Commissioning one or more new buildings to expand your business’ capacity is an exciting prospect, but may be accompanied with some trepidation. After all, it’s important that you spend your allocated construction budget wisely and ensure that any completed structures are fit for purpose.
Whilst still widely utilised, buildings created with traditional construction methods are frequently expensive and inflexible. What’s more, sharing your business premises with a construction site over an extended period can prove disruptive and costly in its own way.
So, what alternatives are available? A growing number of forward-thinking businesses are now opting for modular buildings over traditionally-built construction. But, how do we define ‘modular construction’? Modular buildings (sometimes referred to as ‘prefabricated buildings’) comprise a series of modules that are built in off-site factories. The aforementioned modules are then delivered to the site so that a complete structure can be assembled.
Now that we’re familiar with modular construction, let’s take a look at its key benefits – and why some business owners are choosing it over conventional methods. We’ve put together a list of 10 persuasive benefits that modular construction offers over its traditional counterparts. Let’s dig in, shall we?
Lower Cost and Better Value
By commissioning a modular building you can expect to save between 10-35% on construction costs alone, compared to a commensurate bricks-and-mortar project. Reduced construction time, less disruption and low design costs can translate to even greater savings.
Faster Timescales
One of the most apparent benefits offered by modular construction is the speed at which projects can be completed. In fact, the turnaround for a standard modular building project can be up to 50% faster than an equivalent project utilising traditional construction methods.
With modular methods, construction tends to be significantly faster, as modules forming large parts of the buildings can be assembled in a nearby factory setting, in tandem with any foundational work that is taking place-on site.
In many cases, modular structures can be erected, ready for internal-fit out in three days or less. So, if you’re eager to hit the ground running with your latest business venture, opting for modular construction could pay off in a big way!
Fewer Delays
On a related note, modular projects are far less prone to being hampered by delays. Inclement weather is a leading cause of delays to conventional construction projects, but when structures are being assembled indoors, the process can often continue without disruption.
High Build Quality
As modular buildings are assembled in a controlled, indoor environment, the build quality of the modules can be closely monitored. Furthermore, as the building materials and modules can be safely stored until ready for assembly on site, the risk of weather damage, which may hurt the finished building’s structural integrity, is significantly reduced.
Minimal Disruption to Your Business
With the majority of the construction process taking place off site, disruption to your day-to-day business activity is greatly reduced. What’s more, unlike traditional projects, there will be no need to store heavy machinery, equipment and materials on site while the modules are being built.
Greater Versatility
One of modular construction’s key strengths is its sheer versatility. Modern modular buildings are suitable for a plethora of applications – from music studios to offices, sports facilities, classrooms, medical units, retail spaces, accommodation and more besides.
Not only that, modular buildings can be altered and expanded far more easily than brick-and-mortar structures. They can even be relocated to entirely new premises, if needed!
Durable and Resilient
Although modern traditionally-built structures are usually sturdy, modular buildings tend to be tougher still! Modular buildings are hardier than many bricks-and-mortar structures by design, simply due to the fact that they need to be able to withstand the journey from factory to site! The modules also need to be resilient enough to be lifted into the foundations by crane.
Environmentally Friendly
If you’re an eco-friendly business owner, you’ll be pleased to know that modular construction is one of the most sustainable methods available. The faster build times and efficient construction process help to cut the volume of waste that is sent to landfill. Not only that, as much of the build process takes place in an off-site factory setting, it is far easier to keep energy consumption under control.
Better Air Quality
Regardless of what purpose your building will serve, ensuring good air quality is essential to the wellbeing of those who use it. The majority of indoor air quality issues found in modern buildings stem from high moisture levels found within the framing materials.
Fortunately, by utilising modular construction, any such concerns can easily be avoided. As modular structures are built in an indoor setting with dry materials, there is far less risk of excess moisture becoming trapped within the materials during the build process.
A Safer Construction Method
A large proportion of construction-related injuries occur on site, whilst sections of buildings are being assembled. Workers have to contend with numerous hazards on site and the longer the timescale of the project, the greater the risk of injury.
Modular construction is safer due to the typically shorter build time and the fact that the only assembly required is the attachment of the pre-built modules. This work can be carefully planned to mitigate risk. Although this doesn’t mean the risk is non-existent, with modular construction, it is substantially lower than bricks-and-mortar projects.
Thanks for Reading – Best of Luck with Your Project
We hope you found our article helpful and are now familiar with some of the key benefits modular construction can offer. Please bear in mind that our list is by no means exhaustive and there may be other ways that going modular could help your business. No matter what you decide on, we wish you the best of luck with the next chapter of your success story.