Home Design and Construction Jobs Rising in Demand

If there is one profession that’s needed in every corner of the globe, it’s the construction worker. Even the tiniest remodeling projects will require a specialist to come in and have a look to get you the best results. 

But as the Contractors.com database of specialists will show you, there are a lot of professions and trades in the construction sector. Knowing what each of them does and how the demand for them has changed in recent years could help us have a better understanding of the industry as a whole and the direction it’s headed in. Considering the pandemic and all that’s transpired, it’s interesting to see how such hands-on professions have been affected and what the future holds for them.

Construction Manager

Construction Managers Continue to Be In High Demand

Construction managers handle the nitty-gritty of construction or renovation, making them the backbone of any larger-scale operation. The demand for this specialty isn’t exclusive to the last few years. With around 700,000 construction companies and over a trillion dollars per year going into construction projects, it’s easy to see how the 400,000 construction managers across the country are seeing a continuous trend. It’s estimated that this number is going to continue growing well into the decade. Construction management has always been a mandatory position as any project, large or small, would be very difficult or downright impossible without it.

Hiring a licensed construction manager will make any large-scale project — such as a full renovation or the construction of an outdoor addition — far more feasible. A few examples of their responsibilities include properly organizing each stage of the construction, allotting reasonable deadlines, delivering a meticulous cost estimator plan, and ensuring that the working conditions are safe for the builders and construction laborers. 

Home Automation Specialist

Construction Professions Rising In Demand

There’s a skyrocketing demand for home automation specialists whose job is to install complex smart devices throughout a home. Some smart devices are pretty self-explanatory and very easy to set up. But others like an intelligent thermostat or smart light fixtures require a professional touch to get right. Home automation specialists have all the knowledge and expertise required to install all the necessary hardware and software, keeping everything running smoothly.

Smart devices and appliances are becoming more and more accessible as technology gets increasingly more present in households across the country. Smart door locks, bluetooth ovens, and pet cameras are just a few examples of intelligent home appliances and devices that have made their way into millions of American households. With national statistics showing that around 70% of modern consumers own at least one smart appliance, it’s safe to say that home automation specialists have their work cut out for them.

Interior Designer

Interior Designers Growing In Demand

The interior designer sector reached over $14 billion in annual revenue in 2021 so far and this upward slope is expected to keep going strong over the next five years. While plenty of homeowners have taken to remodeling and decorating on their own, there is still a huge demand for interior designers.

Once the construction is finished and all the systems (plumbing, electrical, HVAC, etc.) are in place, the interior designer is then tasked with creating the character and personality of your home. Interior designers help homeowners conceptualize the interior of their homes, refine various design features, and create an interior that is as accurate to the client’s request as possible. Needless to say, as long as homeowners across the nation wish to live in a place that is uniquely their own, this is one specialty that is going to stay popular for many years to come.

Electrician

Professionals You Will Eventually Need to Hire As a Homeowner

What’s the use of smart technology when you don’t have the power to make it work? Let’s not forget that every smart fridge and automated curtain opener needs to be plugged in or charged. In order for smart technology (or technology in general) to function you also need an electrical system that is well planned out, properly configured, and regularly maintained. 

Electricians have always been in high demand. However, as more and more people work from home and spend more time indoors, the need for highly skilled electricians has grown significantly. When you’re working from home, the last thing you want is an unstable electrical current or a defective outlet bringing your work to a crawl or even a complete standstill. Keep your home powered up and never experience a power outage again.

Solar Panel Installer

Solar Technicians In High Demand

In 2020, renewable energy was responsible for over 25% of the nation’s electricity from the start of the year well into May. While this percentage does fluctuate over the years, there is no doubt that solar and wind energy production is continuously growing at increasingly faster rates. This comes as a result of many households and businesses opting for environmentally friendly energy sources, giving solar panel installers a lot of work to do.

With the global pandemic and the ensuing lockdown, the solar panel industry stagnated a little. In 2020 there was a shortage of solar panel manufacturing supplies from China, as it was one of the first countries to go into lockdown. This could have made a huge dent in the growth of solar energy if it wasn’t for the solar energy tax break passed by the US federal government. It gave new solar panel owners a discount on installation, allowing for a rise in the number of green homes and businesses. Thanks to this new tax break, solar photovoltaic installers are helping a growing number of people to reduce their carbon footprint.

Carpenter

Find Out Why Carpenters Are In High Demand

Carpentry is one of humanity’s oldest crafts and, even with so many alternative materials being readily available, is still remarkably in demand. Of course, ready-made furniture is super convenient and cost-effective. However, it will never be able to substitute the feeling of owning a unique piece of furniture or interior design feature that was specially made for your home.

There are over 200,000 carpentry businesses around the country, with over a million woodworkers currently operating in the construction industry. Not only that, but this number is continuing to grow. Regardless of what design or style you’re going with, chances are you’re going to be working with wood at some point. When you do, one of the many seasoned carpenters will be there to help.

Mason 

Professionals You Wouldn't Expect You're Going to Need Until You Need Them

A strong foundation will ensure that the structure of your building will stay firmly planted on the ground for years to come. But getting it right is a very delicate process that requires trained professionals. Masons will answer your call, whether you're looking to build a patio, driveway, or add an extension to your house. 

The masonry industry is currently hovering around $27 billion. While it has seen a very small (less than 1%) decline in the last two years, this does not mean that masons are not in demand. Many of our buildings, from schools to libraries, apartments, and hospitals are constructed entirely out of hard materials. With the rising population and greater demand for constructing new buildings, cement masons, concrete finishers, and other specialists are going to be highly sought-after professions.

Painter

Painters - When It's Not Always Best to DIY

It was predicted that residential and commercial painting would take a major hit from the coronavirus, as one of the world’s biggest suppliers, China, went into lockdown in early 2020. Painting specialists did see a small revenue decline in 2020. However, the profession is still going strong a year later and is still among the leading trades in the construction sector. 

It is projected that construction and maintenance painting will see little to no change in demand all the way into the late 2020s. But even if things stay relatively stable, any project, from minor renovations to a full-scale skyscraper construction is going to need a painter to do the final stylizations and touch-ups. As long as we’re building and renovating, residential and commercial painters are always going to be a job in demand.

Plumbers

Trades That Will Never Not Be In Demand

The demand for plumbing is rather self-explanatory once you consider how important running water, fully-functioning toilets, and showers are for a modern home. Bathroom and kitchen remodels, in general, are always very popular, as they’re two of the highest maintenance rooms. 

A licensed plumber and plumbing engineer will install the system. But they will also make sure to add all the conveniences that come with modern plumbing technology, like environmentally friendly and tankless water heaters, or power flushing toilets.

With more people staying at home for long stretches of time, there is more pressure exerted on the plumbing system, not unlike the electrical system. This means many of the homes that aren’t outfitted with carefully planned and designed plumbing systems may be faced with regular blockage, clogging, and leaking. So, while plumbers have always been a predominant trade in construction, they always seem to have something new to work on.

HVAC Technician

Why HVAC Technicians Are In High Demand Year Round

On the hottest summer days and the coldest winter months, everyone needs a fully functioning heat, ventilation, & air conditioning (HVAC ) system. It’s a fundamental part of home comfort and without it relaxation would be nearly impossible. However, the HVAC is a very complex system that requires a licensed specialist for maintenance, installation, or repair. 

With the pandemic in 2020, many households garnered a new appreciation for quality HVAC and saw how crucial a role it plays in their homes. HVAC systems are being used significantly more than in earlier years. This is putting HVAC systems under greater pressure, and as a result, they have begun to require more frequent maintenance. 

Surveyor

Professionals You'll Work With During a Full Renovation

To build a strong foundation for a structure, you’re going to need a surveyor to check on the designated landscape. Surveyors play a major role in the buying and selling of property, as their appraisals are among the most important in determining the price. In construction, they survey a designating area, providing the builders, architects, and construction managers with accurate measurements of the land.

Licensed surveyors aren’t trending at the moment, but that’s because they’re a mandatory member of any construction project and are always needed, especially if the project is going to be taking up a large chunk of land. Surveyors are paramount to a successful construction project and without their input, the entire operation could fall apart as a result of poor planning. 

Next time you’re looking to create, remodel, repair, or build, know that almost any professional you will need will be in demand, while some more than others, so start your research for the perfect match for your home project sooner rather than later.