Prefab and modular construction offer some of the best ways of building warehouse offices, clean room partitioning systems, modular offices, and all types of other industrial and commercial space. About 90% of engineers currently use some type of modular construction process on at least some of their projects, along with 84% of all contractors. As for architects, over three quarters of them currently plan for the use of prefab construction when designing warehouse offices or other types of prefabricated office space.
A survey done in 2013 by FMI, called the Prefabrication and Modularization Construction Survey, found that 40% of the contractors that they interviewed believed that implementing modular or prefab construction methods, and having the capability to offer this service, were strategic parts of their companies’ growth and development initiatives.
What Is Prefab Construction Best For?
Modular construction can be used in nearly any type of building or construction project, but there are certain applications where it is particularly preferred. In 2011, 49% of respondents to a survey had used modular construction in building healthcare facilities. Another 42% were using them for dormitories and college buildings. Finally, 42% of respondents use them to construct manufacturing facilities. Even some of the biggest names are turning to prefab construction methods. Marriott International pledged that 13% of its North American development would be from modular construction in 2017.
Warehouse Offices
Between 60% and 90% of prefabricated construction is within the warehouse or factory setting. These settings are so popular because projects can be completed so quickly using modular and prefabricated construction methods. This is due to the fact that all the needed parts can typically be made in-house and put together quickly on the spot.
Types of Modular Construction
For prefabricated construction, there are two primary types: relocatable and permanent. Relocatable office space or systems can be easily moved as necessary. Permanent spaces are designed to stay in place and are connected permanently to the office or warehouse grid. Both types have their advantages and disadvantages. Mobile office space can, of course, be easily moved. However, in order to keep that feasible, the modular space cannot be grounded to a foundation in quite the same way as permanent prefab construction.
Cost Savings
The Building Industry Association of Philadelphia commissioned a report which estimated that turning to modular construction methods can reduce the cost of putting up a structure by anywhere from 9% to 20%. This is because modular construction is faster, uses fewer materials, and results in less waste.
Speed
Because all the parts are designed and made before construction begins, the actual construction project is fast and simple, particularly when compared to other methods of construction. In China, a modular construction company recently put up a 57-story building. It took them less than 20 days to accomplish this feat.
Waste Reduction
The UK-based programme known as the Waste and Resources Action Programme, or WRAP, found that using modular construction methods for warehouse offices, modular office buildings, or any other type of commercial construction had a tremendous effect in reducing waste. Waste materials such as timber, wooden pallets, shrink wrap, cardboard, cement, plasterboard, bricks, and concrete were reduced by up to 90%. This is in part because modular construction is built to spec and there is very little waste material when everything is designed so precisely.
Reduced Energy Usage
Because it takes so much less time to construct using prefabricated construction methods and because so few waste materials are generated, there are enormous energy savings. Compared to typical construction methods, modular construction uses nearly 70% less energy for the same sized building. This is not the only energy savings, either. Occupants of buildings erected using prefabricated building methods report that energy usage in the space is also reduced.
Whether you are planning to build warehouse offices or need to put up an entire modular office building, using prefabricated building methods will make your project go more quickly, cost less money, generate less waste, and use less energy. Why not see what modular construction could do to minimize your building costs and maximize the benefits?
