After the global pandemic, some drastic changes have taken place in the construction, construction, and facility management industries. Understanding these changes, as well as some subtle changes in the way the industry operates, will help facility managers improve efficiency and operations, and benefit the health and well-being of building occupants.
1. Existing buildings are being reused. Existing buildings that are now abandoned or not used as expected may be occupied. An example: an existing shopping mall may be transformed into a mixed-use facility with apartments, condominiums and rentals. Many one-story shops or strip malls are being converted into apartment buildings that can accommodate 80 to 100 units, and there are still street retail stores that simulate the same shopping experience, but these projects will now have apartments above designated retail spaces for survival .
2. Sustainability is an ongoing trend. These new green buildings are designed to use renewable energy, including recyclable materials, to help maintain successful sustainability and energy efficiency throughout the life cycle of the building.
3. Drones have become a new (and interesting) way of measuring construction projects. It is easy to use drones to conduct any property survey or view any ongoing existing projects.
4. The prefabrication of walls, metal plates, wood products and other customized items is becoming a part of new ideas for future business development.
5. Construction management software, project management tools, and other mobile tools are playing an increasingly important role in helping to navigate through projects. These tools can help the entire project team view daily reports, photos, additional tickets, information requests, schedules, and many other options to assist your project.
6. Regarding HVAC, indoor climate control and humidity, the pandemic tells us that buildings need the latest filters. Advanced filtration can help filter out particles, including viruses and bacteria. Facility managers should also consider ionizers that kill bacteria immediately, especially in sports facilities, medical and office buildings.
7. Remote work is now part of the new normal, and facility managers need to make regulations on how to accommodate the combination of remote workers and on-site workers.
8. The pandemic tells us that we need to be flexible and not be afraid of rapid change. The new policy may need to be implemented every day. Solve the problems that the residents can visit and solve the problems of the residents.
9. Resilience will continue to be a key way to develop emergency preparedness and disaster recovery frameworks. Solve recent funding and fund management challenges. Add broader flexibility plans during periods of shutdown or economic stress. Make a plan to restore the business scale as soon as possible.
10. Reimagine your organization’s next or new normal. Reshaping your facility management brand to meet new challenges after the pandemic will be a milestone for success.
Although there are still so many challenges, there is still a lot to be optimistic about. The post-pandemic environment has introduced some new market dynamics, which has brought new opportunities. Many retailers or service companies are following their customers and establishing outposts in new markets. Although retail space may shrink, warehousing needs have escalated, so warehouse construction is accelerating.
In the end, with so many changes, we have reason to hope. The momentum of the construction industry is increasing, which is a welcome sight for everyone.