Building Blocks: Prefab versus Modular Construction Table of Contents Prefab Construction Modular Construction Advantages of Modular Construction Stairs and Ramps for Modular Construction Call (513) 889-2492 ORDER NOW Tracy Mikulec Tracy Mikulec, a seasoned leader in the digital marketing realm, currently serves as the Director of Digital at SixAxis, a pioneering manufacturer of industrial and commercial safety products from renowned brands like SafeRack, ErectaStep, and Upside. With a career spanning over three decades, Tracy has been at the forefront of digital innovation, ecommerce, and technology strategy. Since January 2015, Tracy has been instrumental in shaping the digital landscape at SixAxis, LLC, based in Andrews, South Carolina. His role involves leading digital strategies and overseeing technological advancements for SixAxis and its diverse portfolio of brands. Apr 05, 2023 Estimated reading time: 3 minutes When it comes to building a new structure, two popular options are prefab and modular construction. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to two distinct construction methods. What is the difference between Modular vs. Prefab Buildings? Prefab construction is walls, roofs, and floors manufactured off-site. In contrast, modular construction is complete rooms or self-contained units. Both are shipped and assembled on location. Prefab Construction Components Made Off-Site Prefab, or prefabricated construction, involves manufacturing components off-site. These components include roofs, floors, and walls. These components are shipped to the location and are designed to fit together like puzzle pieces. Before prefab construction, building contractors would “stick-build,” where everything was framed and built onsite, which was costly and slow. Modular Construction Completed Sections Made Off-Site In modular construction, the building components are complete rooms or sections manufactured in a factory and then transported as large units to the building site for assembly. Unlike prefab, these large modules require less onsite assembly and construction, which is cost-effective and need less on-site construction time, especially for larger buildings. Advantages of Modular Construction With its increased popularity, efficiencies, and ease of build, modular construction is gaining market acceptance and gaining traction for commercial, industrial, and institutional projects. The modular market was valued at $131.1 billion in 2021, and analysts estimated a CAGR of 6.1% from 2022 to 2031 with a $234.7 billion value.1 Modular construction can be for permanent and temporary uses and is commonly used for school classrooms and military housing but gaining popularity as healthcare facilities, churches, fast food restaurants, and commercial offices. Modular building has several benefits, such as being environmentally friendly, creating less waste, being of higher quality, and being accessible to remote locations. Saves Money – Unlike traditional building methods, modular buildings are less expensive because the units are produced in bulk and delivered nearly completed. Less maintenance More sustainable – Reduced material waste and energy consumption. Save Time – avoid common construction delays caused by weather or schedules and, in many cases, can be delivered 30-50% quicker2 than traditional methods. Site preparation occurs simultaneously with the production of modular units. However, some drawbacks can be a limited service area and unclear zoning. Less impact at the job site – built off-site, modular construction has 80% less disruption at the job site. Quality control – The manufacturing process offers greater quality control than on-site, stick-built construction methods. 1Allied Market Research, 2Modular Building Institute Stairs and Ramps for Modular Construction Upside Innovations manufactures access solutions ideal for modular buildings such as schools, hospitals, churches, office trailers, construction sites, etc. Our modular, prefabricated line of ADA and IBC stairs, ramps, and canopies are industrial-grade aluminum components that bolt together to create infinite configurations, eliminating custom fabrication and time-consuming engineering while reducing costs, installation time, and complexity. Call (513) 889-2492 ORDER NOW Stairs, Ramps, Canopies & Awnings The APEX System is a modular, prefabricated line of ADA, OSHA, and IBC-compliant stairs, wheelchair ramps, and canopies. Industrial-grade aluminum components bolt together to create infinite configurations. The System eliminates custom fabrication requirements and time-consuming engineering while reducing costs, installation time, and complexity. The Apex System is manufactured in the U.S. using advanced engineering techniques and industrial-grade aluminum. Portable Stairs The Omni Step, Upside’s portable stairs, has a pivoting riser assembly to adjust the step to any height within the two outer limits as the individual step heights grow or shrink equally. Set the adjustable platform at the threshold, attach the step riser to the platform, and let the step pivot down to the ground. StairsTools & Resources Types of Stairs for Commercial and Industrial Use Read More » June 7, 2022 Stairs Adjustable Steps for Modular Offices Read More » January 16, 2024
