Predictions and forecasting are well underway as we approach a new year. Pick up any magazine, flip through a newspaper or read a blog post and chances are you will find content that tries to paint a picture of what’s in store for 2015. From robots taking over to China’s economic slowdown, there is a surplus of information from the proverbial crystal ball.
Here at Williams Scotsman, we are excited by the construction industry forecast. According to Dodge Data & Analytics, total construction starts are expected to climb 9 percent in 2015. Commercial building will increase 15 percent.
According to the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), nonresidential construction segments that will experience the largest growth in construction spending in 2015 include power (e.g. natural gas-related construction), lodging (leisure and business spending), office space (professional services employment creation) and manufacturing (rebounding industrial production).
We have several predictions of our own for next year. Here’s our short list:
• Think beyond the box: Across business segments, we predict growth in supplemental product and service packages for temporary modular space. Customers want ready-made space, meaning that they want more than just four walls, a floor and ceiling. From furniture and appliances to comprehensive technology options, customers want space enhanced with important products and services to keep their businesses running efficiently.
• Modular space pops: Temporary space will continue to attract the likes of retailers and gallery owners looking for somewhere to house a short-term pop-up shop or temporary art exhibition.
• Multistory buildings rise: On the permanent modular building front, we believe we’ll continue to see multistory modular buildings built in 2015. From apartment complexes in urban areas to multiuse buildings in suburbia, we’ll see more and more multilevel modular buildings.
• Modular meets academia: We also believe that more design and architecture schools will incorporate modular building into their curricula. With 3-D printing and BIM software, students have a wealth of tools at their disposal to design modular buildings for the future.
• Modular shines: Modular construction will continue to be popular in 2015 because of its expedited construction timeline, process efficiencies and inherent sustainability.
Regardless of what the future holds, we want to wish you a very happy and healthy New Year!
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