About David Hayes
I'm a first year student at the University of Bath studying Civil Engineering

Property will always be an expensive, long term and illiquid investment opportunity unless we significantly alter how and what we build.
Advances in prefabrication have the potential to slash the cost of construction and dramatically reduce build times, as demonstrated by companies such as Broad Sustainable Buildings; the Chinese firm which constructed a 15 story building in just 48 hours in 2010. However, there are problems that currently exist in prefabrication techniques that are not inherent and have halted its ubiquity.
Furthermore, there are numerous inefficiencies that exist on conventional building sites which, if resolved, could significantly reduce the cost of property.
Examples of inefficiency include current surveying methods, which involve measuring a single distance at a time using a total station. Advances in multi-rotor drones and 3D sensors lend themselves to a new, far faster, cheaper and automatic measuring system.
Building Information Modeling also has the potential to significantly reduce error, build time and cost on construction sites, however it is poorly realized and needs significant investment and innovation before benefits will be seen.
With this in mind, I propose a construction efficiency investment fund, which will support UK start up businesses and research schemes which aim to eliminate these inefficiencies using recent technological improvements. This could dramatically reduce the cost of construction in the UK and make investors turn their money towards property rather than other wealth generating options.
Featured articles and news
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Lighting Industry endorses Blueprint for Electrification
The Lighting Industry Association fully supports the ECA Blueprint as a timely, urgent call to action.
BSRIA Sentinel Clerk of Works Training Case Study
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Impact report from the Supply Chain Sustainability School
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The Building Safety Forum at the Installershow 2025
With speakers confirmed for 24 June as part of Building Safety Week.
The UK’s largest air pollution campaign.
Future Homes Standard, now includes solar, but what else?
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BSRIA Briefing: Cleaner Air, Better tomorrow
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Reflections on the spending review with CIAT.
Retired firefighter cycles world to raise Grenfell funds
Leaving on 14 June 2025 Stephen will raise money for youth and schools through the Grenfell Foundation.
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.