Overview of Construction Industry
The construction industry is one of the biggest and most diverse industries in the world today. It encompasses millions of firms of all shapes and sizes so it can be hard to get a handle upon.
The best way to provide an overview of construction is to describe the different kinds of firms in the business and a few of the trends. If you are searching for more detailed information it would be a good idea to check out a particular company or aspect of the business.
Some Trends in Construction
- Global reach. The large international construction firms such as PCL, Bechtel and CCS now operate worldwide. It is now common for one firm to operate in several different countries at once.
- Consolidation. Many large construction firms are now international conglomerates with subsidiaries in several countries. The German Hochtief owns the American firms Flatiron and EE Cruz for example. It is also seeking to combine with Spain’s Grupo ACS. Expect this trend to continue.
- Design/Build. It is increasingly common for construction companies to design and build a project. This might be done by one firm or an alliance of firms. Design build projects are often cheaper and built faster. In some cases the firm may finance the project as well as design and build it. Design/build has become very common in industrial projects and rail systems.
- Computerized or virtual designing. Almost all projects are now designed on a computer. This process is faster, cheaper and easier. The use of technologies like CAD is pushing the trend towards design/build projects.
- Modular construction and pre-constructed components. A large percentage of the components of many projects are built at a factory and hauled to the building site. This process is cheaper and much faster. Even components of rail lines and highways are now constructed elsewhere and laid into place by cranes or other machines. A large percentage of the components of houses and commercial buildings are pre constructed as well.
- Automation. Machines are doing more and more of the work in construction including such tasks as building bridges and laying concrete. This eliminates the need for workers but it does provide many lucrative job opportunities as machine operators.
- Reducing the labor force. Construction is moving from a large unskilled labor force to a small highly skilled labor force. This means that there will be fewer jobs but much higher pay for skilled workers.
- International workforce. Skilled construction workers and managers are now working all over the world. In many cases highly specialized workers may travel to several different countries a year for different jobs.
- Professional management. Construction managers and project managers are increasingly college educated professionals. Many of them are expected to have engineering and architecture degrees or coursework as well.
- Architecture and Engineering. Architecture and building engineering are increasingly combing into one field. In many cases, construction managers are doing the work that has traditionally been done by architects.
- Construction analysts and consultants. Many companies and individuals that hire contractors use construction analysts to oversee and supervise construction projects. They may even these individuals handling aspects such as bidding.
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