As the housing crisis worsens and nearly 700,000 Canadian skilled workers are expected to retire over the next few years, it appears traditional construction methods cannot, and will not, be able to keep up with the growing housing demand. An alternative method of construction is required to increase housing supply for Canadians, modular construction.
Modular construction, aka off-site construction, is not a revolutionary method of construction. The modular manufacturing certification, CSA A277, was first introduced over 50 years ago. The concept has always been proven as a more efficient method of construction but pigeonholed by consumers and overshadowed by traditional construction methods.
Advanced manufacturing has allowed prefabrication of buildings to step out of the shadows and become a reputable source of high quality, affordable housing solutions. Today, advanced prefabrication techniques are used to build mid-rise multi-family buildings, single family and tiny homes, not to mention the diverse commercial and industrial applications.
Modular (off-site) construction is now poised to play hero in the affordable housing crisis and offer a more sustainable and consistent supply of quality homes to Canadians.
What is Modular Home Construction?
Modular construction incorporates prefabricated components that are delivered to site, installed and finished, creating a new home in just a few short months. At a high level, modular construction consists of two elements, off-site (prefabrication) and on-site (preparation and installation). Typically, both the on-site and off-site happen simultaneously and have a coordinated finished, allowing for an immediate installation and faster completion.
Let’s delve into the off-site and on-site elements of modular construction a little closer and realize the benefits modular construction offers and why it allows for a more sustainable housing supply.
Off-Site Prefabrication
Growing Production Capacity
The federal government is injecting over $600 million into advanced manufacturing of modular homes to increase production capacity. As a result, there is a growing number of certified modular manufacturers producing high quality prefabricated homes in Ontario. The benefits of modular construction are becoming better understood but the modular stigma still stings, and consumers are weary.
Cost Certainty
A streamlined manufacturing process can result in greater cost certainty for consumers. Prefabricating homes on a production line, similar to automobile manufacturing, maintains a consistent production rate and greater quality control. Material is purchased in bulk, achieving economies of scale, and is utilized more efficiently so there is significantly less waste.
Greater Quality Control
Building in a climate-controlled factory promotes better quality assurance practices and the use of higher quality material. Lumber for modules remains dry and does not freeze and thaw during the fabrication process, keeping the material straighter and free of twists and crowns. Most importantly, the lumber’s moisture content remains consistent, eliminating the chance of mold and mild growth inside the wall cavity.
Sustainable Productivity
Modular construction is not only faster, but also more sustainable, both environmentally and from a labour shortage perspective.
Environmentally, modular construction can be more energy efficient. The box-shape design of a module is optimal for heating and cooling, reducing the energy demand. The manufacturing process utilizes lean construction methods which minimizes construction waste. Only the required lumber is used during prefabrication and is utilized to minimize construction waste.
Off-site prefabrication yields a higher production rate, while using less resources, because each task in the production process is optimize for efficiency. Working in a climate-controlled factory helps maintain the production rate because there are no weather delays, or workers trudging slowly through snow, rain and mud. A factory setting allows workers to get in a more comfortable positions when building and best of all, machines do the heavy lifting. Manufacturers must maintain specific health and safety protocols to ensure the well-being and longevity of their employees. Working primarily off the ground reduces fall hazards and minimizes the safety procedures when working from heights. The safety and comfort of working in a factory is a large reason why manufacturers can retain workers and keep production rates high.
Automated manufacturing technology is quickly evolving and will enable fabrication to occur 24/7, producing modules with great speed and precision.
On-Site Modular Construction
In order for the efficiencies of modular construction to be fully realized, a well-prepared site and a knowledgeable installation crew are crucial. To maintain the cost and schedule efficiencies gained by prefabrication, an alternative approach to general contracting is required. Sightline Building Solutions’ approach to modular general contracting ensures that the benefits of modular construction are experienced through to completion of every project.
Our Modular Approach
Sightline’s approach to modular general contracting simplifies the installation and completion of a modular home because each crew consists of certified skilled labour that are masters of their trade, but still responsible for completing other required on-site tasks. Everyone needs to work as a team and pitch in to get the home done faster. Developing multiskilled labour creates a more valuable and resilient workforce, not to mention the fact that likes to know a ‘jack of all trades’! Just like in the factory, the on-site process to prepare the site and install the modules needs to be followed closely, but also requires some refinement to accommodate the on-site realities.
Faster Completion
The on-site component in modular construction can be completed in nearly half the time, using fewer resources. Less time spent on-site provides several benefits for the client, including faster occupancy and rental revenue generation. Short construction schedules also result in fewer monthly construction financing fees.
Sustainability
Construction is generally a very disruptive process, involving demolition, road congestion and noise and air pollution. Why not shorten the on-site construction as much as possible? With off-site construction, the disruption is limited to just a few on-site tasks, not the entire construction process.
Generally, modular construction also decreases the worker’s average commute by 75%, compared to traditional construction. There are fewer material deliveries because manufacturer stockpile material in their factory so it’s readily available. Less transportation and deliveries mean less pollution, road congestion and wasted time driving to and from site.
One of the most unique features of modular construction is the ability to disassemble a building and relocate it to another location. This provides the client with more options of what to do with the property and the building.
Conclusion
Sightline Building Solutions is fully committed to seeing prefabrication and off-site construction succeed. Working along side our manufacturing partner’s, we carefully plan out each project at the beginning, so the installation goes smoothly, and ensuring a mutually beneficial outcome for all project stakeholders.
If you’re interested in learning more about modular construction, or how we can help, please don’t hesitate to connect us!