Modular buildings are everywhere! This sustainable structure is now being used as homes, modular healthcare buildings, storage facilities, offices, restaurants, stores and many more! This structure is growing in popularity because it’s affordable, quicker to assemble, is pretty durable and is a more eco-friendly option compared to traditional construction.
But of course, just like everything else in the world, this also has its fair share of disadvantages. So if you’re thinking about going for a modular building for whatever purpose you may have in mind, below is a rundown of challenges and limitations you should know about! And with that knowledge, you get to decide if its cons weigh out the pros and vice versa.
1 – Possible design limitations
Buildings constructed with modular construction are composed of prefabricated parts that join together like enormous building bricks and are manufactured in a factory. Kind of like LEGO components in that they are made to precise sizes and forms.
And with that, this can occasionally limit your choice of customization in comparison to conventional building techniques, where they have greater latitude. Architects may have difficulties when attempting to design something really elaborate or unconventional due to the constraints imposed by these pre-built pieces.
Therefore, even while modular construction offers advantages like speed and efficiency, it can occasionally stifle your customization ideas and expression.
2 – Site access and assembly
Accessing the building site might provide significant challenges, especially in highly populated areas or regions with complex landscapes. When assembling modular buildings, you need to allow enough room for cranes to operate and move those large components into position.
However, there are cases where there just isn’t enough room, or there are barriers such as subterranean pipelines or electrical lines. Therefore, choosing the ideal location for a building project is not always easy, even if modular construction might be simple in certain aspects.
3 – Transportation constraints
It can be somewhat difficult to move modular modules from their manufacturing location to their planned installation location, especially if the pieces are large or have unique shapes. Also, if the building site is far away, it will call for more money and careful preparation to ensure that everything goes as planned.
So the problem is not just about getting there but every challenge that comes with it. Thus, even while modular construction might be time and hassle-saving in certain situations, assembling the parts correctly still makes up a significant portion of the task.
4 – Quality control
It is important to keep the same level of quality throughout modular modules to guarantee both durability and functionality. Modular components can occasionally have flaws or irregularities due to differences in production techniques, material quality, and craftsmanship. Strict quality control procedures are required to lessen these dangers.
5 – Licensing and regulatory compliance
There are a lot of guidelines that must be followed when it involves modular construction; it’s similar to a building playbook. The challenge is that these regulations can alter based on the location of the structure. Every location has its own set of rules, ordinances, and zoning specifications, including a unique playbook.
Thus, you must ensure that a modular structure you are installing meets all the requirements in that specific playbook. Additionally, if your project crosses numerous domains, you will need to manage several playbooks, each with its own set of guidelines.
6 – Integration with site-build components
Combining modular pieces with site-built features including foundations, utility connections, and finishing touches is a common practice in modular building. It can be difficult to ensure seamless integration and compatibility among modular and site-built pieces; careful planning and cooperation among stakeholders are necessary.
7 – Initial investment and scalability
While modular construction expedites projects and saves money over time, the initial costs of setting up off-site factories and equipment are high. Even additional upfront costs may be incurred when scaling up to meet changes in demand. Hence, even if the long-term advantages are obvious, getting started may be quite expensive.
Take away
To truly realise the potential of modular construction as a feasible alternative to traditional building methods, it is essential that architects, engineers, manufacturers, contractors, and regulatory agencies work together to tackle these obstacles and optimise the modular construction process.
But now you know 7 challenges and limitations you could face when choosing modular structure, it’s still up to you to decide if modular construction is still worth going for!