The real estate industry tends to build more things away from the construction site as Curt Ranta suggested. Modular construction is one possible approach.
For this construction project, the designers and contractors planned to fabricate 75 modules approximately 100 miles from the site, truck them around the city, and then stack them on top of each other to complete an apartment building of six floors. If you’re considering this type of approach for your next project, we’d like to share some benefits and challenges to help you complete your project. For more information, read this article by Curt Ranta.
Table of Contents
What is Modular Construction?
To get us on the same page, we think it’s important to first think about the answer to the question “what is modular construction”. The answer is simple: think of modular construction as a method of construction rather than a single type of product. Modular construction is the process by which a building (be it an apartment, a commercial building, and even homes that are now beginning to be built with shipping containers) is built offsite, under controlled conditions, using the same materials and adhering to the same codes and standards as conventionally built facilities – but in about half the time. Do not hesitate to also consult the article on the cutting plans. The process consists of buildings produced in modules which are then assembled on site.
According to Curt Ranta, for centuries, traditional construction has brought all raw materials – like 2×4s and flooring – to the construction site for craftsmen to cut and assemble at the project site.
There are other types of offsite construction that aren’t modular, but we’ll cover them in a future article.
The Advantages of Modular Construction
Let’s start with the many advantages and benefits of modular construction.
1. Save Time
It is obvious that modular construction allows a large part of the work to be carried out in the factory, while the site work and the foundations are carried out simultaneously on site. This time saving keeps the project on schedule and speeds up construction time while remaining efficient. The modular approach saves 30-60% of the overall schedule.
2. No Possibility of delay due to Weather Conditions
Additionally, by manufacturing the modules in a controlled environment, concerns about weather conditions delaying the construction of modular units are virtually eliminated. It also provides workers with safer and more comfortable conditions to be more productive and produce a higher quality product. In addition, modules arrive on site, typically complete with flooring, cabinets, countertops, plumbing and electrical fixtures, and appliances, requiring little effort and time to be ready to go. employment.
3. No Need to Store Materials
Another advantage of modular construction is the storage of materials. When a site is tight on space, such as in a compact urban environment like Philadelphia, staging and moving materials is difficult. This causes clutter, slows down work and creates problems with theft. By building the modules in a factory, construction sites can stay cleaner and safer, and provide more space to work and move freely.
4. Reduced Labor Costs as Curt Ranta Explained
An important and potentially controversial benefit relates to labor-saving. Skilled labor is scarce in the construction industry in most places and can be very expensive in cities for a variety of reasons. Without getting into politics, this leads to real challenges when trying to get a building built for a given budget and schedule. Modularity allows these coveted skilled workers to stay in fixed locations under controlled and safer conditions, as mentioned. Modular factories can be set up to attract these competitive workers and take advantage of important access to raw materials and logistical connections, such as highways and railway lines, common in other industries, such as automotive and technology products. Labor savings can vary widely, but savings of up to 25% on construction costs are possible.
5. Reduction of the Volume of Waste
According to a recent British study, modular construction can reduce the materials used by up to 90%. With the environment being a growing concern in the construction industry, modular strategies are becoming increasingly popular to limit the amount of waste on each project. Efforts are even made to maximize recycling within the factories that assemble the parts of the building as Curt Ranta advised.
