Offsite construction, also known as prefabricated or modular construction, has been a well-established concept for several years. This method involves constructing entire structures away from their ultimate location, allowing pre-constructed components to be transported and assembled on-site.

What’s important to note is that this style of construction has come a long way since its inception, thanks to exciting technological breakthroughs. Today, it is a compelling alternative to traditional on-site construction methods that rely on brick-by-brick assembly. In fact, in some cases, offsite construction can even outperform traditional approaches, offering heightened efficiency, superior quality control, and improved environmental performance.

The main question is, how will it revolutionize the industry we know now?

Come with us as we find out. 

What Is Offsite Construction?

Before we get any deeper, let’s break down the most important components of offsite construction.

As we said before, this style of construction is an off-location approach encompassing the entire building process, from planning and design to fabrication, transportation, and assembly. All pre-built components are then transported to the final site and rapidly assembled, resulting in a more efficient and streamlined construction process.

The process is broad, utilizing a diverse range of materials and systems. It also involves digital software, cutting-edge methods of fabrication and manufacture, and exciting social and technological innovations.

The production of offsite structures takes place in controlled environments, allowing for close monitoring of the quality of each component or module. The beauty of this streamlined approach is that it enables efficient planning and enhances the speed and precision of the construction process.

Why Is Offsite Construction Advantageous?

So why might companies choose to utilize offsite construction as an alternative?

Let’s take a look at a few of the most significant benefits. 

Efficiency

Offsite projects facilitate the parallel operation of on- and offsite teams, resulting in quicker and smoother timelines. The projects are made possible by the ability to work simultaneously in an offsite factory and on location.

On top of that, having each model pre-built in a factory setting offers the advantage of immunity to inclement weather, significantly reducing weather-induced delays that would typically impede the traditional process.

Safer Working Conditions

Even the safest construction sites present potential dangers. 

Luckily, regulated factory environments provide a more secure and predictable setting compared to construction sites, which are vulnerable to inclement weather and limited visibility. As a result, the probability of workplace injuries or accidents is considerably lower.

Optimized Quality Control

The production of each structural unit or model takes place within a regulated factory environment, enabling systematic oversight of each construction phase. The outcome? Better predictability.

Less Expensive

The bottom line is often the most important in any construction job. 

Prefabricating structures in a factory environment allows for meticulous budget planning, leading to better waste reduction. The result is cost savings.

Eco-Friendliness

Offsite construction heavily relies on digital pre-fabrication, which leads to more precise material calculations and usage. Additionally, offsite projects significantly diminish carbon emissions by reducing the need for worker commutes, transportation, and machinery, which are typically essential in on-site construction. 

This forward-thinking approach works wonders in decreasing waste, contributing to a lower overall carbon footprint from the given project.

What are the Limitations of Offsite Construction?

So now that you have a better idea of the advantages of offsite construction, let’s delve into its drawbacks.

Infeasibility

For offsite construction to be feasible, the site must accommodate the transportation and delivery of sizable modules. However, this may not always be possible, as certain locations lack the necessary infrastructure.

Modification Challenges

Due to the structured nature of offsite construction, modifications to the original plan can be challenging to execute later in the process. The modular approach may limit flexibility in adapting to changes.

More Coordination Needs

Offsite construction demands meticulous planning before the commencement of the building process, given that every piece needs to fit seamlessly like a puzzle. Additionally, coordination and communication between the onsite and offsite teams become crucial. 

Failure to establish these could impede the successful completion of the project.

Is OffSite Construction the Future?

Numerous anecdotal and evidence-based studies support the offsite construction approach, and its benefits are clear. In a recent KPMG Construction report, the offsite approach helps overcome many of the hurdles the construction industry is currently grappling with by providing increased transparency, optimal monitoring, budget reliability, maximized productivity, and more. 

It even addresses the shortage in the labor force by providing opportunities for those with skills suited to factories. 

Entekra, for example, is one of the prominent players in this field. This company is a prime example of an innovative provider that offers advantages such as increased productivity and reduced labor requirements.

In fact, they claim to reduce labor requirements by up to 50%. Of course, the significant benefits offered by this progressive construction process might make you think, 

Why in the world isn’t offsite construction more widespread?

Based on surveys and interviews with experts in the field, some obstacles to adopting offsite construction include limited awareness among proprietors, challenges in implementing design modifications later in the process, and the deep-rooted construction culture. 

Despite these impediments slowing the broader acceptance of offsite construction, the advantages are already influencing the culture of the industry, resulting in the ever-growing popularity of offsite building.

Final Thoughts

Innovation is one of our main drivers here at Advantage Drafting. From new 3D printing technologies to the evolution of smart windows, we always aim to stay on top of the latest industry trends.

Despite the potential obstacles offsite construction may face, we’re always eager to lead the way toward positive change.

If you aspire to remain at the forefront of the industry, let’s collaborate and take your upcoming project to the next level. Request a free quote today!