Last year was a wild ride in the building industry. After pandemic-related closures and material shortages, project lists are now growing with the economy bouncing back. Weaver Commercial Contractor (WCC) remains focused on delivering value-driven solutions to our customers – some of which come from trending technologies, materials or other strategic approaches to construction. 

With a vast commercial portfolio, we also recognize that not every building decision should be made based on current industry trends (in fact, we might have renovated a few spaces to cover up those that didn’t age well). But at Weaver, we’re already incorporating some key commercial construction trends into our process. Here are several trends to watch unfold in 2021 and beyond.

Design technology is an obvious trend expectation as it continues to evolve and enhance the industry. But don’t underestimate the need for good design itself as a foundation. Finding a contractor to execute your vision probably isn’t a challenge, but securing an expert designer/builder who actually listens to your organization’s needs and creates a facility to meet them, can be. 

WCC uses a “design-build” approach and works with you from the beginning design phase through completion. Instead of bidding on a design created by another party, WCC customers benefit from single-source accountability that cuts out the middleman. We use our industry-specific experience to your advantage by helping you maximize the functionality of your design and finding cost-saving alternatives. Our 3D renderings show customers what their building will look like, both inside and out, to eliminate any confusion and provide an opportunity to request changes well before construction even begins. It’s a streamlined approach that allows us to foresee potential concerns and make changes early on when the conventional bid approach would add extra delays to your project by going back to a third-party to draw up a new design.

Metal building systems are popular in commercial construction because they are durable yet attractive and energy efficient. These systems also are cost effective for both building and maintenance. 

For these and other reasons, the Metal Building Manufacturers Association says that metal shipments to its members have steadily increased over the past few years. They expect metal building systems to continue increasing in market share for commercial office buildings, retail, and governmental facilities (while maintaining its existing popularity with industrial facilities and warehouses). 

WCC is certainly on board with this trend. We found a spot on the Top 100 Metal Builder List in the May 2019 issue of Metal Construction News (58th for Top Metal Builders by Tonnage ). From food processing to manufacturing to ministry , you’ll find several examples of completed metal building projects on our website.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology replaces CAD drawings and moves the building process into a virtual space. Infrastructure project growth and increasing adoption rates lead experts to predict that the tech trend will reach an estimated $9 billion by 2025 . 

While 3D renderings help show clients the finished spaces, BIM shows the concealed mechanical systems (HVAC, plumbing, fire suppression, etc.) within the ceilings, floors, and walls. This helps multiple parties working on the project understand how these systems fit into the building structure and interact with each other, avoiding potential conflicts before construction begins. It reduces costly changes which negatively impact both the client’s budget and their schedule. 

It’s disappointing that keeping the timeline is a trend in business, but not all commercial building contractors do it. After a year of supply chain delays and increased demand, keeping projects on time can be a challenge, but it’s important for customers who’ve already waited an extended period of time. 

WCC combats timeline issues with Construction Manager At Risk , a cost-effective and time-conscious alternative to the traditional design-bid-build process. CM at risk allows the client to choose the CM before the design stage is complete so they may identify budget challenges and supply or other issues early in the process to avoid setbacks later. Usually, they select someone loyal to their organization, and may even rely on their repeat business. The CM at risk centralizes the operation under a single contract and provides the client with a guaranteed maximum price. The client maintains a separate architect/engineer (A/E) relationship but the CM and A/E work together to execute the design. 

This collaborative process enhances the working relationship and it motivates the CM to keep subcontractors –and ultimately the project – moving. Working with a CM at risk can reduce design changes, elevate the quality of construction, improve communication, speed up the schedule and solidify cost expectations.

Green design and construction is the trend that keeps on trending. Despite savings in the long run, environmentally friendly materials still land in a higher price range, which makes them more of a luxury. Still, as sustainable materials become more mainstream, and other sustainable technologies grow, so will material affordability. 

Regardless, contractors almost have an obligation to create environmentally efficient buildings. The U.S. Energy Information Administration ( EIA ) says buildings consume almost 40% of the total U.S. energy consumption and generate 30% of greenhouse gas emissions. Contractors can help improve these metrics with more sustainable design/build practices and energy conservation efforts, including: 



Green buildings deliver human benefits as well. Employees in green buildings report 30% less headaches and respiratory problems. Mental health and productivity also improves when daylight gets incorporated into the design. 

Weaver Commercial Contractor designs, builds, and renovates commercial buildings for a wide variety of industries. Between understanding each industry’s needs and incorporating the unique needs of your project, we also apply commercial construction trends into a building plan that is tailor made for you. 

Contact us today to discuss your upcoming project and learn more about how Weaver Commercial Contractor is the solid partner you need.