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Published: 12 February 2021 in Industry News
What Are The Current Challenges Facing UK Modular Construction?
From the reluctance to adopt a non-traditional construction method to the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on all aspects of the industry. In this article, we explore some of the challenges facing the modular construction industry.
COVID-19
Much like many sectors, the coronavirus pandemic has hit the UK construction industry hard throughout 2020 and into 2021.
Initially, many jobs were at risk and sites were forced to close. But, as we strive to recover, we have been forced to rethink how buildings should be designed and built, with space in mind.
Social distancing measures are here to stay for a while longer, and so that construction can continue effectively, developers need to reduce their reliance on labour-intensive traditional construction and look to new methods, and modular construction can be a key solution.
Much less manual labour is required in comparison to a traditional build, increasing the ease of sticking to social distancing measures. Further, specialist factories also offer health and safety benefits because they are controlled environments where order and process take precedence, such as our ISO-approved factory in St Helens.
Lastly, modular construction is also quicker when compared to traditional processes, and this quick turnaround time is key for helping the construction industry offset delays in project timelines.
Adapting To Change
There is still a reluctance to shift from traditional builds to modular ones, but we can slowly see a shift in attitude when it comes to offsite building techniques, largely driven by increased awareness of the time and cost-saving benefits.
To find out more, take a look at these articles:
- Why Modular Buildings Are A Flexible and Versatile Solution For Your Building Requirements
- Modular Construction: Saving Money and the Environment
- How Can Off-site Modular Building Significantly Decrease Production Time?
Skills Shortage
The skills shortage is an ongoing issue across the construction industry. In particular, the industry is in need of bricklayers, carpenters, electricians and plumbers, with demand continuing to outstrip supply.
However, a slightly different skill set is required for modular construction meaning there is an opportunity to increase construction projects across the UK, without increasing the pressure on these more traditional trades.
In this article, we explore the key skills needed to ensure excellence in every modular build.
Sustainability
Tackling climate emergencies and sustainability remains a key concern across the construction industry.
Buildings and the materials used in traditional construction account for a large proportion of energy consumption in the UK. However, compared to a traditionally built project, up to 67%, less energy is required to produce a modular build.
Modular construction plays a major role in making the building sector more sustainable, and there are many benefits of opting for off-site construction methods.
On top of the benefits of off-site construction, there are also many eco-friendly features of modular buildings themselves, in comparison to their traditional counterparts.
You can find out more about our key environmental commitments as a business on our sustainability page.
Brexit
On top of the profound effects of coronavirus, Brexit is also showing as a challenge to the construction industry.
Not only will there be reduced access to skilled European workers, but there are also likely to be shortages and delays in accessing key materials. For example, at present, the steel shortage is likely to have an effect on how we keep the construction industry moving throughout 2021.
With the impact of these challenges in mind, a great focal point for the future of UK construction should be to promote and utilise the fantastic opportunities available through widespread modular construction, to keep pushing forward with new developments across the country.
We pride ourselves in creating and manufacturing bespoke, long-lasting modular buildings suited to your requirements.
If you’d like some more information on projects we have previously successfully delivered, take a look at our case studies and testimonials. Or, to get in contact with our expert team, give us a call on 01744 851 958, fill out our contact form or request a callback.
