A Glimpse into the Future: New Home Building Technology Being Used in Residential Real Estate

The technology industry is changing on a daily basis, and many of those changes are having an effect on the new construction home building industry. If you're constructing a new home soon, the contractor you hire may use a variety of new home building technology innovations to make the construction process a success. Modern technology can be used to improve energy efficiency, streamline communication on-site and during planning, and even speed up the building process. Read below to learn about the latest trends in residential real estate construction.

Modern Apps Make Communication and Organization Easy

Good communication is important throughout the home building process. Communication apps help contractors manage communications with subcontractors, construction partners (like architects), and the homeowner. Many of these apps generate contracts and change orders and other important documents quickly and efficiently, so the contractor can respond to customer inquiries quickly. This helps ensure that everyone is on the same page throughout the construction process.

File sharing apps are also important in the construction industry because they allow the contractor to swap and share documents and plans that all involved parties must review. Finally, project management software is quickly becoming a critical tool for home builders. Project management software helps contractors stay on top of deadlines, avoid miscommunications, and juggle multiple conflicting priorities.

3D Printing Cuts Down on Cost and Time

3D printers are typically used by business owners and hobbyists to make small objects. However, one thing that the construction industry is discovering is there's no reason that 3D printers can't be used on a much larger scale.

Construction-grade 3D printers are not often used, but soon these devices may become a staple of construction outfits all over the world. 3D printers have the ability to create structures relatively inexpensively and quickly, so as the technology becomes more accessible, they're likely to enjoy wider use.

Lasers Make Quick & Accurate Measurements

Lasers have recently taken the place of traditional levels and measuring devices. They're a lot more accurate than traditional devices, and they're fast and easy to use. These products were once rare on construction sites because they were prohibitively expensive, but in recent years they've become more affordable and widespread.

Tablets & Smart Phones Keep Builders Connected

With the use of tablets and smartphones, modern home builders are connected to the cloud and email all the time while they're on the worksite. This enables them to respond to client inquiries quickly while managing multiple priorities at once. While some of the technologies listed in this article are not yet in wide use, nearly every contractor who builds homes will make some use of this hand-held technology.

Augmented and Virtual Reality Help in Visualization

Virtual and augmented reality technologies can be used by contractors in a variety of ways. On the job site, contractors can use VR headsets to assist with the construction process. Specifically, VR headsets can be used to identify possible safety hazards, facilitate 3D modeling, and even give homeowners a tour of their property before it's built.

Unusual Materials Can Increase Energy Efficiency

New technologies have been responsible for innovations in construction materials. Often, these materials can improve the energy efficiency of new homes. Below are some materials homeowners may use:

• Interlocking bamboo. This modular building product is a sustainable material that looks and functions like hardwood.
• Pollution absorbing bricks. These materials help clean the air and help ensure that the air inside the home is safe and clean.
• Self-healing concrete. This material fills in cracks that naturally form in concrete, preventing blemishes and other structural problems.

Pick a Contractor Who Invests in New Home Building Technology

If you're planning to build a new home soon, hire the right contractor. Look for someone who is open to the use of new technologies. While your contractor may not use all of the tech listed above, it's important to hire someone who recognizes the way new home building technology can affect the finished product and improve the client experience.

Technology can make your new home more energy-efficient, reduce communication problems that might occur between you and your contractor, and even help speed up the building process. Overall, technology makes for an improved home-building experience.

To find out more about what kind of technologies your contractor uses, ask about their use of new software or about the modern tools they use to build homes. Many contractors will be able to cite specific apps or tools they've recently integrated into their business. Regardless of what new technologies a company might be using, be sure to interview your builder thoroughly before signing a contract.