Construction Trends for 2023

At Sigma Homes team feels it’s our duty to keep up to speed with current industry trends. By doing so we can pass the latest knowledge, innovation and savings onto our clients and partners. This constantly changing industry requires us to adapt to developments in the sector both at home and abroad. Here, we will look at some of the most significant trends we spotted over the last year and why we will continue to pay close attention.

Cost of Labour and Materials

One of the biggest concerns for construction companies this year has been the recent increase in the cost of labour and materials. The latest 10% government levy imposed on concrete has the industry as a whole more aware of tightening budgets and resources. Unpredictable fuel prices and a rising cost of living makes it difficult for industry members to accurately forecast material and labour requirements. 

Despite rising costs, construction companies are remaining resilient and even confident of increasing staff and turnover for the coming year. This will prove crucial if targets for infrastructure and housing are to be met.

Green Building

The Irish Green Building Council (ICBC) has revealed its road map to decarbonise Ireland’s construction and built environment sector. The report shows the construction industry makes up 14% of the country’s carbon emissions, mostly through embodied carbon. Embodied carbon is produced by the manufacturing of construction materials, quarrying and transport.

It is vital that we endeavour to regulate embodied carbon emissions just as many other European countries have done. Most importantly we must continue to develop innovative ways of producing low carbon construction processes and materials. Expect to see biobased materials such as timber being more widely used in the construction of new builds. 

Carbon emissions have been reduced significantly due to the success of Ireland’s current retrofit program. As Ireland targets 400,000 new homes over the next decade, it’s vital that we turn to green building processes so as not to negate these sustainability gains.

Increase in Prefab and Modular Builds

Modular and prefabrication builds have increased in popularity this year as the industry experiences continuous growth. The benefits of modular building include savings in time, money and labour of which the sector has in finite supply. Construction elements are designed and built off-site and are assembled in much much less time than traditional builds.

Prefabrication may play a key role in Ireland’s National Development Plan which along with ambitious residential targets, has set out a number of public and private infrastructure projects to be completed in the near future.

Interest in modular construction is expected to grow in popularity due to increased awareness of sustainability needs and emphasis placed on efficiency. Modular construction employs more environmentally friendly materials than traditional construction methods and reduces build times significantly.

Although the last year has presented many challenges and uncertainty, the excitement and satisfaction of overcoming has kept us motivated throughout. If you have a dream or even just an idea, give us a call today to make it a reality.

Construction has always been a male-dominated industry. But now, more than ever, we need to make the industry more inviting to women.

With labour shortages across the building sector, it is in the interest of all its members to embrace change. Firms and contractors must be willing to attract and keep women in rewarding jobs that offer security and promotion. Traditional and often stereotypical attitudes on building sites must become a thing of the past.

In Ireland today, women make up just 9% of the building workforce despite record numbers of female graduates pursuing careers in construction. A reshaping of the working culture is required to correct this gender imbalance.

As an industry there are a number of actions we can take.

Modern Ireland is a pioneer of acceptance and our building sites should be no different. By shedding light on discriminatory behaviour and language used in the workplace, adopting policies of zero-tolerance and imposing adequate disciplinary measures, building sites will become a safer and more attractive working environment to all.

On-site amenities for women need to meet workplace standards. How can we expect women to feel safe and thrive at work if their most basic needs aren’t being met? Safe changing rooms, women’s toilets and sanitary bins are bare minimum facilities in any workplace, building sites included. Investment in this area will go a long way in flipping current stereotypes.

Nowadays flexibility is an expectation of every job seeker. Remote work and its benefits don’t apply to most construction workers. Alternative incentives should be made available to men and women who need to balance family commitments. 

With the industry in constant flux, it’s time to embrace change and champion a new era of construction. As the professional landscape shifts the future success of the industry may be dependent on it. Championing a better workplace for women means a better workplace for all.