Modular construction is a new way of building that has become more and more popular in recent years. With this method, buildings are built off-site in modules or sections, which are then moved to the building site and put together to make a whole building. Modular construction has many advantages over traditional building methods, such as being faster, better, cheaper, more flexible, and more environmentally friendly. But there are also things to think about that could go wrong, such as the fact that it is hard to customize, hard to move, and has to meet building code standards.
Advantages of building with modules
Speed: Most of the time, modular construction is faster than traditional building methods. This is because many of the building parts are made off-site in a controlled environment, which cuts down on the time needed for construction on-site. This means that projects can be finished faster, which can be important for projects that need to be done on time.
Quality: Modular construction takes place in a factory, where the building process can be closely watched and controlled, and where quality can also be closely watched. This leads to building parts that are more uniform and of higher quality, which can make a building stronger and last longer.
Cost savings: Because modular construction can be done faster and with less waste, it can be cheaper than traditional construction. Because the manufacturing environment is controlled, there is also less need for rework, which can save both time and money.
Flexibility: Modular construction makes it easier to change the design of a building, and it can be used to build a wide range of buildings, such as commercial buildings, hotels, and homes. Modular buildings are also easy to add on to or change, which makes them perfect for businesses or groups that expect to grow or change in the future.
Sustainability: Modular buildings can be more environmentally friendly than traditional buildings because they can reduce waste and be made to use less energy. Many modular buildings are made with green features like high-efficiency heating, cooling, and ventilation (HVAC) systems, energy-efficient lighting, and renewable energy sources.
Problems with modular building
Customization is limited because modular buildings are usually made in standard sizes and shapes, which makes it hard to make changes. This might not work for projects with complicated designs or architectural features.
Transporting modular buildings is hard because they have to be moved in pieces, which takes careful planning and coordination. Larger modules may need special permits to be moved, and the cost of moving them can be high.
Site restrictions: Modular construction needs enough space for setting up the building modules and putting them together on-site. This could be a problem for projects in places with a lot of people or limited access.
Building code requirements: Modular buildings have to meet the same building code requirements as traditional buildings, which can add to the cost and complexity of the project.
Dependence on the manufacturer: Modular building requires a lot of coordination between the manufacturer, the company that moves the modules, and the team that builds the building on-site. If there are delays or problems with the manufacturer, the project timeline could be pushed back.
Companies in Canada that build with modules
Canada has a number of modular construction companies that make custom modular buildings for a wide range of uses. Some of the most important companies are:
Metric Modular is a company in Agassiz, British Columbia, that specializes in making custom modular buildings for commercial, industrial, and institutional projects.
NRB Inc. - With offices in Grimsby, Ontario, and New Holland, Pennsylvania, NRB Inc. offers modular construction solutions for healthcare, education, and business projects.
Aarc-West Mechanical Modular Solutions is based in Edmonton, Alberta, and focuses on modular construction for mechanical and electrical systems like power distribution, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), and plumbing.
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