The current crisis: Statistics and facts about the German housing market
The situation in German construction is critical. In 2024, 251,900 apartments were completed, a decrease of 14.4% compared to the previous year and far from the government’s target of 400,000 units. At the same time, 9.6 million people are already living in overcrowded apartments, which accounts for over 11% of the population. The economic consequences are severe: Revenue in the housing sector has fallen by 5% in real terms, and up to 21,500 companies face bankruptcy. The average investment costs in major cities have reached a peak of €5,230 per square meter. This development makes it clear that traditional methods are reaching their limits and are blocking the way to the future of the construction industry. Without a fundamental change in processes, creating affordable housing will be impossible.
Digital process optimization as the key to efficiency
Communication chaos and lack of documentation are massive cost drivers. Digitalization is the decisive lever to increase productivity in the housing sector. A seamless digital construction documentation, as enabled by Valoon via WhatsApp, reduces the manual effort for construction daily reports by up to 80%. By automatically linking photos, messages, and documents to digital construction files, 100% legally compliant documentation is ensured. This not only minimizes liability risks but also accelerates approval processes and the entire project execution. The digital capture of measurements and timesheets directly on the construction site avoids errors and ensures transparent and immediate data availability in the office. The digitalization of the construction industry is no longer an option, but a necessity for success.
Modular construction: Faster, cheaper, and more sustainable
Prefabrication is revolutionizing the housing construction of the future. Through modular and serial construction, construction times can be reduced by up to 50%, as up to 90% of the work is carried out in factory halls, regardless of the weather. This leads to significant cost savings and higher construction quality. Experts predict that the share of prefabricated elements in construction projects will rise from 27% in 2025 to 35% by 2030. This approach offers the following advantages:
- Time savings: Parallel execution of earthworks and module production accelerates completion by months.
- Cost control: Standardized processes and precise material use significantly reduce overall costs.
- Sustainability: Fewer transports and waste on the construction site lead to a CO2 reduction of up to 50% compared to conventional construction.
- Quality assurance: Manufacturing under controlled factory conditions minimizes construction defects and improves execution quality.
These innovative construction trends are crucial to quickly and efficiently meet the increasing demand for housing.
Simplicity as a principle: Reduce construction costs by up to 30%
Excessive standards and unnecessary complexity have driven construction costs up. The approach of ‘Simple Building’ (building type E) shows that by returning to functional and robust construction methods, cost reductions of 25% to 30% are possible without losing quality. This is not achieved by falling short of safety standards but by avoiding costly over-fulfillments that often provide no added value. For example, optimizing structural design can reduce material use in the primary structure by up to 40%. Simple, clear communication is crucial here. Valoon supports this approach by simplifying coordination between planners, construction managers, and contractors, ensuring that all parties are on the same optimized page. Thus, the technological progress is directly translated into cost advantages.
Sustainability and material innovation in focus
The housing construction of the future is green. Sustainability is not only an ecological but also an economic necessity. In addition to reducing CO2 emissions through efficient construction processes, innovative materials are coming to the forefront. The use of wood in modular construction is expected to increase by up to 40%, as it has a positive climate balance as a renewable resource. At the same time, principles of the circular economy, such as recycling construction materials, are becoming increasingly important to conserve resources. The digital capture and documentation of all materials used through a platform like Valoon lays the foundation for later recycling and a transparent ecological balance. The linking of sustainable construction and digital documentation is a decisive competitive advantage.
Compensating for the shortage of skilled workers through technology
The shortage of qualified workers is one of the biggest barriers in housing construction. Digital tools help to optimally utilize existing resources and increase each individual’s productivity. Valoon overcomes language barriers on the construction site with an automatic live translation feature in over 20 languages, making collaboration in international teams smooth. Since all communication runs through the familiar messenger WhatsApp, there is no training effort required for employees on the construction site. This ensures 100% acceptance and allows new employees to be productive immediately. By simplifying documentation obligations, construction management is relieved and can focus on its core tasks. Thus, Artificial Intelligence becomes a practical solution for a pressing problem.
Conclusion: Your advantage with Valoon
The housing construction of the future requires a shift from complex, analog processes to digital efficiency and simplicity. In light of a housing deficit of 550,000 units and exploding costs, solutions that work immediately are needed. Valoon offers exactly that: a straightforward WhatsApp-based platform that eliminates communication chaos, ensures legal certainty and brings valuable time savings. By bridging the gap between construction site and office, we increase your efficiency and reduce your costs. Take the first step into the housing construction of the future. Book your free demo now.
More Links
BIM Germany provides comprehensive information on its official site about the central platform for Building Information Modeling in Germany.
The topic page of the ifo Institute for the construction industry contains detailed economic analyses and research findings.
Die Fraunhofer Society provides information about its research in building and construction technology.
FAQ
How does Valoon specifically help reduce costs in housing construction?
Valoon reduces costs by massively decreasing administrative efforts. The automated, legally compliant documentation of construction progress, defects, and working hours minimizes errors, avoids costly rework, and protects against liability claims. Efficient communication saves time for construction and project managers, who can focus on what matters.
Is Valoon easy for my employees on the construction site to use?
Yes, absolutely. Valoon operates directly in WhatsApp, an app that your employees already know and use daily. No new app, no training, and no adjustment needed. This guarantees 100% acceptance on the construction site.
How does Valoon ensure the legal certainty of documentation?
All information sent via WhatsApp – messages, photos with timestamps and location stamps, documents – are automatically and unchangeably stored in a digital construction file. This seamless documentation is GDPR compliant and legally valid in court.
Does Valoon also support multilingual teams?
Yes. Valoon has an integrated live translation feature for over 20 languages. This eliminates language barriers, prevents misunderstandings, and ensures smooth collaboration in international teams.
What features does Valoon offer for site management in the office?
For the office, Valoon provides a central web application. All information from the construction site is structured and comes together there. You can create digital daily reports with a click, track project progress in real-time, assign tasks, and use all data for defect management or billing.
How can I test Valoon?
You can easily book a free and non-binding demo. In a personal presentation, we will show you how Valoon can optimize your processes in housing construction. Just contact us through our website.
