The construction sector is ever-changing with numerous trends and innovations to take into account. That is why modular construction cannot be left without attention today. This is one of the top-priority trends in the building industry in the 21st century together with other hot-topic approaches like automation, digitization of the workflows and paperwork for result-driven contractors with the help of construction estimation software (read here), drones, AI, VR/AR solutions, BIM systems, and many more.
But what should we know about modular construction? First of all, everyone should realize the core benefits of this win-win approach for our modern world. This is about lower costs of the building process. Additionally, modular construction brings high-level quality in the context of minimum material waste and maximum recycling rates.
Plus, rather faster construction schedules take place. It is critically important for many contractors and their customers as well. You save funds not only during the construction phase but when it comes to pre-construction and post-construction as well. Lower costs for material storage and rentals of building equipment can be expected if you choose modular construction.
Everything You Should Know About Modular Construction Basics
Imagine that you play LEGO with your kids. But all the blocks are a hundred times bigger than usual toys for children. Modular construction is about logging and workpieces prepared beforehand for builders on the site. All the parts are transported to the specified location through specific trailers.
Then, a cookie-cutting process takes place. All the boxes and other constituents will be transformed into ready-to-use premises for required properties. After assembling all the parts together, only some finishing work is needed. It is quite easier than installing a new house with a basement and other fundamental works. Nevertheless, modular construction cannot be accessible for some regions, customers, and because of other reasons.
Interior & Exterior Elements in Modular Construction
It is worth noting that modular construction can use not only basic sections to make the core constructional elements for the commercial or residential premise. This approach allows using interior parts for a full building too. In general, on-site trailers deliver the following components for modular construction:
- Wall pieces;
- Roof;
- Indoor manufacturing facilities;
- Other constituents required.
A little work is performed on the site due to the modular-friendly approach. Usually, this is about assembling all the delivered parts. This way most of the components can be connected to each other and prepared in the off-site mode. Zero material waste is expected which means improved eco-friendliness and decreased storage costs.
What Types of Prefab Construction to Take into Account?
Note that modular construction is often called a prefab building technique with PMC (permanent modular construction) and RB (relocate buildings) subdivisions to take into consideration. As can be seen, permanent modular construction requires components for commercial and residential premises that are not going to be relocated.
The RB approach will contain more lightweight and easy-to-transport building elements to make the assembling process faster, safer, and more budget-friendly in case of relocations. All the houses built via these modular construction technologies are of the once-installed conception. These buildings can be single- or multi-story ones with or without finishes in the context of their interior and exterior.
But RB is often selected by representatives of businesses that are for an increased level of mobility. For example, construction offices or healthcare centers can be installed through the relocate-building approach. But be ready for increased code requirements for this type of modular building.
Final Word
To sum up, your business can hit new markets and heights with the help of this on-trend construction technique. Even if you are not a contractor or a subcontractor who makes a specialty out of the modular building process, pay attention to prefab approaches and techniques for your projects. Many medical clinics and mobile offices are built fast and according to a moderate budget with the help of PMC or RB design and installation.
Some people consider modular construction the best variant for commercial premises only. But many summer houses and villas in warm countries are assembled from wall pieces and roofs only. There are even mobile hotels and multi-family houses made of eco-friendly but cheap materials without any risk to the quality and safety of the building. Keep track of trends in modular construction and use this technique to enlarge the range of your services if you are a skillful and ambitious contractor or subcontractor!