Modular Projects are A Growing Trend in the Construction Industry

July 6th, 2021 - With companies and construction firms becoming more familiar with the modular process, the hope is that owners will not only increase their overall interest in modular construction but will prefer it stick-built altogether. Unfortunately, the past year has put pressure on all industries, including the construction sector, with contractors trying to keep up with project timelines while protecting their workers at job sites. Looking to increase overall efficiency and keep up with looming deadlines, many firms have turned to modular construction to help meet these needs. Before the pandemic, modular methods had been steadily increasing in popularity. However, the controlled construction method has seen increased adoption due to COVID and may be sweeping the construction industry sooner than previously expected... For context, the modular construction method grew from a shortage of skilled labor as far back as the 1600s. Today, architects, general contractors, and engineers are looking towards modular construction for similar reasons (and more) to help improve the current landscape of the construction industry.

Why Are More Firms Turning To Modular Construction?

Dodge Data & Analytics SmartMarket Report "Prefabrication and Modular Construction 2020" (compiled pre-COVID) states, "Design firms and contractors agree that both prefabrication and modular construction are providing significant improvements to cost, schedule, quality and safety performance, productivity, client satisfaction and their ability to reduce waste." Dodge's report surveyed construction architects and contractors from across the United States and found that the benefit most commonly associated with modular construction is "Improved Productivity," with 93% of respondents reporting medium to very high positive results. Additionally, measurable benefits were reported in overall quality, schedule certainty, cost predictability, waste reduction, client satisfaction, and safety performance. More than 83% of respondents reported seeing each of these benefits.

What Factors Are Inhibiting The Use of Modular Construction?

According to the report, the main obstacle facing the modular construction industry is simply "owner interest," with ~50% of respondents citing it as a barrier. The market as a whole is risky and often unpredictable. It seems many firms have not been willing to adopt new modular techniques as they assume the new process would further add to these risks. However, Dodge notes, "Hopefully this will change as more owners become familiar with the modular process and comfortable with its results." With the COVID pandemic, many companies have turned to modular construction to meet changing needs, not just in the construction industry but in the workplace. COVID testing areas, office reconfigurations, temperature screening stations: these have all become great applications for modular construction thanks to fast project times and minimal on-site disruption. In addition, temporary, pre-manufactured solutions allow for quick, effective changes in the workplace.   Panel Built was founded in 1995 by brothers Pat and Mike Kiernan, and began with the construction of pre-manufactured buildings. Today, Panel Built offers a complete line of custom modular offices, mezzanines, security booths, pre-assembled exterior buildings, and cleanrooms. All product lines are produced on-site, in four state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities. We offer "A Better Way to Create Space" for all of your building projects.