The modular construction industry is undergoing rapid transformation, and the number of self-proclaimed "experts" in the field is growing significantly.
In today's landscape, it often seems like everyone is armed with software, mobile apps, or innovative ideas, all promising to revolutionize our processes, offering substantial financial gains and a commanding role in the world of modular housing.
This situation can be likened to a blindfolded game where various individuals attempt to decipher the intricacies of the modular market. While the grand potential is acknowledged, everyone interprets it in their own way.
We all possess a certain level of knowledge regarding modular construction, but very few have a deep understanding of the finer details.
It turned out that these self-proclaimed "experts" had visited only a couple of factories in Poland throughout their entire career, which were primarily based on the steel framing concept.
One of the most prevalent misconceptions for developers is: The belief that modular construction is 25% cheaper, twice as fast, and available year-round, among other claims. It might sound like an ideal method for constructing a 5-story residential building or a hotel at half the cost.
However, I am not aware of any modular factory anywhere in the world willing to reduce construction project costs by 25%. As for the claims of being twice as fast, it's possible to save some time, but it's not a guarantee of cutting the construction schedule in half, unless one only considers the time from module arrival at the construction site to the moment the first occupants move in.
Before engaging in discussions with a modular factory for your project, I strongly advise taking the time to analyze the project with a consultant possessing practical knowledge and extensive experience, someone who can provide insight into what is truly attainable in the world of modular construction.
In today's landscape, it often seems like everyone is armed with software, mobile apps, or innovative ideas, all promising to revolutionize our processes, offering substantial financial gains and a commanding role in the world of modular housing.
This situation can be likened to a blindfolded game where various individuals attempt to decipher the intricacies of the modular market. While the grand potential is acknowledged, everyone interprets it in their own way.
We all possess a certain level of knowledge regarding modular construction, but very few have a deep understanding of the finer details.
- Some years ago, we hosted these so-called "experts" to learn about modular homes, and we visited multiple factories in the Baltic region. As we passed by one particular production line, I was asked when the elements would be attached to the steel frame and where the lifting lugs would be affixed.
It turned out that these self-proclaimed "experts" had visited only a couple of factories in Poland throughout their entire career, which were primarily based on the steel framing concept.
- Today, we witness a multitude of Zoom conferences organized by so-called "experts" who have never set foot in the actual operations of the modular industry.
One of the most prevalent misconceptions for developers is: The belief that modular construction is 25% cheaper, twice as fast, and available year-round, among other claims. It might sound like an ideal method for constructing a 5-story residential building or a hotel at half the cost.
However, I am not aware of any modular factory anywhere in the world willing to reduce construction project costs by 25%. As for the claims of being twice as fast, it's possible to save some time, but it's not a guarantee of cutting the construction schedule in half, unless one only considers the time from module arrival at the construction site to the moment the first occupants move in.
Before engaging in discussions with a modular factory for your project, I strongly advise taking the time to analyze the project with a consultant possessing practical knowledge and extensive experience, someone who can provide insight into what is truly attainable in the world of modular construction.