The impact of the Covid pandemic on the construction industry appears to be fueling demand for modular construction methods, especially in the western U.S. and Canada.
Several new suppliers of modular units have come online since 2019, and existing companies have been scaling up factory capacity. Modular offers benefits that can counteract challenges that were worsened by the pandemic.
For instance, bringing the task of ordering finishes, fixtures, and construction materials under one roof streamlines the supply chain, which grew tighter and became less predictable after the pandemic struck. Modular vendors that supply finished bathrooms and kitchens remove the burden of procuring many individual products from contractors and subcontractors.
Likewise, by completing the work of multiple subcontractors up front, they relieve the pressure on contractors to hire and schedule some of the work of various trades on site, thereby easing demand for labor.
Modular construction can also speed up construction schedules. There are some drawbacks, though, including the high cost of shipping.
Developers today use modular construction for many kinds of buildings, including supportive housing, hotels, resorts, apartments, detached homes, senior living facilities, office buildings, and factories.
Related Stories
| Sep 24, 2012
Reed Construction completes Lafarge headquarters in Chicago
Reed Construction was contracted to complete the full third floor build-out which included the construction of new open area work space, private offices, four conference rooms with videoconferencing capabilities and an executive conference boardroom.
| Sep 24, 2012
Chicago Lakeside shortlisted for the Sustainia Award
The “Lakeside Idea” is about bridging a brownfield industrial past to a green lifestyle future, from steel mill to innovation mill.
| Sep 24, 2012
$3.8-million athletic field and track opens in Glen Head, N.Y.
The complex also includes a new, one-story, multi-purpose building that serves as the main entry port to the athletic facilities.
| Sep 21, 2012
AAMA and WDMA release updated review and forecast that predicts industry trends
Significant volume is expected to return to the entry and interior door market as new construction demand is expected to grow at double-digit rates, outpacing remodeling and replacement activity as the housing market recovers.
| Sep 20, 2012
Mid-box retail study shows lack of available sites in Chicago
Existing supply is tight everywhere and almost non-existent in the most attractive zones.
| Sep 20, 2012
Forrester begins construction of freestanding cancer center in Montgomery County, Md.
The new 51,000-square-foot building will include two linear accelerator vaults for radiation equipment.
| Sep 19, 2012
Modular, LEED-Gold Certified Dormitory Accommodates Appalachian State University Growth
By using modular construction, the university was able to open a dorm a full year earlier than a similar dorm built at the same time with traditional construction.
| Sep 19, 2012
ABI back into positive territory
South continues to lead regions in demand for design services.
| Sep 19, 2012
Sasaki opens office in Shanghai
Office supports firm’s present and future work in China, throughout Asia.
| Sep 18, 2012
MBMA partners with ORNL for whole building energy efficiency study
The results are intended to advance energy efficiency solutions for new and retrofit applications.
