How Can Technology Be Used To Complete Constructions?

How Can Technology Be Used to Complete Construction?

I’m super excited about this blog because I’ve addressed this topic before and listed specific technologies I use, but today I’m covering five to six common questions that keep coming up around construction tech.

We love connecting with you, the readers of this blog. Seriously. And before I dive in, let me share something quick.

Our Purpose

The other day, Kate, one of my partners at Elevate (along with Kevin and me), wrote in our executive WhatsApp group chat: “We are unstoppable.”

When I asked why, she said, “Because our focus is genuinely about people and we’re aligned with the universe on that.”

That struck me. We’re not here for money or recognition, we’re here for you. Just like Gary Vee says, “Give out content for free,” and like Taylor Swift, “Love your fans.” That’s our DNA.

So, if there’s something we can do better, let us know. If you have thoughts, drop them in the comments. If you need help, reach out. We’re here to serve.

With that, let’s get into your biggest questions about technology in construction.

1. What’s the Philosophy for Construction Technology?

Technology is amazing. I’ve been an early adopter my whole career, AutoCAD, Revit, Synchro, Navisworks, surveying applications, even creating my own coordinate geometry software.

But here’s the thing: as a superintendent, I still hear excuses like, “I don’t use computers.” That has to stop. Superintendents use tech. You know how to use a phone, you know how to use a computer, so use them.

The right approach? Follow Toyota’s model:

• Use thoroughly tested technology.
• When it works, implement it.

No excuses.

2. What Are the Best Ways to Use Technology on a Jobsite?

Think of it like prefabrication. You don’t prefab everything, you prefab what solves bottlenecks. Same with tech:

• Identify your constraints.
• Apply tech where it makes the biggest impact.

3. Can Technology Speed Up Construction, or Just Track It?

Absolutely it can speed things up. Examples:

• Designing in Revit.
• Lift drawings in drafting software.
• Model coordination in Navisworks.
• Creating spools for prefabrication.
• RFIs through project management software.
• Total stations, GPS, and robotic total stations.

Most modern applications especially easy ones like Bluebeam are already making us faster. If tech isn’t saving time, question it.

4. How Do You Avoid Overcomplicating Things with Too Many Apps?

This isn’t really a problem of too many apps. The real issue is that people don’t fully learn the tools they have.

I’ve worked with DPR, where we used multiple apps: CMiC, Bluebeam, NoteVault, BIM 360, BIM 360 Field and it wasn’t too much. The only inconvenience? Storing all the passwords.

The problem is half-learning. We dip our toes into apps without mastering them. That’s why it feels overwhelming.

The fix?

• Commit. Learn. Implement. Move on.
• Stop resisting new tools.
• Build the mindset of continuous improvement.

5. How Do I Get My Trades to Buy into Tech?

This is simpler than most people think. If the project delivery team uses it, the trades will too.

It’s about leadership and ownership:

• Be clear about expectations.
• Model the behavior.
• Build strong relationships.

If you say, “On this job, we use Bluebeam,” and you back it up with leadership, your trades will use Bluebeam.

6. What’s the Most Important Thing to Automate First?

Start with your biggest limiting factor. That’s where tech creates the most value.

Technology Is Here to Stay

Avoiding tech because it’s imperfect today is the wrong mindset. It’s like electric cars, they may not be perfect yet, but if we don’t practice, we’ll never improve.

You can either be Netflix or Blockbuster. Lead the industry or get left behind.

Same with AI. It’s not going to replace us, but it will make us better. I already use AI for 30–40% of my workday because it helps me be more effective.

So, the choice is simple:

• Resist and risk irrelevance.
• Or embrace, learn, and lead.

Final Thoughts

Technology in construction isn’t going anywhere. Get in the game. Use it. Experiment. Fail. Learn. Improve. AI, software, apps, robotics, these aren’t threats. They’re tools to make us better.