Modular Construction and The Future of the Industry

The construction industry is at a major turning point. For the past few decades, we’ve relied on the way it’s always been done to dictate our building practices. Though our technology is better and our methods are more precise, not much has changed in the building process in the past 50-75 years. 

Today, it seems the old ways of building are beginning to change. Modular construction is the start of this change, though we expect to see much bigger shifts in the coming years. For now, let’s talk a bit about how modular construction is improving the construction industry and setting us up for a more efficient, profitable building. 

What is Modular Construction?

First things first, what do we mean when we say modular construction? 

Generally, the term refers to any method of building that relies on manufactured components. From modular homes to manufactured wall panels or roof and floor trusses, modular construction has gained a lot of traction in the past few years.

How is Modular Construction Pushing the Industry Forward?

Modular construction is one of the biggest changes the construction industry has seen in the past few decades. Where homes used to be built almost entirely on-site, the ability to pre-fabricate some components has helped to improve build quality while minimizing the time it takes to complete a project on-site. 

Modular construction has proven especially useful in the face of our current labor shortage, as it’s offered building solutions that require fewer hands on-site. Here are a few of the other benefits the construction industry is seeing from modular construction, all of which are helping push our industry forward as we implement newer, more innovative changes to the building process:

Improved Quality

Since the manufactured components used in modular construction are assembled in a controlled environment, it’s easier to assess build quality and implement higher quality control standards. Lumber isn’t left out in the rain or snow, and workers are assembling in ideal, temperature-controlled facilities that don’t cause boards and planks to warp or swell from humidity. 

These conditions, along with the opportunity to better assess quality right in the facility — before a component is shipped out — have helped ensure that the finished product is as strong and stable as possible. 

Improved Efficiency

Modular construction makes it easier to build efficiently. As we mentioned before, parts are assembled in a controlled environment where weather delays aren’t a factor. We are looking at options that include new types of components and adding building materials into the wall panel system. The additional benefit of off-site construction is the opportunity to mass-produce and build on assembly lines — creating more components in considerably less time. 

When components reach the job site, this efficiency carries through to the actual build. Since a majority of the components are already put together, framing can be completed quickly, shortening the time it takes to dry-in the building (minimizing any waste or damage associated with poor weather) and speeding up the rest of the construction process. 

Minimal Material Waste

The process of modular construction is helping to reduce building waste. Modular construction facilities are developing a number of components at any given time, rather than just one house or one building. This means that they can assemble components without wasting materials. They have specific designs, and the machinery necessary to precisely measure and put together each of those components in the most efficient way possible. 

When we’re building using on the materials we need, we’re using less material overall, which saves on cost and minimizes the industry’s impact on the environment.

What Comes After Modular Construction?

We don’t know for certain what’s next for the construction industry, but we do know that we’re seeing quite a few changes in the ways that we build. New technology is making the work of construction safer, and the assembly and delivery of materials more efficient. 

One thing is for certain — we won’t be doing construction the same way in the next few decades. Here at Zeeland Lumber & Supply, we’re both excited for, and proud to be a part of those big changes. 

We’re dedicated to finding solutions that keep pushing the construction industry forward. We manufacture wall panels, roof trusses, and floor joists to ensure our clients can keep building quickly, even in the face of our industry’s current labor shortage. To learn more, give us a call at 888-772-2119 or contact us online today.