On-site commercial construction utilizes traditional construction methods where all the work is done sequentially onsite. But on-site is not the only commercial construction process to consider. Off-site construction (also called modular or pre-engineered construction) offers several advantages that make it a viable option to consider.
Modular construction’s energy efficiency, streamlined process, quality control, and well-built final product make it a wise option to consider when you’re in the market for a new commercial building. Modular construction projects are now being used for a wide range of industrial and commercial buildings, delivering several attractive benefits.
The Pros of Modular Construction—Efficiency, Exactness, and Excellence
- Weather doesn’t affect the speed at which construction is completed. Modular construction is done (prefabricated) off-site in a factory, so weather can’t slow the construction process down.
- Modular construction is able to be transported. Once modular construction is completed at the factory, it is transported to the site and assembled on-site.
- Modular construction offers significantly faster timelines to consumers. The team at the factory can work simultaneously with the on-site team to streamline timelines.
- Quality control measures produce great results. Because modular construction is produced off-site in a controlled factory setting, the resulting final product is excellent.
- Safety risks of modular construction are less than those of on-site construction. Due to the controlled factory environment, there are less safety risks for workers.
- Modular construction minimizes waste. Computer-aided manufacturing of pre-fabricated construction projects minimizes waste and decreases the carbon footprint of the project.
- Communities are less interrupted with pre-fabricated construction. Since teams of workers aren’t traveling in and out of neighborhoods regularly and creating noise and disruption to the neighboring businesses or residences, modular construction offers less overall interruption to the community.
- Modular construction produces airtight commercial buildings. Modular, pre-fabricated construction projects yield energy efficient and airtight products due to their exacting methods of off-site construction.
- Pre-fabricated construction reduces overall energy use. With buildings built in a factory rather than in various locations throughout the city, energy is saved in the commute to and from the location where the commercial construction project is being built.
- Factory conditions bring quality results. Modular construction increases efficiency, excellence, and exactness in construction projects.
Cons of Modular Construction
- Not every location or business is a candidate for modular construction. Modular construction may not be an option on every site because the site needs to be able to handle the delivery of large modules.
- Once a modular construction project begins, changes can’t be made to the plans. While traditional construction allows for changes in design and plans during the construction process, modular construction doesn’t allow for these types of changes.
- Modular construction methods require extremely detailed planning before building. Due to the nature of the off-site construction methods, detailed planning must be completed prior to construction.
- Customization of modular construction projects is limited. There can be some restriction in the ability to customize designs when construction is pre-fabricated.
- Modular construction requires more communication between on-site and off-site workers. Extra communication and coordination between on-site and off-site construction crews are essential for the successful completion of pre-fabricated construction projects.
The Pros of Traditional On-site Construction—Design, Flexibility, and Customization
- Changes can be made after construction begins. Although it is best to try to avoid changes in design plans, the option still exists in traditional on-site construction. If needed, traditional construction offers businesses the opportunity to change plans after construction has been initiated.
- Customization of design details is limitless. Traditional construction offers endless options in building design and customized details.
- Avoid the hassles of moving large modules into tight spaces. Tight urban areas make traditional on-site construction the go-to method for building a new facility.
- Easily renovate or add on to an existing structure. Blending the new with the old or make your addition look seamless with conventional on-site construction.
Cons of Traditional On-site Construction
- Weather conditions affect the speed of progress. Each step of traditional construction is primarily done on-site, and some portions of the construction can be delayed due to weather conditions. Because construction tasks are done sequentially, a delay in one area has the potential to hold everything up for the duration of the project.
- Safety can be at a higher risk in traditional construction projects. When compared to modular construction, on-site construction generally has more safety risks.
The method used to build each commercial construction project should be chosen based on your company’s needs, site limitations, timeframe, and budget.
Talk with your commercial construction contractor to weigh out the pros and cons of each construction method and determine which is best for your particular needs. Call Construction by Daniels at 918-872-6006 to discuss solutions and options for your commercial construction needs.
