It's not easy to introduce updated concepts to the building industry, but some are making it happen.

by Terry Beaubois

In January, I spoke at the Green Builder symposium and then attended the International IBS/NAHB/NKB show. What struck me is how wonderful and diverse the building industry is—and yet how separated into silos we still are. With a few exceptions, such as the larger product manufacturers exhibiting at IBS, we do not share information among architects, designers, engineers and general contractors, let alone home and building owners. A home show I attended in San Jose in February confirmed that thought: Few manufacturers, builders and remodeling companies were there to share information with homeowners.

Tech construction firm Katerra specializes in factory-style construction of individual walls, floors and roofs for new homes. These can be assembled after arrival at a worksite, allowing for better quality control.

The reason for mentioning this siloing is because it is key in addressing how to create increasing efficiency and effectiveness in the building industry. In studies of all the major industries covering the past 50 years, the building industry has experienced the least increase in efficiency and effectiveness in the past 20 to 50 years compared to most other industries.