The benefits of modular construction

Traditional construction methods are at a tipping point. Improved building performance, durability and energy efficiency are now expected from governments, investors and homebuyers alike – but the nature of stick-built structures makes it challenging to meet these new demands.

Now, there’s a new wave of interest and investment in modular construction, as it solves long-standing issues in the industry: meeting aggressive timelines, shortages of skilled labour, cost overruns, increasing building code and government policy standards and affordability, to name a few.

A garden between low-rise modular condo buildings

The world is changing

In an industry that has typically lagged in adopting technology and digitization, our changing planet and the needs of people have thrust offsite construction into the spotlight again.

The benefits of modular building are hard to ignore at a time when there’s a dire need for affordable housing, reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere, maintaining efficiency and schedules through ongoing labour shortages and keeping cost certainty in the midst of supply chain disruptions.

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Manufacturing endless possibilities

Here are just a few of the advantages modular building solutions offer over traditional construction methods.

Faster

Arguably the greatest benefit of modular construction, taking projects from design to completion is faster—up to 50% faster. That means both owners and occupants can start reaping the benefits of the new building sooner.

two workers raising a wall in a modular building

Cost certainty

Because all of the work and designs are done up front, you’ll know exactly what your costs are for the project. So, no more cost overruns or expensive change-order surprises.

An in-progress modular unit showing vapour barrier

Sustainable

Fabricating buildings in factory-controlled environments reduces environmental footprints, as there is less waste in the precise manufacturing process. Our building envelopes are better designed for energy efficiency, too.

Quality

We have stringent manufacturing control measures at various touch points throughout the process, ensuring our work will not only meet the challenges and demands of today, but also of tomorrow.

Safety

The jobsite is filled with hazards. By moving construction offsite and into the factory, many of the risks that come with stick-built construction can be avoided.

Replicable

If you’re on a new home development, for example, modular building allows you to replicate your design as many times as you’d like. That reduces project costs – and condenses timelines.

Quiet

Our integrated modular construction methods, and the quality of the building materials we use, provide inherently higher STC ratings. Plus, assembling modular buildings is far quieter than the loud tools and machines that come with onsite building, minimizing disruptions to surrounding communities.

A worker in safety equipment drilling a wall opening

Assembling higher quality

Because modules and panels are all fabricated with machine precision in a controlled factory environment, the quality of offsite buildings is hard for human hands to match.

And when it comes to assembly of the entire building itself, even the best installers or applicators can make a mistake. With prefabricated construction, it’s a far more straightforward process; and because assembly is easier and everything joins together like building blocks, it results in predictable outcomes and the building performance you expect.

Stick built house frame next to a complete modular building

Stick built vs. modular

While the materials that are typically used are the same, the results couldn’t be more different. Modular buildings can be designed to the same codes and requirements as stick built, but up to 50% faster.

Deconstructing myths about modular construction

Despite the growing adoption of modular building, some misconceptions still exist. As a modular building solutions provider, we’ve heard them all. And these are the most egregious ones.

A red-walled staircase in a modular facility

The first modular building ever recorded was back in 1837. That predates inventions like the postage stamp and fax machine, so modular construction isn’t anything new.

We know better than anyone that old habits die hard—especially in this industry—but with advances in technology, and other factors such as labour shortages and the affordable housing crisis, modular solutions are experiencing a strong wave of interest and investment.

Remember, with modular construction, you’re only changing the process; all of the building materials remain the same. It’s simply a faster, more cost-certain and sustainable way of building.

Modular building design has come a long way since the “modular home kits” were a thing. Designs were limited then, but not today. In fact, modular structures are virtually indistinguishable from conventionally built structures.

While most of our builds feature three to four storeys, that is simply what was desired by our clients. Our steel-frame manufacturing capabilities enable you to build much higher. Just speak to us about your project requirements, and we’ll make it happen.

Time is money. So, consider the fact that modular construction offers condensed schedule build time—up to 50% faster than conventional construction—and it pulls ahead as a more cost-effective, and cost-certain, option.

Plus, you spend less on labour, less on loan interest, less on material waste and you get to reap the benefits of your new building much sooner.

Modular buildings can be designed to meet the needs of virtually any industry. The applications are endless. Check out our projects to see the diverse selection of industries where we operate.

Our fabrication facilities have incredibly high QA/QC standards, with regular, independent inspections and testing protocols. Modules are fabricated in climate-controlled, state-of-the-art factories, meaning no exposure to things like harsh weather or on-site damages. Stick-built structures, on the other hand, can suffer from quality issues post-construction because of longer periods of exposure to the elements.

While modular buildings can be temporary, most of our building projects are permanent in nature. Temporary structures are built to permanent building standards, so you don’t lose anything in terms of quality. It all comes down to usage, plus your specifications, requirements and needs for the build.

Featured project

Charters Road, Sooke, BC

Charters Road Project is a 4-storey housing project offering 75 units of multi family housing with a mix of apartment style suites.

View Project

Post-secondary students need access to affordable housing to pursue their studies and lay the foundation for their future, helping to prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow.

Anne Kang

Minister of Municipal Affairs

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Take advantage of modular construction

Finish your next building project with more quality, speed and cost certainty. Get in touch with us today to start planning and designing your modular building.

The benefits of modular construction

The world is changing