It’s in a construction firm’s best interests to finish construction on a building right away. Working on a building can be time-consuming and expensive—bureaucratic requirements, inadequate planning, lack of personnel, weather, and other similar factors can cause delays in completing a building. Also, lengthy construction projects can inconvenience or complicate people living near a building site, which could create a negative public perception of a project. However, you can prevent delays and wrap up a project quickly through modular construction.
Modular buildings are formed off-site under controlled conditions. The materials, codes, and standards applied to an onsite project, however, are the same ones used—it’s just that the construction time gets cut in half.
There are two types of construction—volumetric and panelized. In volumetric construction, entire rooms or sections of rooms get built, and the construction company transports it to the site for assembly. You can use this type of construction for both permanent and temporary projects. Meanwhile, panelized construction involves building interior or exterior wall panels in a factory setting and transporting and arranging it onsite, where contractors build the rest of the structure
What Are the Benefits of Modular Construction?
You can save costs on modular construction, but it isn’t the main benefit you’ll get. Modular construction’s draw is the faster ROI you’d have from saving time. With this approach, you can concurrently assemble walls while preparing the site.
Once the foundation, concrete, and plumbing are in place, factory-built modules will also be ready for placing. Modularly-built hotels can start generating revenue 30 to 50 percent sooner than hotels built traditionally. Aside from earning back the investment, you ensure work safety, productivity, and cost predictability.
Is It Sustainable to Build Structures This Way?
Modular buildings are flexible and reusable; you can disassemble, refurbish, and relocate them once the project is complete. These buildings reduce the need for raw materials and minimize the amount of energy you use. Also, you produce less waste with these types of structures. Factory-based construction lets you control inventory, protect building materials, and improve air quality on site.
When Is It Best to Use Modular Construction?
You can design and build all types of structures modularly, and manufacturers often choose modular construction when working on a tight deadline or within a small space. For example, bringing materials or workers onsite is impractical. Modular construction needs fewer workers and large vehicles, making them perfect for tight urban spaces.
Are There Other Considerations with Modular Construction?
This approach requires the design professional to complete their part of the project upfront, and there is no room for design changes onsite. As such, they will rely on advanced BIM, assessing energy performance and finding what would make building the most cost-effective. Once the designs are complete, they turn this over to the manufacturer for prefabrication and assembly.
Conclusion
You can construct anything modularly these days, whether commercial, residential, or mixed-use, and modular buildings are subject to the same codes and specifications as traditional ones. Once construction is complete, they can be indistinguishable from structures built onsite. This approach will be more prevalent in time than traditional building since it delivers on sustainability, efficiency, and ROI.
For all your construction needs, get in touch with Northgate Industries. We are a modular building manufacturer in Edmonton, AB, providing everything from design to manufacturing and maintenance. Get a quote for a new modular structure or contact us today for other details.