Construction Law

Building 3D-Printed Concrete Structures

Although 3D printers were first introduced in the 1980s, they have emerged as one of the most exciting new technologies in the 21st century. This constantly evolving technology was once viewed as nothing more than a novelty, but today, 3D printers are used for an array of purposes, from building machine parts to constructing factory components of houses.

As this technology makes its way into the mainstream building sector, contractors will benefit from a partnership with a Florida construction attorney to ensure that their businesses are protected. At Cotney Attorneys & Consultants, our Florida construction attorneys are well-versed in an array of legal services including employment law, license defense, dispute resolution, bond law, contract negotiation, bid protests, and more. We know what you need to do to stay afloat in a changing construction industry.

Reducing Supply Costs with 3D Printing

WinSun, a 3D printing construction company based in China believes “3D printing will save construction companies up to 50 percent on the cost” of building a house. Small contracting firms with access to this technology could gain a competitive edge over larger firms that have money invested in traditional supply chains. Additionally, building 3D printed houses could help make housing more affordable for first-time homebuyers.

The Ideal Method for Creating Shelter for the Less Fortunate

Imagine a world in which automated factories build manufactured homes all day and through the night. As the price of housing drops, the impoverished will have more access to satisfactory shelter. Whether this means creating small, manufactured studios or larger homes for families, the price of construction will decrease with 3D printing. Of course, it will be important for contractors to follow the guidelines governing 3D-printed homes as they are introduced.

Green Construction is Achievable with 3D Printing

As 3D printing becomes more mainstream, the need for traditional home-building materials like lumber would be reduced significantly. This is big news for green construction firms who are battling increased costs as they try to spearhead innovation and sustainability in construction. Unfortunately, this could have costly consequences on the lumber industry.

Streamlining Project Planning

Another exciting aspect of 3D printed homes is the marriage of design and production into a singular process. In other words, once the contractor feeds the architectural data into the 3D printer, it will build the structure without the need for excessive oversight or further instruction. 3D printing reduces the costs associated with creating models, and most issues with a design plan will be sorted out in the program as opposed to making on-the-fly changes on the project site. Plus, once a structure is successfully printed, it can be replicated ad infinitum.

If you would like to speak with a Florida construction attorney, please contact us today.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.