Although increasing interest rates and labor costs have slowed down sectors of the construction, the demand for commercial real estate, school construction and public works projects remain strong. The demand for multi-family unit construction will continue into 2019, partially due to the numbers of empty nesters and Millennials seeking affordable options for housing.

Rising costs

Construction costs rose in 2018 and this will continue in 2019 for both materials and labor. These construction industry trends will continue as long as there is a decreased supply and increased cost for materials.

The very low unemployment rate is expected to affect costs, because there are more jobs than workers. Projects have slowed down or stalled due to the shortage of labor. The result of any project slow down is higher costs. Time is money in construction.

The use of technology

Technology will continue to impact the construction industry. The cost of implementing technology saves money in the long run. Construction industry technology, such as computer programs and applications, promote efficiency, transparency and accountability. Project management software offers real-time communication and the ability to track the project.

With more drone usage and 3D printing than ever before, it is likely the construction industry will embrace both these forms of technology.

After all, both will make construction work safer and easier; drones can be used to ensure materials are placed exactly how they should be, and 3D printing can be used to make sure every material is the perfect size. Another form of technology that people can expect to see more of is Building Information Modeling (BIM). BIM will make the collaboration aspect of construction easier. Most construction projects require tens (or even hundreds) of people to come up with essential aspects of the plan, but it can be difficult for all these people to stay in communication. There are lots of benefits to using BIM; it makes resource management easier, it helps people to stay in touch throughout the project, and it enables enhanced collaboration.

Green construction and sustainability

Green construction and sustainability are here to stay. Even though these terms appear to be interchangeable, these two concepts have differences. Green technologies improve the carbon footprint; sustainability is a method employed to make the world a better place.

This growing field in construction. More and more buildings and plans are incorporating green technology into the construction process. Green construction is a way of building projects in an environmentally responsible and resource-efficient way. It covers from planning to design, to construction, maintenance, and demolition. These methods aren’t that different from the classic building methods since the economy, utility and durability are all important facets of the process.

Increasingly, people are focused on sustainability, so the most successful companies are also focusing on sustainability. This is a terrific way to appeal to the Millennials, and of course, it is also much better for the world as a whole. For this reason, it is very likely that most, if not all, construction companies will place a strong focus on sustainability. While it is still important to find the best product for the job, it is likely managers will look for products that have a focus on ecological benefits, such as living walls that provide an area with fresh oxygen. Sustainable construction can include the preservation of the environment, an efficient use of resources, with an eye to social progress and culture. These can include buildings with ways for natural light to reach the middle of the building, thereby reducing electrical costs or buildings that reuse water from the sinks in the toilets. These focus on making small changes to reduce the number of resources necessary to build a new building and such.

Increase in Prefabrication and Modular Construction Projects

many projects, but production has slowed or stalled due to the labor shortage. While this is why companies are turning to modular and prefabricated construction in order to make project deadlines, it doesn’t’ change the dwindling number of workers.

The trend of prefabrication and modular construction will continue to be strong because these products are energy efficient and cost-effective. In some cases the use of these product reduces overall costs significantly. You can expect to see a lot more permanent modular buildings in the future, as well as pop-up buildings and prefabricated homes.

Improved safety procedures and equipment

Construction industry trends that will continue into 2019 are the better safety equipment products. With the rise in new equipment, there will also be a rise in standards. Due to the hiring number of accidents and deaths related to construction, it’s clear that there will be a push for better safety equipment.

These improvements will help keep more of the workers safe on a site and bring about a new era in construction safety.

The construction industry suffers far more workplace accidents and fatalities than most industries. The development of technology designed to make construction sites safer, such as mobile apps and computer programs, encourages employees to adhere to safety measurements when they are working.

Murfey Company is committed to environmentally responsible and resource efficient construction in its commercial and residential projects from start to finish. If you are interested in learning more about our construction and real estate development projects, please visit www.murfeycompany.com.

This article originally appeared in The La Jolla Light

Smart technology is changing more than how we live at home it is changing our work place, too.

Designing smart buildings helps to improve efficiencies, such as optimizing building operations, which leads to controlling costs.

Universities, governments and large commercial facilities/campuses have understood the value of these efficiencies for many years. In large environments, a full-time operator identifies operational problems and dispatches maintenance help. But, most stand alone commercial buildings do not have the luxury of staff dedicated to monitoring potential problems or concerns.

The Internet of Things, or IoT, has changed how buildings are managed. As discussed in the October column regarding smart home technology, IoT refers to anything with an on/off switch that connects to the Internet.

All smart buildings are connected through IoT. Because of IoT owners are able to monitor and control building comfort (indoor temperatures), lighting, security, fire safety, predictive maintenance and energy efficiency.

Below are some of 2018’s most notable smart building trends.

Comfortable indoor temperatures

The primary complaint in most buildings is that some offices are too hot and other spaces are too cold. The Comfy App is just one of a number of new technologies that are changing the never-ending cycle of hot-cold calls. Comfy App gives occupants control over their environment while offering building operators data to understand the comfort level of occupants.

In fact, smart technology allows the data generated by building automation systems to be monitored and analyzed consistently and constantly. Hot and cold problem areas, broken valves, equipment failures and other operational problems can be found quickly. This is a huge time saver for building engineers who do not have time to watch over a traditional automation system.

Energy efficiency

In commercial buildings the most important impact of IoT is energy efficiency. Networked sensors can control temperature and even can take into account weather forecasts, which in turn can reduce energy costs. Sensors can offer information to help building engineers/managers to control their assets better and reduce harmful waste in the environment.

Predictive maintenance

IoT sensors and other hardware devices provide valuable information related to the physical state of a commercial building and its equipment. The data actually can offer a maintenance schedule or predict when a piece of equipment will need to be serviced. The end result is fewer unknowns that are common in the world of maintenance. And, there are fewer interruptions when maintenance adheres to a predictive schedule that is generated by real time information about the equipment.

Improved air quality

Indoor air quality and work productivity are directly related. According to an Environmental Health Perspectives study, the better the air quality is the better work environment. For this reason air quality management is a trend in smart buildings.

IoT devices connected to specific air sensors can check and measure air quality and carbon dioxide levels in the air.

Data tracking and applications

IoT allows commercial facility managers to track information, measure and collect data and report it quickly.

Sensors can be installed in areas that have been inaccessible in the past, allowing building engineers and managers to obtain valuable information. These interconnected systems with sensors also allow for the collection of real-time data. The data can be analyzed and used to improve goals such as energy conservation.

Because building managers receive information much faster than ever before due to IoT devices, they are able to react quickly to emergencies or building concerns (a pipe bursting or a HVAC issue).

IoT applications give facility managers the tools they need to conduct various experiments to check the result of optimization. It also gives them room to use IoT devices in monitoring buildings systems using one panel.

Speaking of applications, another trend is the use of complex applications. These applications can assist in the detection of needed maintenance. A good example is thermal imaging. The application provides a look at the temperature range of specific equipment, and when the temperature becomes too hot maintenance can be scheduled before there is a problem that causes the system to go down.

Green building movement

Smart buildings are designed as environmentally friendly and energy efficient. System failures are detected earlier, which in itself optimizes the use of natural resources. Both indoor and outdoor spaces are monitored at all times with sensors for the best use of ventilation, lighting, fire and security, too.

Murfey Company is committed to environmentally responsible and resource efficient construction in its commercial and residential projects from start to finish. If you are interested in learning more about our construction and real estate development projects, please visit www.murfeycompany.com.

The Internet of Things, or IoT, refers to anything with an on/off switch that connects to the Internet. The ability to connect devices to other devices is impacting both home renovations and new-build projects.

Even though the concept of smart buildings emerged when energy conservation became an important and necessary part of construction, the technology is evolving quickly – and consumers are accepting the idea of connecting the devices across their world.

Controlled lighting

Voice activated lighting allows you to walk into your dark house from the garage and command the lights to turn on. Or, you are able to sync your household lighting system with your cell phone and turn lights on and off while you are away for the weekend. Outdoor lighting systems offer motion detectors, bringing another layer of security to your property. With these systems, the integrated controls introduce the idea of a home being able to sense when something needs to be done, or if something is wrong.

Home surveillance cameras

Installing a home surveillance camera brings an extra level of security to the home dweller, but it also increases neighborhood security.

After these products are installed, you can monitor your property whether you’re at home or hundreds of miles away.

Neighbors participating on social media sites are sharing footage of late-night creepers trying to break into cars and thieves stealing packages from front porches, and they are sending out alerts to their neighbors when they see suspicious activity happening.

New devices continually are developing – from facial-recognition cameras to remote locks and video doorbells.

Smart thermostats, appliances and more

Smart refrigerator sales are rising fast. Consumers appear to like the convenience of a refrigerator that can assist with their grocery list, display the family calendar for everyone to see, display a slideshow on its front panel and able to connect to the Internet to find a recipe and read it out loud.

Smart ovens are making their way into kitchens as well. The ovens can be programmed to turn on and off from a remote location.

Voice activated systems are available for other areas of the home, too. Delta and Kohler offer voice-activated shower heads and faucets. The benefits of this type of technology include saving water and reducing the transfer of germs.

Smart thermometers control heating and cooling through programming, and when you are away the new generation of these devices can be controlled from a cell phone application.

Environmental quality monitoring devices

Monitoring home air and water quality is another area that smart technology has emerged. These applications provide a notification if the air quality sensor detects harmful chemicals such as carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds or radon. There are units that can detect a water leak and shut off the water. This would be valuable if a pipe bursts or there is a leak while you are at work or on vacation.

Final thoughts

Although the homeowner can install smart technology after the construction of their new home or renovation is completed, these technologies also can be integrated into design plans.

During construction, it is sensible to install a hardwired network and wireless access points to provide a strong wi-fi signal in all locations including the “dead zones” such as the backyard or the garage.

Traditional outlets are needed throughout your home, because even high tech devices generally are plugged into a three-prong outlet. But there are different products out there such as outlets that include a port for charging your cell phone or laptop. Discuss with a professional where the outlets should be located and how many are needed in each room.

Murfey Company is committed to efficient construction in its commercial and residential projects from start to finish. The San Diego based company is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified by the U.S. Green Building Council. If you are interested in learning more about our construction and real estate development projects, please visit murfeycompany.com.

Café-style break rooms enhance the work environment, by simply making it a more pleasant place to be. Employees appreciate having a place to hang out that offers amenities – and in some offices, a variety of healthy food for purchase. One reason employers like the concept of a workplace café is that the space can be repurposed for employees to work.

When considering a workplace café give some thought to the following elements.

Location, location, location

Setting aside space for the workplace café is an investment of space, furnishings and time. The café should be located centrally and close to the center of activity so employees can access the space easily. The location should make sense for staff to be able to drop in for a 5-minute break, for an informal meeting or for a team member to work.

One cost effective bonus of this space is that mobile workstations can be built into the area. Much like the work stations found in an airport, there are office furnishings that are adaptable to USB connections and outlets and are conducive to working remotely.

The design principle

The design of the café is vital to its success. Comfort, functionality and lighting should be addressed during the predesign phase. Long communal tables work well and some offices have the space to accommodate lounge seating for conversations.

In order for the café to double as work space a reliable wireless network is needed. The café’s location must have good cell service, too. Electrical outlets, fast charging stations and monitors with quick connect technology are essentials.

Additionally, this space is the perfect place for company announcements and congratulatory messages. An oversized bulletin board or a white board could is an inexpensive option, but digital message boards are available.

Eat, drink and be productive

From craft coffee to green tea, designer beverages are big business. These days, traditional drip coffee makers do not make the grade in many offices. Single-serve coffee dispensers are popular, because they offer a variety of beverage options. Espresso and cappuccino machines are making their way into some break rooms. Then, there is the all-in-one, single-serve drink makers that use packets. The digital interface allows you to mix and match a variety of packets to make lattes from coffee, tea and cocoa. There are even packets to make soup.

While some offices stock the break room with snacks, a current trend is the honor-system vending. Today’s technology allows employees to pay effortlessly for what they purchase. Plus the do-it-yourself system usually has a wider choice of healthy food options such as fresh fruit, veggies with dip, granola, hard-boiled eggs and yogurt.

For large office spaces, “micro markets” are reasonable options, too. A micro market sells food and drinks from a self-service, convenience store-style display. Employees grab their purchases and pay for them at the scanning station/checkout. Generally security is not an issue, because most of these services are equipped with a visible security camera system.

Learning to work differently

Another part of the successful addition of a workplace café is for employees to learn how to use the space. Expectations for appropriate use, cleanliness and noise need to be set immediately. Short training sessions to explain the rules and how to use the equipment or new technology is a must.

Most importantly, office leaders need to use the space. This will show employees that working in the work café is acceptable, and they will not be perceived as constantly on break.

Murfey Company is a leader in construction and real estate development for commercial and residential projects. To learn more please visit www.murfeycompany.com.

And, those glitches can add up to big dollars during the final reconciliation.

But there are steps you can take before – and during – your construction project to increase your success quotient.

First and foremost, always accept bids based on their merit and what is being offered. Choosing the lowest bid for the sole reason that it saves money generally is not prudent. In fact, sometimes the lowest bid can increase your expenses. Before accepting a bid be sure that all documents and specifications are reviewed meticulously. Some contractors may require compensation for tasks that are not specified in the plans or documents.

Do not begin a project without a clearly defined plan. As explained in the July column, preconstruction services offer a layer of construction management and planning.

Be sure that a construction project manager leads your team. These managers are knowledgeable with planning, coordinating and communicating at all levels during the construction build process. Not only do construction managers track the project for timing and cost, they monitor building codes, specs and specific building regulations.

Experience counts, too. The more experience that your project manager has the more realistic the build-out plans, schedules, tasks and budgets are likely to be.When a project is too large for a project manager to oversee, a commercial project manager is a worthwhile investment.

Identify costs early in the game

Disputes or disagreements regarding costs and budgets are common causes of delays with construction projects.

It can be quite upsetting for a client and a project manager when they realize a certain task is over budget. Often the contractor and the client find themselves going back and forth about the situation until a decision is reached.

If unperceived events occur during the project and prices go up, having a plan pays off. Knowing the preliminary cost estimates gives the construction team and the client an idea of what could be compromised to meet the end goal.

Design a realistic budget with a contingency. Be sure to receive a reasonable estimate of what the project will cost to make sure everyone is on the same page. After agreeing on an initial budget, a reputable contractor will assess situations as they come up and offer cost estimates for the changes.

Communication is key to success

Much along the lines of getting the budget figured out early, communicating regularly is just as important as sticking to a strict deadline.

Everyone involved with the project should know when certain building activities are occurring and the timeline for completion. Remember, order changes usually set back the timeline.

Commercial contractors should be communicating with the subcontractors to track progress. If there is a delay for a delivery or another issue, then everyone involved should understand the effect on the overall deadline.

Wrapping it up

Managing the construction process takes vigilance. Contractors, clients and construction professionals involved in the project should have a list of their responsibilities. When roles and responsibilities are accompanied with a plan and timeline, it helps keep everyone on task.

Engage contractors with a solid reputation, an excellent track record and have completed projects that meet the specifications on time and on budget. To learn more about San Diego’s The Murfey Company and the construction services it offers, visit www.murfeycompany.com.