Over the past few years, the number of businesses and organisations relying on modular constructions has greatly increased. This is due to the ever-increasing quality of pre-fabricated buildings and dissatisfaction with traditional construction. Modular buildings play a key role in many properties, including hospitals, schools and more. However, there are still many arguments which claim that traditional construction is better value for money.
Here at Cotaplan, we are proud to offer a full range of pre-fabricated construction services to our clients. Of course, our team believe that modular buildings offer a range of benefits when compared to traditional construction. However, we are here to take an honest look at modular vs traditional construction. We are committed to providing our customers with the best facilities to suit their needs. The last thing we want to do is construct a modular solution when brick-and-mortar buildings will be more reliable or better value.
Modular Buildings Vs Traditional Construction: The Pros and Cons
Brick-and-mortar construction has been the cornerstone of the building industry for hundreds of years. Most homes and businesses in the UK are made from brick-and-mortar. In the past, this has been the most reliable and affordable construction method. Traditional construction also meets building regulations for homes, businesses and industrial properties.
Modular construction is a relatively new style of construction. When constructed professionally, pre-fabricated buildings can meet all building regulations for any type of property. Failing to adapt to new and changing construction techniques can lead to all kinds of problems. As standards improve and the industry moves on, it is more important than ever that you take advantage of the best in modern construction.
The Pros and Cons of Traditional Construction
You’re probably familiar with the way brick-and-mortar construction works. After the initial planning procedure, and once you’ve got planning permission, the site will be excavated. Your builders will install foundations into the earth and erect walls using brick and mortar. Once the walls have been completed, the ceiling will be installed. This process can take several weeks or even months to complete depending on the size of the property and other concerns.
For complete housing estates, traditional construction can take many months, or even upwards of a year, to fully complete. This will only include the ‘shell’ or exterior of the building. Once the exterior of the building is completed, the interior will need to be installed. This can take many more weeks or even months before the house is habitable.
What are the Pros of Traditional, Brick-and-Mortar Construction?
Traditional construction is reliable and hard-wearing. These buildings can survive for many years in harsh environments with limited maintenance required. They can be constructed in a wide range of shapes and sizes. Brick-and-mortar buildings, if they are constructed correctly and maintained when required, can last for several generations.
What are the Cons of Traditional Buildings?
Unfortunately, there are many cons when it comes to brick buildings. These cons were not really a problem until a method developed which offered an alternative way of living and looking at our constructions. Just some of the cons associated with traditional construction include:
- Project Time – One of the biggest issues is the amount of time it take a brick building to be constructed. This form of construction is no longer suitable for projects requiring a quick turnaround. In many cases, the project time can be increased by factors beyond your control, such as the weather, worker availability or materials delays.
- Disruption – Traditional building creates a great deal of disruption in the surrounding areas. Brick-and-mortar is a loud construction method which can be incredibly disruptive. It is also guilty of creating a great deal of waste, even when carried out by trained professionals. Disruption caused by these projects is simply unavoidable.
- Cost – In addition to the high cost of materials, the large workforce required will greatly increase the cost of the project. In the past, this has led to some projects being abandoned once most of the work has been done. Being unable to pay construction firms is a major issue, particularly if a project is delayed or overran for some reason.
- Non-Adaptable – Traditional buildings are difficult to adapt once they have been constructed. Adding an extension onto the property can be a fairly large construction project by itself. As such, if the building ever becomes unsuitable, the owner will need to move or pay for costly alterations.
What are the Pros and Cons of Modular Buildings?
Pre-fabricated construction projects will begin in the same way as traditional buildings. Evaluations will need to be carried out, the earth will need to excavated and foundations installed. Once the foundations are in-place, the modular construction will begin to take place.
However, while the excavation and foundation installation has been going on, manufacturing will already have started. Modular buildings components are not created on-site. Instead, they are manufactured in factory conditions elsewhere. This means that essential features, including walls, ceilings and other surfaces, will be constructed to a high-standard away from the property. Once the foundations have been laid, these components will be delivered to the construction site.
What are the Pros of Modular Buildings?
Just some of the great benefits that modular and pre-fabricated construction can provide include:
- A Faster Construction Project – Due to the simplicity of modular construction, the projects can be completed extremely quickly. While the foundations are being laid, the modular components will be manufactured at the factory. Once they are delivered at your worksite, they can be erected in a short period of time.
- Cost-Effective Construction – Due to the low price of materials and the reduced project time, modular construction is cheaper than traditional building. If you’re looking to create a high-quality building at a reduced price, then modular construction is ideal.
- A Less Disruptive Construction – Modular construction projects are much quicker and less disruptive than traditional building. This makes them ideal for locations which need to be used while construction is ongoing, such as hospitals and schools.
- Eco-Friendly – Modular construction generates less waste and has an increased use of sustainable materials. As such, pre-fabricated buildings are some of the most environmentally-friendly in the world.
In addition to these great benefits, modular buildings are of an extremely high-quality and are versatile. They can be adapted with little or no issues, including extensions and other conversions. They are also lighter-weight, meaning that they have more flexibility in terms of design. Modular buildings also require fewer load-bearing walls, allowing for a more unique interior and exterior design.
What are the Cons of Modular Buildings?
There are only two real issues with pre-fabricated construction, which are:
- Delivery of Materials – In some cases, delivering materials to the site can be a problem. Some of these modular components can be large in size, requiring a large vehicle. If there are issues such as narrow roads, low bridges or heavy traffic, delivering these materials can be a problem.
- Public Perception – By far the greatest barrier to modular construction remains public perception. Despite their high-quality and reliability, pre-fabricated buildings are still seen as fairly flimsy or vulnerable buildings. There is still some distance to go before modular buildings are accepted as the logical successor to traditional construction.
For Modular Buildings and Pre-Fabricated Construction, Call Cotaplan Today
Here at Cotaplan, we’re able to provide a full range of modular buildings and pre-fabricated constructions. We can deliver industry-leading pre-fab properties to homes and businesses of all kinds. In the past, our team has worked to provide unique spaces for schools, hospitals and other facilities across the UK.
If you’re looking for modular buildings instead of traditional construction, get in touch today. Even if you have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to call our specialist team today. You can call us directly on 0800 7999049 today. If you prefer, you can use our simple online contact form, and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.