The Case For Modular Housing: 3 Benefits For The Industry

What is Modular Housing? 

“Modular construction is a process where a building is constructed offsite using controlled plant conditions before being transported and assembled at a final location. This type of construction can incorporate a range of different building types and floor plans.”

We’ll show the most relevant of the many benefits of modular construction. These include a build’s safety, cost and quality (the latter including waste).

The Building Site

Firstly, let’s look at current on-site construction in the UK and what has been the standard method for a long time. Primary materials tend to be masonry, cement blocks, concrete slabs and pressed bricks. 

These construction methods have their advantages and disadvantages. If the pros outweighed the cons, then perhaps modular construction would be a preferable choice. However, there are other factors to consider, particularly where one wants to build. 

Safety

Between 2020 and 2021, the UK construction industry accounted for the largest number of fatalities. In addition, a five-year investigation (2016-2021) concluded that 50% of deaths were due to falling.

Here the benefit of modular housing comes into its own. This technique reduces on-site accidents by an average of 80%. Reasons include better-monitored conditions in modular building material production areas and protection from unfavourable weather. Poor weather slows construction and drastically increases safety risks if windy and wet—moreover, time is saved in the modular process, as waste is easier to manage. Furthermore, removing waste (often unsustainable) can add unnecessary delays to construction projects. 

The Issue of Cost 

Cost is understandably why the construction sector has not wholeheartedly embraced modular building. The initial cost of materials tends to be more expensive than conventional construction. But, this changes when reduced labour cost joins the equation. Modular construction can reduce overall costs of a build by 20%. There is also a lower on-site cost for the homeowner or funders of a project, as contractors spend less time on the location of the build. 

Quality 

Quality relates to not only the resilience of a modular structure but also the quality of conditions on-site, including areas such as waste management and safety.

In conclusion, the offsite aspect of modular construction influences the overall quality and highlights the role that controlled, focused monitoring of a build has on its overall endurance. 

Read more about the Advantages of Modular Housing.