"In order to get the job done, general contractors are constantly looking at innovations," Thurston said in a recent interview. "That's why general contractors, by nature, are always on the forefront of new methods, new materials, new technology.

"We are always looking at ways to find new and better ways to build buildings," says Thurston. "So we see more and more new or innovative types of materials."

One piece of technology that has revolutionized the industry is the computer, says Mark Salerno, the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp. (CMHC) district manager for the Greater Toronto Area.

Computers are used to produce building designs, as well as map out scheduling and project planning, says Salerno.

CMHC's Mark Salerno says computers affect how the industry communicates.

He adds that computers are also aiding the construction industry by providing builders with access to manufacturers' plans. The drawing files can be downloaded and adopted into any proposed building project.

"Technology is not just making it easier to do the work, it's affecting the way we communicate in the industry," Salerno says.

In a 2003 report, the Construction Sector Council identified pre-fabrication, longer-life materials, and machinery and equipment as the three areas in which technology would have the greatest impact.

One example, says Salerno, is insulated concrete forms. Foam blocks about 60 centimetres long are placed together and concrete is poured into them. Because the foam acts as an insulator, concrete can be poured year round. Before this material innovation, concrete could not be poured in the cold winter months, Salerno says.

By combining material innovations with computers, builders often are able to decide which product would be best suited for each project, Salerno says. A designer can determine the temperature of a building on any floor at any time and then decide if the mechanical services need to be upgraded, for example.

"Pre-fabrication has been taking place for a long time," Thurston says.

"It's not new."

Using pre-fabricated components may speed up project time and delivery of materials, Thurston says. "But it still won't reduce jobs because somebody is still going to put those components together somewhere and somebody's still going to put them together at the other end."

Salerno says prefabrication will have more of an impact on specialized markets such as low-cost housing or rural development - areas where skilled labour may not be readily accessible. Habitat for Humanity prefabricates walls and housing sections at its Toronto factory, he says, so the components can then be installed at the site by unskilled labourers.

Salerno also says machinery and equipment will become more computerized. Thurston believes the increased level of specialization will increase construction wages because workers will require more training.

"We are going into schools and trying to share this message with kids as young as 10 and 11," says Thurston. "We are pushing the skilled aspect of construction to show that construction is no longer the guy with the shovel."

"Because of the shortage of people power, technology continues to have an impact," Thurston says. "While technology won't replace the labour market it will certainly fill the gap."

(Romana King can be reached at king@businessedge.ca)