S1 E15 Construction Productivity

Summary

In this episode, Brad Wyant and Dee Davis discuss the challenges facing the construction industry, including flat productivity, safety concerns, and slow technological adoption. They explore the impact of specialization, the architect-contractor relationship, and various contracting hazards that hinder efficiency. The conversation also delves into moral hazards and learned selfishness within the industry, emphasizing the need for improved collaboration and innovative solutions. The hosts propose a shift towards more integrated contracting practices and the adoption of advanced technologies like BIM to enhance productivity and project outcomes.

Takeaways

Construction productivity has remained flat compared to other industries. Safety improvements, while necessary, have impacted productivity. Technological adoption in construction is often slow and painful. The architect-contractor relationship can be adversarial and needs improvement. Specialization in trades has led to both efficiency and fragmentation. Contracting hazards like holdup and moral hazards affect project outcomes. Moral hazards lead to learned selfishness among industry professionals. The construction value chain is highly fragmented, complicating efficiency. Proposed solutions include reworking contracting practices and embracing BIM. The future of construction may rely on technology and collaboration to improve outcomes.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Technical Challenges

02:49 Exploring Construction Productivity

05:57 The Role of Safety in Productivity

08:51 Technological Adoption in Construction

12:06 The Architect-Contractor Relationship

14:59 Specialization and Its Impact on Construction

17:58 Contracting Hazards in Construction

21:05 Moral Hazards and Project Dynamics

37:18 Moral Hazards in Contracting

40:59 Fragmentation in the Construction Industry

43:39 Challenges of Repeatability in Construction

48:26 Evolving Design Requirements

54:04 Reworking Contracting Practices

01:00:45 BIM and Its Challenges

01:07:28 The Need for Collaboration

01:10:28 Investments in Construction Technology

01:17:15 The Future of Trades in Construction