A construction leader with over three decades of experience, Douglas A.G. "Doug" Stevenson serves as the president of RBS Strategies, LLC, in Carlisle, MA. Doug Stevenson's leadership encompasses various aspects, including sales, marketing, customer relations, and personnel management.
Management tools can streamline team and project management to improve workflow and productivity in diverse businesses and organizations. These tools offer various functionalities, from scheduling to task coordination and communication, and many have a simple user interface.
Some of these software offer functionalities for tracking projects, managing portfolios, automating workflows, and team collaboration. Project managers can share files and discuss project details with clients using these tools.
Stakeholders can also share their feedback on ongoing projects via some management platforms. Some of these tools also offer unlimited file sharing. Other common applications of management tools are task assignment, project duration delineation, workload review, and days off or paid time off impact assessment.
The construction industry is constantly changing, particularly the residential construction subsector, which is focused on providing shelter or housing for individuals, such as single-family homes, condominiums, townhouses, and apartments. This change is because of the industry’s constant need to adapt to new technology and shifting consumer preferences, resulting in new industry trends.
Numerous trends are having a significant impact on the residential construction industry today. One such trend is developing and using alternative building methods such as modular construction and 3D printing. A modular building or volumetric construction involves the off-site or factory construction of building components, which are then transported and assembled on-site. This construction technique is quickly gaining popularity because it provides numerous benefits to contractors and consumers, including lower labor and property costs, energy efficiency, customizable design, and shorter construction time.
Similarly, contractors are incorporating 3D printing into the construction process by printing concrete walls, metal foundations, electrical wiring, and plumbing, thereby saving money and shortening construction timelines. Although the technology is still in its early stages and cannot be used to implement all construction processes, it can transform the construction industry, particularly waste management. According to The Science Museum, the construction industry uses approximately 4 billion tonnes of concrete annually, which has negative environmental consequences. But with 3D printers, contractors can customize concrete’s shape and size specifications to fit the main structure, reducing waste and increasing installation efficiency.
Multi-generational housing projects are also becoming more common as many young adults choose to live with their parents for longer periods than previous generations. This generational trend, combined with healthier lifestyle choices resulting in longer than average life expectancy, is attributed to the rise of multi-generational housing, also known as in-law suites. Many residential buildings are now fitted with multi-generational suites with more space and amenities. Multi-generational suites, which are typically used by the elderly members of the family, are located on the first floor of the house and provide access to essential amenities such as the laundry room or kitchen. This design gives young adults privacy on the upper floors.
The widespread adoption of technology also impacts the construction industry as consumers seek to make their homes technology friendly. This shifting consumer preference has increased demand for smart home technology. Homeowners are rapidly adopting tools such as water sensors, smart lights, smart thermostats, and USB-C outlets to help automate their homes and reduce utility bills and energy consumption. In addition, apps like Nest and SmartThings are already enabling homeowners to remotely control home appliances, thermostats, and security systems using their smartphones.
Further, there is the growing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs). Homeowners now require that their property accommodate EV charging facilities. As a result, contractors must adapt to the rapidly expanding EV market base, as most of the 35,000 charging stations in the United States are currently located in public areas such as restaurants and gas stations. There is a significant gap in-home charging stations that need to be filled. Additionally, EV chargers may become integral to home designs over time.
For years to come, the emergence of new technology and shifting consumer priorities will impact the residential construction sector and the construction industry. However, contractors must remain flexible and willing to change as these trends are not static, and new ones will emerge with time.
Homeowners spend a lot of time at their homes, so it makes sense that they’d want to make the house as pleasant and functional as possible. As a result, many people buy houses with the intention of renovating to suit their needs.
The first decision homeowners need to make when considering a renovation is whether to hire a contractor to do the job or do it themselves. There are numerous resources available online and elsewhere to help with DIY projects and many homeowners can easily paint walls or handle other aesthetic and cosmetic enhancements. Handier homeowners can even do more advanced jobs, such as tiling and woodworking.
Experts recommend that homeowners avoid taking on jobs that could be costly if done incorrectly, including heating, electrical, and plumbing renovations. Another big consideration is time. An experienced contractor can generally get the job done in a fraction of the time as a homeowner (especially one who is learning as they go) and get it done better since they have the experience and the appropriate tools.
To save money, homeowners can opt to do some parts of a project themselves, such as installing trim or painting a wall, while hiring out for the more technical parts of the renovation. Another way to save money is to buy all the materials ahead of time, then hire a professional to install them. This can help the homeowner save by finding items that are discounted or purchasing discontinued products that are marked down.
If a homeowner chooses to work with a contractor, there are ways to make the process go smoother and set up a good rapport. First of all, the homeowner and contractor should discuss and be clear about the budget before the project begins. This will help the contractor make the right choices about design and the materials being used to keep the project within the established financial boundaries. Secondly, the homeowner should be willing and prepared to discuss every detail of the renovation to ensure that the final result is to their liking. Managing financial and aesthetic expectations is critical.
The homeowner should also be patient throughout the renovation. Contractors generally set a timeline that works best for them and ensures that the area being remodeled is out of commission for the shortest amount of time possible. That being said, remodeling is a process that can take longer than anticipated and disrupt the homeowner’s regular routine, so patience and understanding can help a homeowner get through a renovation with less stress.
When it comes to costs, home renovation costs can vary wildly. In order to get a reliable estimate, homeowners should identify in detail the full scope of the project. They should also assess the return on investment potential for the project, keeping in mind that the remodeling cost could cause their total investment to exceed the current market value of the home.
After gathering this information, the homeowner should then obtain and compare estimates from several reliable contractors. Homeowners should also add between 10 and 20 percent to the estimates as a contingency to cover unexpected costs that may come up during the project.
Serving on your homeowner's association (HOA) board can often be tiring and time-consuming. However, although the work of an HOA board member often goes unappreciated or unrecognized, that doesn't mean it's not necessary or unrewarding. Things would be chaotic without volunteers on the HOA board to manage the association's affairs. Board members make a difference in their community by ensuring its health, safety, value, and continued success.
To join an HOA board, you must be willing to work as a volunteer and view it as an opportunity to enhance your community's assets and serve your neighbors. Before volunteering, seek to know the terms and conditions of your local HOA and board.
It also comes with responsibility and reward. A critical role of the homeowners association HOA is to preserve the community's property values by overseeing the maintenance of the individual units within the community and the grounds. If the recreational area is well taken care of, the community's properties will maintain their value or even increase. Being a member of the HOA board gives you more say over maintenance decisions and, by extension, more control over the value of your home.
Whether it's a landscaping issue, high water bills, or a problem between neighbors, HOA meetings give the residents a welcome platform through which important matters can be addressed. In addition, as a board member, you are involved with drafting petitions to local authorities for the good of the community.
Being immersed in the operations of the local HOA gives you a unique experience. Apart from the leadership skills, as a volunteer, you also learn important life lessons such as being open minded and improving your interpersonal skills as you work with others on local issues.
Participating in the HOA teaches you strategic thinking and problem solving skills. You get an opportunity to polish your negotiation and public speaking skills. In addition, as a board member, you must spend time promoting peace among neighbors, and nurturing relationships with fellow board members. This helps build trust and demonstrates that HOAs are not merely vehicles for enforcing community rules and monitoring budget performance. The positive impact of connecting residents can significantly impact governance in the community.
Although the work of an HOA is serious business, it can still be an opportunity to have fun and enjoy the moment. The feeling of victory after successfully negotiating with a vendor, the adrenaline rush after the board makes an important decision, and the sense of camaraderie at each meeting are a few examples of how serving on the HOA board can be enjoyable. For example, imagine creating a well-run community that is well maintained with great curb appeal. This is something you can make happen as a member of the board.
Finally, you can determine or choose the management services company that serves your community. This alone might a good reason to join the HOA board. Often, the difference in the quality of services offered differs from one company to the next, and choosing the correct one is critical.
