Sometimes during presentations, we find our audience hesitant to embrace modular construction.

Even though modular is not a new way of building, it isn’t as well-known as traditional stick-building construction. Modular has proven itself to deliver efficiencies far beyond traditional methods, and we think it only fair to pass along the truth about 5 common misgivings we hear about modular:

1. MISGIVING: “DOES MODULAR COST MORE THAN TRADITIONAL CONSTRUCTION?”

THE TRUTH: When modular systems are carefully planned in advance of construction starting, there are a  number of ways that modular building can reduce costs, including:

⋅ Schedule savings means quicker occupancy, and ultimately a quicker return on investment
⋅ Shortened schedules means shorter construction financing periods and reduced interest
⋅ Longevity of steel-framed modules mean a longer life expectancy of the structure

2. MISGIVING: “DON’T MODULES HAVE TO CONFORM TO STRICT DESIGN REQUIREMENTS?”

THE TRUTH: No need to think inside the box, because modules can be designed and constructed in many shapes and sizes. The key to success when implementing a modular design is repetition from floor to floor and suite to suite.  Curved or pie-shaped suites? No problem.

3. MISGIVING: “ISN’T THERE STRICT CONFIGURATION REQUIREMENTS?”

THE TRUTH:  Our team of engineers connect the modules together is like a giant jigsaw puzzle. Through the use of BIM technology, they can ensure each module is fully functional in its prescribed location.  Basically, if we can ship it, we can build it, and repetition of configurations is more important than the configuration itself.

4. MISGIVING: “I THOUGHT MODULAR WAS FOR TEMPORARY BUILDINGS ONLY?”

THE TRUTH: While modular is often utilized in temporary building structures, it’s also a great solution for a permanent building. Modules are engineered to last. Steel framing adds longevity to a structure, as opposed to wood which is subject to decay, fire, and costly course of construction insurance.

5. MISGIVING: “I’VE HEARD QUALITY CONTROL CAN BE AN ISSUE WITH MODULES?”

THE TRUTH: Don’t believe everything you hear, because each individual module is engineered, not only as a load-bearing piece of the bigger building, but also to withstand being shipped to site and craned into place. Superior quality control is achieved through manufacturing building components in a consistent controlled environment as opposed to battling the elements with onsite “hand stacked” construction.