Is prefabrication the future?
The UK is currently suffering from a housing crisis, and the lack of affordable homes does not seem to be coming to an end any time soon. While construction companies try to produce solutions to build new homes quickly, modular construction has been hailed by many in the industry as a possible answer to solve the issue. But in the UK, modular construction has been a less popular choice than in other countries. This could be down to local building materials. Homes in the UK are traditionally built using brick and most people like to stick to what is familiar. Another reason that the UK has been reluctant to adopt modular home technologies is due to many misconceptions about prefabricated homes. Is prefabrication the future?
In this blog post, we will look at the reasons for this reluctance and why many people building homes are choosing to open their minds to this energy-efficient and time-saving method.
What is modular construction?
Modular construction is a process that involves the construction of a building off-site in a factory-controlled environment. Buildings are produced in “modules” which are transported from the off-site factory by lorry. Modules will then be assembled using crane technology.
The process uses the same materials, standards, and codes as more traditional building methods. It is undertaken under controlled plant conditions, but the process is completed around half the time. Modular construction has several benefits, including:
- Modular home’s typically cost around 15% less than traditional builds.
- They are quicker to build. This time-saving benefit keeps the project on schedule and speeds up construction time while still being efficient.
- Weather delaying construction of the modular units are virtually eliminated. It also provides workers safer and more comfortable conditions to be more productive and produce a higher quality products.
- Modules arrive on-site usually outfitted with flooring, cabinets, counters, plumbing and electrical fixtures, and appliances.
- Modular buildings are kind to the environment. This form of construction uses eco-friendly materials. You can be sure that you are investing in a sustainable construction process from start to finish.
- There is a need for fewer builders working on site, which helps resolve the industry’s issue of having a shortage of skilled workers to build enough homes in the UK.
- A lesser energy bill because of better levels of insulation.
So, could prefabrication become the norm in the future?
Affordable housing for first-time buyers is a huge opportunity for prefabricated housing. When it comes to budgets, timeframe, specifications, and location modular buildings provide a great deal of flexibility. In terms of budget constraints, modular buildings will give you the option of renting temporarily or purchasing permanently depending on what you can afford. Modular construction companies can customize models to meet your specific requirements. You can also choose from a range of designs, which can help you stay within your budget. It is easy to dismantle and re-assemble at another location, and the entire building is recyclable. This reduces the need for new raw materials.
The UK’s Government’s target is to build around 300,000 homes each year in order to tackle the housing crisis, and with prefab providing the option to produce low-cost housing on a mass scale, it could be a possible solution.
However, the underlying challenges of the housing shortage are much more complex than simply finding a quicker way to build. One problem is land availability for housing developments to built. Despite this, factory-built homes address some of the issues, particularly the speed of construction and overcoming the shortage of skilled labour.
Prefabrication may become the go-to method of construction for many of us!
Could prefabricated homes be the future? What are your thoughts? Contact us today and let us know.
