Modular construction is an innovative process that offers many benefits over traditional methods of construction. Buildings constructed using modular construction are typically built in about half the time of conventional methods, due to the fact that much of the work is completed off-site in a controlled environment. This approach also results in greater precision and fewer construction errors.

In addition, modular construction often allows for easier expansion and modification of buildings in the future, as modules can simply be added or removed as needed. As more and more people become aware of the advantages of modular construction, it is likely that this method will continue to grow in popularity. But that’s not to say that it doesn’t have a few downsides as well.

In 2015, the global market for modular construction was estimated to be worth $31.8 billion. This number then grew to $82.3 billion in 2020, with a forecasted growth of $108.8 billion by 2025. That’s a pretty impressive growth rate! So what is driving this demand? Some of these reasons include faster construction times, lower costs, the potential for real estate investment opportunities, sustainable construction, and being environmentally conscious.

One of the main reasons modular construction is increasing in popularity is that it can be completed in a fraction of the time compared to traditional construction methods. This is because the majority of the work is done in a factory setting, where conditions are more controlled.

There is also a lower chance of weather delays, and construction workers have everything they need on-site. This results in a shorter construction timeline, which is a huge benefit for developers.

Another reason why modular construction is on the rise is because of the real estate market. In recent years, there has been a shift away from traditional office spaces and a move towards more flexible, adaptable workspaces.

Modular construction is the perfect solution for this because it allows for buildings to be easily expanded. This is a huge benefit for companies who are looking to invest in real estate, as they can easily increase their space to suit their needs.

Modular construction is also a great option for real estate investors. Because the construction process is so fast, you can buy land, build on it, and sell it quickly for a profit. This type of investment is becoming more and more popular as people look for ways to make money in the real estate market.

While modular construction has many benefits, there are some drawbacks that you should be aware of, and they range from safety issues to physical obstacles. For example, according to OSHA, out of 125 accidents that occurred in modular construction, there were a total of 48 fatalities, 63 hospitalizations, and the remaining experiencing non-hospitalized injuries. Most of these were due to unstable structures during lifting, storing, and installation.

Those are some pretty significant numbers in such a small sample. Given the percentage of total deaths and hospitalized injuries, there’s something happening within modular construction that may be enough to give you pause. 

Then again, if the numbers are less than or comparable to traditional construction injury numbers, they may fall within the expected threshold, so you’ll need to do your research to know for sure. While clearly important, there are many other potential drawbacks that you may want to consider.

Another downside of modular construction is that you are limited by the size and shape of the modules. This can be a problem if you want to build a custom home or one with unique features. 

As a result, customization can be extremely limited when it comes to your floor plan. You may not be able to get a larger building because it simply can’t be transported on a truck. Instead, you’re likely to be restricted to the max dimensions of whatever truck is transporting the pieces of your construction project to the building site.

Additionally, because modular buildings are typically built in a factory, they may not always adhere to local building codes. This means that you could run into problems when you try to get your building approved.

The permit process is different from state to state. In some cases, your state might allow them, but your local jurisdiction might not. They have the right to refuse modular builds, so you need to check with local regulations to see if your building would even be allowed before getting started.

Because modular construction happens much faster, you’re likely to need even more capital upfront. The timeline moves quickly, so you need to be prepared and well funded before starting a modular construction project.

As you can see, there are many reasons why modular construction is on the rise. It’s faster, more efficient, and more sustainable than traditional construction methods. It’s also a great option for real estate investments. Even with all of the pros that push you toward choosing modular construction, that doesn’t discount the cons about it. 

Permits and lack of flexibility can be major roadblocks in construction, so you’ll need to consider the limitations of this type of construction before making a choice. If you’re thinking about building a new office space or home, consider modular construction, but only after you’ve done your research to make sure it’s the best choice for you.