by Shane Henson — November 8, 2013—FMI, a U.S.-based provider of management consulting and investment banking to the engineering and construction industry, recently released the results from its 2013 study focusing on prefabrication and modularization in construction. FMI surveyed managers, general contractors, and electrical and mechanical contractors for the survey.
As reported, 81 percent say they own their own prefabrication facilities. This figure is down nine percent since 2010. The decrease in facility ownership could be attributed to inherent challenges within the modularization method, which include:
- Selecting the right type of projects for modular construction;
- Stating rules about large assemblies being transported on roads;
- Locating modular-assembly areas close to construction sites;
- Assuring that the work produced meets code;
- Proving that the construction method works and saves money;
- Reducing changes after the work is designed and built; and
- Convincing people that prefabrication and modularized units can produce superior quality buildings
However, the practice is not dying, notes FMI. They survey found that 61 percent of respondents expect to see growth in prefabrication facilities over the next five years. Industries that require construction of multiple facilities of similar design, such as healthcare, lodging, and education, may see faster growth than other sectors. Universally, according to survey findings, the following driving forces have the potential to fuel growth:
- Pressure to reduce cost, while achieving a competitive edge;
- The impending lack of skilled construction labor;
- The need to increase productivity; and
- The use of BIM, allowing greater coordination of design with construction.
Prefabrication and Modularization in Construction Survey 2013 is available for free download on the FMI site with a short customer registration/log-in.
