when’ do companies invest in technology.”
Conclusion
To conclude, technology will obviously play a part in changing and enhancing the process of building a house. It is clear that in the near future, building houses will be heavily reliant on certain technologies which will allow for houses to be built quicker and more efficiently. This will have tremendous financial and societal benefits that will help house builders cope with the demand for new houses, help current homeowners who may need a defect resolved or a customer waiting for a house who demands and expects no faults or defects.
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