Why Is Modular A Growing Trend In Construction?

The aftershock of the COVID pandemic has put pressure on all industries, including the construction sector. Looking to increase their 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 steadily increased in popularity. However, the controlled construction method has seen increased adoption due to COVID and may be sweeping the construction industry sooner than expected.

For context, the modular construction method grew from a shortage of skilled labor as far back as the 1600s.  Colonists wanted to ensure they lived in quality homes whenever they started their new lives overseas.  Therefore, they pre-manufactured homes that they could quickly assemble once they arrived.  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. “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 most commonly associated benefit of modular construction is “Improved Productivity,” with 93% of respondents reporting medium to very high positive results. Additionally, measurable benefits were noted 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.

In the survey, design firms and contractors selected among five distinct drivers for the future use of modular construction. These are the “most compelling benefits” that would potentially cause them to implement modular construction within the next three years.The overwhelming majority of respondents selected “Improves Project Schedule Performance” at 97%  seeing the benefit as a driving factor. Further, 81% cited lower construction costs, and 72% selected improved building quality as an essential driver. According to the report, the main obstacle facing the modular construction industry is “owner interest,” with ~50% of respondents citing it as a barrier. The construction market as a whole is risky and often unpredictable. Many firms seem unwilling to adopt new modular techniques as they may assume the unfamiliar process would further add to these risks. However, as Dodge notes, ideally, “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 in the construction industry and the workplace. COVID testing areas, office reconfigurations, temperature screening stations: these structures have all become great applications for modular construction thanks to fast project times and minimal on-site disruption.These temporary, pre-manufactured solutions have been implemented in businesses, campuses, and public spaces across the United States, allowing for quick, effective changes in these locations. With companies, construction firms, and the general population becoming more familiar with modular structures, owners will not only increase their overall interest in modular construction but will prefer it to stick-built.

Panel Built, Inc. is a modular construction provider, serving the industry for the past 25 years.  Founded by brothers Mike & Pat Kiernan, Panel Built began as a manufacturer of panelized, pre-manufactured buildings.  Today, Panel Built designs, engineers, fabricates, and installs a wide range of modular structures, including modular offices, steel mezzanines, cleanrooms, guard booths, ballistic-rated buildings, prefabricated shelters, canopies, and more.  With each project, Panel Built’s mission is “To Solve Our Customers’ Space Needs With Excellence And Great Customer Service.”