Modular buildings are built almost entirely in a factory and arrive on site 90 – 95% complete. Framing, insulation, roofing, siding, doors, windows, electrical, plumbing, and interior finishes are completed in the secure environment of the factory. After which, the modules are shipped to site where they are ready to be finished with interior amenities, appliances, paint, and carpet.
Key advantages of modular construction?
Short build times
It typically takes 50-60% less time compared to traditional methods.
safer construction
Modular construction has proven to be much safer than traditional construction methods.
environment friendly
Efficient factory production techniques are less wasteful and installation is less disruptive.
Reduced manpower requirement
Assembly and finishing equipment requires fewer workers than traditional methods.
flexibility
The modular construction can be easily disassembled and then relocated for a new use.
Adaptability
Buildings are designed to quickly add or remove modules based on customer need.
What types of modular construction exist?
They are of two types: Permanent Construction and Relocatable Construction. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages.
Permanent Construction
This type of construction offers markets the performance of conventional construction in about half the time. This construction has a useful life expectancy identical to that of conventional construction. Design considerations for permanent construction are higher.
Relocatable construction
It provides the market with instant relief for space needs since the project time for this type of construction is much less. The construction generally provides a life cycle of 1 to 7 years. This market is mainly driven by the low cost of production and the speed of construction.
A report by a market research firm estimates a high growth rate for the global modular construction market.
The market is still in its early stages, particularly in the United States, despite having been around for at least 25 years. Countries like the UK and India have shown a significant increase in modular construction. In India, the government plans to build 50 million homes and more than 90 smart cities by 2022. Certain cities, such as Bangalore, have already instilled modular construction in the residential and industrial sectors.
The main obstacles for the modular construction market are the higher costs of transportation and logistics. Studies have shown that shipping modules are cost prohibitive when they must travel more than 150 to 200 miles from factory to site. The industry generally recognizes 125 miles as the maximum practical distance modules should need to travel from factory to site.