5 Benefits of Modular Construction

In Canada, construction waste makes up 27% of the waste in landfills, and a lot of this could be reused in other ways. Reducing this waste is a top priority for Canada, and a huge step in the right direction is modular construction. 

There are times when the products in the landfill are incinerated so they cannot be used again. This means that when a new project needs to be done, new materials must be used, and new waste is created. 

Building materials are usually valuable and finite resources that will eventually run out if we aren’t careful. The more often we can reuse materials, or reduce the number of unused materials for each construction project, the better our future will be. 

The Canadian government is taking significant efforts in rethinking how materials are purchased, used, and then thrown out. 

The highest level of the waste hierarchy is waste prevention. Because modular construction is an assembly line process, workers are able to supervise each step closely. This means that materials are cut with precision and any extra materials are able to be stored away and used in a future project.

Time is money, especially in your construction project. So when we mention time savings as a benefit of modular construction, we are also saying you’re going to save money using this type of building process. 

In a typical construction project, you can experience a variety of different delays. Some of these will be out of your control. For example, there’s not much you can do with your construction project the day after a huge snowstorm. 

Other common delays within a construction project could include labour shortages, budget constraints, permit delays, and other subcontractor challenges. There are a lot of moving factors within the construction process, and sometimes miscommunication means a huge step back in your timeline. 

When you’re working on a site, you have materials being delivered all the time from different sources, and it can sometimes be a struggle to align everything to match your timeline. So what happens when one piece of your project is missing and you can’t move on without it? You end up creating a domino effect of delays that cost you valuable time and money. 

The modular construction process  is streamlined, so you can expect to eliminate some of these delays and save time and money. The controlled environment and assembly line process allow for projects to be completed up to 50% quicker than traditional construction. 

And as a bonus, a majority of modular pod construction is produced inside, so when severe weather hits, we’ll still be making your structure. 

In recent years, we’ve seen many industries hurt by labour shortages, and the construction industry is certainly taking its toll. The number of workers it takes to execute a smooth and efficient timeline is simply not feasible right now. 

An efficient timeline starts with a well-thought-out project scope. With modular construction, each worker is specialized in what they do. Working in a controlled environment helps keep everyone on the same page and helps the teams understand what’s to be expected for a final product. 

At BOXX Modular, we use BIM modelling to help comprehend what your structure will look like before we start the production process. This can be referenced by our team throughout the entire project to better avoid disruptions down the line. 

When it’s time to deliver the structure to your site, 90% of the product will be finished. This includes interior furnishings and details that are essential to keep the structure’s inhabitants comfortable and organized.

When you first picture modular structures, what comes to mind is probably portable tents and trailers. The innovation of modular pod construction throughout the years has allowed this type of building material to be durable and sustainable. 

Under the same umbrella as being constructed in a controlled environment, your modular structure will also be of better quality compared to traditional construction. Modular buildings are constructed with materials that are regularly used in the traditional construction world, but the difference is the supervision and precision that creates a superior product. 

Depending on the industry you work in, you may need a specialized structure to keep your organization and your employees safe and secure. At BOXX Modular, we provide blast-resistant structures to better protect your company. 

Blast-resistant structures are made with a steel frame, rather than wood, but are made to look the same as all other modular buildings. The frame reinforces the structure to be able to withstand explosions, flying debris, and all types of weather conditions. 

Gibson Energy, an oil company, worked with BOXX to create a structure that was fire-resistant and able to withstand severe elements. They also needed a specialized command room to control the plant’s electronic systems and servers. 

No matter what specifications you’re looking for in your next structure, we can help you create a unique floor plan and structure that meets your needs. Prefabricated modular construction details allow for custom structures that fit seamlessly into your organization.

The portability and temporary nature is a more distinctive benefit of modular construction because not many other construction types are able to be relocated or disassembled as easily. 

In traditional construction, it’s almost guaranteed to be a big investment in time, money, and space because it will become a permanent structure for your organization. But what if you don’t need to make a huge investment, because you just need swing space or a specific building for a specific event? 

When you choose modular, you choose to have the flexibility to use a building for as long as you need it. You’re able to rent a building for a short period of time or buy it if you’re going to be using it as a more significant structure at your organization. 

Also, your modular structure can be used for a variety of purposes. Some of these include, 

• Office spaces
• Security setups 
• Breakrooms or lunchrooms
• Storage containers

And if you need an office space for a small amount of time and then decide it needs to turn into a security setup, modular construction details allow you to make the change easily.

We’ve mentioned previously in this blog that reducing waste is the first priority of getting rid of municipal waste, but just underneath it in the waste hierarchy, is reuse and repair. The Government of Canada wants to use materials that don’t go directly to the recycling or solid waste stream after one use. 

This is a huge, and beneficial difference between modular construction vs traditional construction. Modular buildings have the ability to be reused time and time again. And it doesn’t necessarily have to just be within your organization, BOXX Modular offers a fleet of used buildings that can be rented or bought. 

The positive environmental impact your company makes goes hand-in-hand with this benefit of modular construction. When you obtain a used building or reuse your current modular structure for a new project, you’re doing more than just saving time and money for your company. You’re contributing to the Canadian Green Building Council's mission of reducing waste and emissions that are released during a typical construction project.