Technology and the Single Builder

I just got back from a trip to Austin where I attended the Texas Association of Builders (TAB) winter committee and Board of Directors meetings, along with a statewide “Rally Day” at our State Capitol. Rally Day is actually a very dynamic and inspiring event, where builders from all over Texas get the opportunity to meet with state legislators and talk about issues that affect our businesses, our local communities, our customers and our industry as a whole.

So what does this have to do with technology? A lot, actually. I recently upgraded my old Blackberry to a new smartphone that gives me lots of different communications options and (of course) apps! Even though I was down in Austin, away from my home office and engaged in all day meetings and events, I was never far from my customers – and not just by phone, but with mobile email, social media and photo and video applications. I’m able to communicate and share information like spec sheets and house plans real time.

At the committee meetings, the TAB organizers presented their materials for our review not on paper, but electronically (for the summer session, I hope to bring a new iPad!).

And of course, technology and the building industry come together in many more ways than the ability to stay in constant touch and review extensive sets of information online. The science of building is advancing rapidly – the new products, materials and techniques that are part of the emerging technology focus in construction are absolutely amazing and becoming more and more affordable. Touch-sensitive plumbing fixtures from Delta and motion activated lighting solutions give us convenient ways to build greener and more efficient homes from the inside out. We’re seeing really exciting new solar products – sheaths and cells that will become mainstream sooner than many of us originally thought.

The integrated home is not a concept of the future. From the exterior walls and roofing materials to the insulation system and the fixtures and appliances – the integrated home is a current reality that tech-savvy builders can and should embrace.

I’m excited about all the possibilities – some of which used to intimidate me a little. Builders aren’t always early adopters of technology, but we are definitely dedicated to making your dreams come true, and today’s dream home – the ‘Home of the Future’ is here right now. If I can master a smart phone, then I can also show you how apps can help you monitor your thermostats, manage your entertainment systems and run your lighting systems and appliances from a digital platform.

Who’d have thought?