The Urgent Need for a Shift in Construction Industry Practices
Builders Must Change Their Methods or Fall Behind in the Market
- Fundamental changes in purchasing, material supply, construction, and sales methods in the building industry after the 12-day war
- Stockpiling materials at project sites to prevent production halts
- Emphasis on a factory-owner mindset in construction and a move toward industrialization
- Changing home purchase criteria and the need to adapt projects to new lifestyles
According to SAMA, members of the Anik Construction Group, reflecting on two distinct periods before and after the 12-day war, have reported a fundamental shift in the methods of purchasing, material supply, construction, and sales within the building industry. They emphasized that builders who failed to adapt their working methods have suffered significant setbacks. In their view, the strategic stockpiling of materials, accelerating construction timelines, and moving toward industrialization are the most critical strategies for navigating the new conditions.
Changing Methods: A New Imperative for the Construction Industry
Siamak Mahmoudi of the Anik Construction Group, dividing life and business conditions into two phases—’before the 12-day war’ and ‘after the 12-day war’—stressed that the methods of purchasing, financing, sales, and construction in this industry have undergone transformation. According to him, this change is not limited to construction alone but also encompasses commercial real estate and other businesses.
He identified builders who could not alter their working methods as one of the most affected groups in these circumstances, adding: ‘Builders who managed to grow changed their way of working.’
Material Stockpiling: A Strategy to Counter Production Disruptions
This construction industry professional, referring to the new experience of stockpiling materials and goods, said: ‘Previously, there was no necessary foresight in this regard, but now materials are being stored at project sites so that if a problem arises and production halts, the project’s progress does not come to a standstill.’ He described this measure as more about securing materials and supplies rather than addressing financial issues.
From Traditional Methods to Factory-Style Operations: A Mandatory Shift in Builders’ Mindset
Meysam Mahmoudi, noting that for three years he has been emphasizing the need for builders to change their working methods in conferences and messages, said: ‘The era when you could set property prices on the streets is over; methods must change, and construction speed must increase.’ According to him, a builder who wants to operate in Iran must view themselves as a factory owner—that is, maintain continuous production, use materials correctly, and if construction is to become mechanized, move toward mechanization.
He added, noting that some builders still adhere to traditional methods: ‘We must update them, and they too must come on board.’
Government and Media Support for the Construction Industry
This construction sector professional, pointing out that the industry is in a difficult situation, reported a shift in the government’s attitude toward builders and said: ‘Conferences, media coverage, and the assistance provided in this regard have helped convey the voices of industry players to officials.’ He mentioned visits by deputies and officials to exhibition booths and the provision of new support to resolve issues, expressing hope that this trend would continue.
He also stressed: ‘Part of the problems lie in macro-level decision-making, and we cannot interfere much, but we can convey ideas and reach conclusions.’
New Lifestyle: A New Criterion for Construction
This construction industry professional, referring to changing criteria for home purchases, said: ‘In the past, a building was merely a shelter for rest, and the father of the family was the primary decision-maker, but now spouses and children also have a say in the selection and design of the home.’ According to him, kitchens, rooms, and bathrooms must be designed based on new needs, and in addition to the father’s financial provision, the tastes and opinions of children must also be considered in construction.
Emphasizing that homes should be built for the next generation, he added: ‘We must adapt projects to people’s lifestyles.’ He noted that builders should pay attention to needs such as natural lighting, antenna reception, high-speed internet, and the possibility of online work, because people are seeking a new lifestyle, and projects must align with these changing lifestyles.
