Chapter 8: Innovation in alteration and refurbishment project delivery

In 2014 the UK construction industry accounted for over £100 million in economic output (Rhodes, 2015), while refurbishment continues to account for approximately 40% of the sector. In addition to this significant aspect of the industry, the UK government strategy Construction 2025 (HM Government, 2013) identifying that a 50% reduction in time is required for refurbishment projects, presents some challenges for the sector in how projects are to be managed and delivered more efficiently. Emerging innovative technologies and techniques are providing a way for the UK refurbishment sector to meet these challenges. A range of digital tools, coupled with emerging delivery paradigms, provides the ability to undertake the whole life cycle of a refurbishment project more efficiently, from initial site survey through to design, construction and handover. This chapter explores some of the tools and techniques, such as 3D laser scanning and drone-based modelling of projects, and looks at how building information modelling (BIM) can be applied to refurbishment projects. The chapter concludes by highlighting how future alteration and refurbishment projects could be delivered using emerging techniques such as 3D printing, and how safety on renovation projects could be managed in the future.