Modular Construction: The Global Picture

Many of the contracts used in modular construction are versions of traditional construction contracts that have been heavily adapted. Amending unsuitable contracts is time consuming and expensive, so the industry should have its own contract.

Payment structures for modular construction and agreed storage periods are just two examples of contractual arrangements unique to modular, and which don’t form part of traditional contracts. There are lots of technicalities that tailoring a contract to suit the process would make life an awful lot easier.

Modular is often cited as a way to tackle the shortage of skilled labour in traditional construction. While the on-site workforce is undoubtedly smaller, there is still a need for people to work in the modular production facilities. Skills are still required, just in a different way – more production skills than traditional labour skills.

That means a person can learn to do one process, working at one station. What the best factories do is train their workforce to be multi-skilled at different stations. There are lots of different skills within the factory, so work doesn’t have to be monotonous. People are getting multi-skilled training which is really good.

Something that gets forgotten – and this happens around the world – is the need for skilled teams to install modules on site. If there aren’t enough people to install then that’s a problem. A big challenge for the industry is to put in place specific training for installation teams and develop that skill set.

Clients don’t always know what they want from modular procurement. They might contact six companies and they will get six prices. How do they know which one is best? How do those prices, and what is being offered, match up to the brief and the client’s needs?

If you only need a module for a short time, why pay at the high end of the range? But if the client wants more, or has specific needs, then a higher priced product is likely to be better. A modular company can offer a standard specification, then the next ‘model’ might have better airtightness, for example, and the next ‘model’ after that might have better U-values.

It’s similar to cars. All modern cars meet a basic quality standard, but some have more features and equipment, or use higher quality materials. The difference between cars and modules is that consumers know about car brands and their quality. With modular, it’s difficult for a client to work out if they’re getting value. The value may not lie in the highest quality product.

Modular seems to be more open to smart technologies than traditional construction, because it’s easier to incorporate those things as part of a precise factory process. If you’re going to build technologies into traditional construction, it’s another trade on site, whereas modular can integrate it more seamlessly.

The technology is a benefit in the storage phase too, when there’s time to carry out testing and monitoring. In a traditional build, there’s rarely the time to stop and check things through testing. With modules, the results you obtain during the storage phase can then be checked against test results post-installation on site.

There are so many design innovations and interesting projects in the modular sector, but they rarely get any publicity. It’s a big incentive to drive the industry forward. At lots of construction events, it often feels like everyone’s quite isolated. When you go to modular construction events, it’s an industry that comes together. The networking is much better. A win for any modular company is a win for everyone.

Find out more: https://proctorgroup.com/modular-off-site-membranes