A common misconception is that modular vs. stick-built arguments are about quality differences. In reality, both construction methods provide excellent results using high-quality materials and attention to detail. Then, what are the differences between stick-built and modular construction?
A Quick Look at Modular Vs. Stick-Built Construction
There are major differences between modular and stick-built structures, including where, how, and how quickly construction happens.
What Is Modular Construction?
Modular construction involves building self-contained structural sections in a factory, transporting them to the worksite, and placing them on a prepared concrete foundation using a crane. Unlike prefab projects that require on-site assembly of panels and frames, modules are fully sealed and ready to deploy.
One module can be large enough to encompass individual store units, drive-through coffee shops, or similar buildings. For larger projects, multiple modules can be installed together, such as integrating an open-concept kitchen-living room module with bedroom and bathroom sections. Developers can also stack modules to create multilevel buildings, from community centers to shopping plazas.
What Is Stick-Built Construction?
Stick-built construction involves building residential, commercial, or industrial structures at the project site. This is the conventional method of construction, with subcontractors handling steel or wood framing, plumbing, electrical work, drywall installation, and a multitude of other tasks. Every aspect of construction happens one phase at a time.
Advantages of Modular Construction Compared to Stick-Built Buildings
The benefits of a modular approach to construction are easy to see, both for developers and clients.
Accelerated Completion Timelines
Developers can complete modular building projects much more quickly than conventional projects. Cutting delivery timelines by 30% to 50% is common, and sometimes more. This is possible because factory settings and precise engineering allow for efficient assembly, even with customized projects.
Increased Production Volume
The time-saving benefits of modular can be even greater when developers partner with manufacturers for standardized projects. Expert factory teams can create high-quality modules that meet precise specifications for multifamily housing, commercial plazas, franchise units, and similar high-volume needs.
Reduced Costs for Labor, Site Security, and Other Needs
The cost of steel frame modular construction varies by size, style, logistics factors, and other project requirements. In general, however, developers can lower overall costs significantly with modular buildings:
- Few contractors or subcontractors are needed.
- Materials storage isn’t usually necessary, which lowers site security requirements.
- Shorter project timelines also reduce labor costs.
- Your organization can save money on insurance with fewer workers, safer sites, and less heavy equipment.
Some preliminary construction is still necessary with modular buildings. This includes pouring footings and slabs.
Environmentally Friendly Building Practices
In many areas, developers benefit by adopting sustainable construction practices. Homeowners, communities, and clients often value a green approach, not to mention the excellent energy-efficiency benefits with tightly sealed building envelopes. Modular projects generate significantly less waste and use less energy during manufacturing.
Planning, Predictability, and Safety
Factory manufacturing means less impact from weather-related concerns. Aside from transportation delays, modular projects can proceed smoothly throughout the year. Developers have more control over project start and end dates.
Potential Challenges With Modular Building Projects
Even though modular steel construction has many attractive benefits for residential and commercial developers, this method can also have a few challenges.
Logistics Complexity
Once modules are completed, they must be transported to the construction site. For long-haul deliveries, the transporter must carefully plan every detail of the route. Roadway weight restrictions, tolls, bridges, detours, bypasses, and even weather conditions can impact transportation.
Installation Precision
Modules generally leave the factory fully finished. Depending on the desired style for commercial buildings or housing developments, this can mean painted drywall, tile flooring, light fixtures, and other accents. Great care is required during the loading, unloading, and placement phases to prevent damage. Developers have to work with professionals they trust during these critical stages.
Local Building Inspections
Many state and county authorities are favorable to modular building projects, but not all are. Some jurisdictions insist on rigid procedures for building permits, such as requiring local inspectors to perform a detailed review of all electrical and plumbing work before the module is sealed or finished. In such a case, your team may save more time using stick-built or prefab (e.g., walls and connections are completed on site) techniques.
Pros and Cons of Stick-Built Construction
Modular construction hasn’t completely replaced conventional building methods. In some scenarios, stick-built construction is the right choice.
Greater Customization (Pro)
Modern modular buildings allow for significant style flexibility, but the shape of individual modules can only change so much. One of the biggest advantages of stick-built vs. modular construction is that there’s practically no limit to the design flexibility architects have. Spaces can have massive open areas and complex layouts.
This difference between modular and stick-built is similar to purchasing a high-quality suit from a fine clothing store versus hiring an expert tailor to craft the garment from scratch. Both provide excellent results, but the level of design freedom (and the cost) is much higher.
Gradual Capital Requirements (Pro)
Traditional commercial construction projects are often completed in tiers. Many contractors structure the work so that payment is tied to phased delivery dates. This approach provides a fresh infusion of capital at multiple points of the project, reducing the need for outside funding. For small- and mid-size construction businesses, having plenty of working capital available can be essential.
In comparison, modular building projects tend to have front-loaded costs. Of course, reduced on-site construction means lower labor costs and materials, but companies with tight operating margins may need to find a manufacturer that offers financing.
High Labor Costs (Con)
As labor costs increase, so does the required development budget. In some metropolitan areas, the prohibitive cost of hiring contractors has made developers hold back from potentially lucrative projects. Modular building manufacturers also employ professionals, but team sizes are smaller.
Modular or Stick-Built Construction: Which Should You Choose?
Modular projects allow for rapid completion, letting developers fill units and start generating returns quickly. Stick-built construction provides greater customization and control. Whether modular or stick-built construction fits your current needs best, partnering with experienced professionals is always the right choice. At Roxbox, we provide complete modular construction services, coordinating design, engineering, building, logistics, and installation as needed. Request a quote today.