How Virtual Reality Is Changing Construction

How virtual reality is changing construction

VR in construction has evolved beyond initial design and project visualization to incorporate advancements powered by artificial intelligence (AI). These innovations are making VR tools smarter and more intuitive, enabling real-time adjustments and predictive analytics during design and training processes.

Consider the following ways successful construction businesses are using VR:

Design and pitching

No matter how accurate schematics or concept renderings are, there’s no better way to perceive a project’s outcome than an accurate, detailed render viewed with VR technology. Architects and designers are investing in VR technology that assists them in getting the fine details just right by essentially putting them in the room they’re designing.

VR technology can help you and others on your team envision how the project will work out. Consider these tools: 

• Yulio VR: Yulio VR is a program that allows designers to turn their 3D designs into VR-compatible renderings to show collaborators and clients. Conveying the scale and potential of a design can often be challenging, so virtually showing clients provides a clearer and more impactful understanding.
• Woodhouse Workspace: Woodhouse Workspace is an office design firm that uses VR technology to show clients potential office layouts and different ways to use their building’s space. 

Keep in mind that implementing VR technology doesn’t have to be expensive. While high-quality VR headsets can cost hundreds of dollars, common smartphones can be retrofitted with VR accessories to act as headsets. Also, a headset isn’t always necessary to explore virtual spaces. A desktop interface, similar to how Google Street View works, can also be used to navigate virtual spaces.

Teris Pantazes, co-founder of presale home improvement company Settle Rite Financial Service, said VR and augmented reality (AR) tech will be widely adopted on construction sites within five years. Pantazes, who is also the director of project development at Pointer Government Solutions, believes VR and AR will likely be integrated into nearly every aspect of construction, even smaller tasks like home repairs.

“As a construction veteran, I would appreciate the application in helping to design and walking through proposed repairs to try and troubleshoot issues that may arise during construction,” Pantazes said. “I can see the technology being used to make sure that [a] large bathtub fits [in] the early-1900s townhouse or a heavy piece of equipment can maneuver a hillside to reach a backyard.”

Pantazes also noted that this technology can be helpful during construction. For example, AR tech allows workers to speak with someone off-site and remotely walk them through the site. 

Currently, the construction-adjacent industry using VR the most is real estate, which gives clients a firsthand view of their future home or commercial space before it’s built.

“VR tours are proving very popular and highly effective and will only continue to gain traction,” said Daniel Cooke, formerly of VR production company Pebble Studios. “They are currently occupying a high-end space within the real estate industry, offering the luxury of being able to view a property interest from anywhere in the world. As production costs come down, this type of service will become far more common and eventually become the norm.”

Cooke said that as the technology develops, it will become cheaper, more available and more advanced — so much so it will depict photoreal renderings and change how construction projects are pitched.

>> Learn more: How Virtual Reality Technology Is Changing Manufacturing

Safety and training

Investing in employee training is critical in the construction industry, which boasts high-risk environments where safety and preparedness are paramount. Today, VR, video learning and microlearning apps are being used to prepare workers and improve safety. Such tools allow trainees to practice working complex machinery in a safe environment, reducing the risk of injury and damage to equipment while allowing for trial and error.

“Workers in construction, especially equipment operators, require a lot of training, practical guidance and information on industry rules and regulations before they can operate equipment,” explained Tom Wilkerson, president and CEO of CertifyMe.net. “Forklifts can be dangerous and cause about 100,000 injuries every year, and the main cause of forklift accidents [is that] operators weren’t trained correctly.”

Pantazes emphasized that VR training is particularly valuable for workers overseas and in rural places. “In a previous position, I helped to build wind parks. Often, we were in far-flung places: sub-Saharan Africa, Patagonia,” Pantazes recalled. “Training was important because you could train local guys without having to send them off to training for weeks on end away from their families. This aspect will have a great impact on rural areas in helping with career training.”

Customer satisfaction

VR can enhance the customer experience in the construction industry by allowing potential property owners to view and market a space before construction is complete. With VR tools, future residents and owners can experience what a property will actually look and feel like. They can virtually explore the space, see the views, and fully understand the layout.

Labor costs

VR technology can reduce labor costs, particularly when combined with intelligent construction machinery that allows work to be conducted remotely from an office instead of requiring several workers to be physically present in the field. For example, VR enables site managers to preview calculations of work areas, such as determining how much earth needs to be removed in specific locations, without placing equipment and operators on-site to begin digging.

Timeline

Construction projects are notorious for being in a constant state of flux, making it extremely difficult to predetermine and maintain timelines. Even small changes on a job site can delay completion by days or weeks. VR provides dynamic 3D models, allowing management to visualize conditions as changes occur and adapt to them instantly.

Rework

VR project simulation provides an up-to-date view of job site conditions, helping to prevent costly rework caused by miscalculations. For example, during foundation work, a common mistake is pouring the concrete slab in the wrong location. VR tools can help identify and correct such issues before they occur, reducing the need for subsequent work to replace or rework a misaligned foundation.

More innovative tools for the construction industry

If you’re growing a construction firm, you’ll likely want to embrace cutting-edge technologies to improve efficiency, safety and collaboration, including the following. 

Estimating software

Contractors use estimating software to create bid estimates, collect data and documentation, and manage projects and schedules. Many of these applications include features, such as cost comparisons, instant takeoffs for estimate adjustments, blueprint viewing and editing and mobile access.

Consider the following construction estimating tools:

• CoConstruct: A top name in the industry, CoConstruct offers a suite of construction estimating features at an accessible price point. Acquired by Buildertrend, its end-to-end integration allows for a streamlined bidding process, including automated reminders, single-entry estimation, budget tracking and real-time schedule management.
• MeasureSquare: MeasureSquare is a cloud-based solution for floor planning and design projects. It integrates with various third-party software solutions to manage estimate spreadsheets, sales, orders, inventory and custom designs.
• STACK: With several service plans and a free trial available, STACK is a great estimating software option. It integrates with multiple storage and project management solutions, and users can upload estimate data from anywhere with STACK’s mobile compatibility.

The ideal estimating software solution for a company will depend on various factors, including the scale and volume of projects, the number of employees or users needing access, and budgetary considerations.

Credit card processors

Construction credit card processors offer a convenient solution for customers making project payments. However, some processors may consider a construction business high-risk — and credit card processing in high-risk industries can deter some payment processors. Look for payment processors with experience working with contractors, as these companies are less likely to freeze your account when processing large or irregularly timed payments.

Construction companies looking for the best credit card processors might consider the following solutions:

• Merchant One: Merchant One has garnered praise for its various payment options, including mobile payments. Users also appreciate Merchant One’s flexible pricing models, quick access to funds (typically by the next business day) and overall ease of use and navigation. Learn more in our Merchant One review.
• Payment Depot: Newer construction businesses or those with high-volume transactions can turn to Payment Depot. This credit card processor is designed to manage large payment volumes and offers multi-tiered, subscription-based pricing at wholesale processing rates. Learn more in our review of Payment Depot.
• Chase Payment Solutions: As one of the largest acquiring banks in the U.S., Chase offers some of the quickest payouts among credit card processors, as well as easy integration for current Chase account holders. Learn more in our Chase Payment Solutions review.

POS systems

Point-of-sale (POS) systems are more than digital cash registers. POS systems for construction businesses can help you easily manage transactions and inventory. The following platforms are among the best POS systems and are a great place to start your search:

• Clover: Clover is an all-in-one POS system and credit card processor, making it appealing for businesses looking to streamline multiple parts of its operation. As our detailed review of Clover explains, this platform tracks purchases and inventory, generates sales reports, and integrates with QuickBooks.
• Square: One of the best-known POS solutions for small businesses, Square serves companies of all sizes across varied industries. Our Square review explains this platform’s customizable free and paid plans and various add-on services and integrations.
• Epos Now: Another all-in-one POS solution, Epos Now integrates with multiple third-party applications, including other payment processors. Our Epos Now review details its multiple hardware options and straightforward onboarding process, which makes it easy for teams to learn and use the POS.

Smart helmets

Smart helmets are hard hats with integrated smart technology. Designed specifically for construction workers, this wearable tech combines the strength and safety of a traditional hard hat with features designed to boost efficiency and safety.

Smart helmets come with built-in features like sensors, AR and tracking tools. The tech can send alerts for dangerous conditions or a worker in need of assistance. Some smart helmets also offer site planning tools for engineers, such as reviewing blueprints and even creating new images (via AR) directly from the visor.

Other notable features of smart helmets include:

• Thermal vision: Workers can analyze temperature data on the worksite, increasing workers’ safety. 
• Data collection: Smart helmets can track multiple data types, including employee health and peak productivity times.
• Live instructions and support: Teams can view augmented instructions with visual aids from the helmet’s visor and receive remote support from experts in real time.
• Preventative safety features: Sensors on the helmet can identify potential crashes on a job site and even warn users to slow down, reducing the likelihood of accidents.

While smart helmet technology is still in its early stages, it offers the potential for increased efficiency and safety on construction sites.

Building the future with innovation 

The construction industry is undergoing a technological revolution, leveraging advancements in virtual reality, AI and smart tools to optimize every aspect of the building process. From streamlining design and improving safety measures to managing labor costs and enhancing customer experiences, these innovations are transforming challenges into opportunities.

As these tools become more accessible and integrated, construction promises to be safer, faster and more precise, setting new benchmarks for creativity, efficiency and sustainability in the industry.

Amanda Clark contributed to this article.