Most people I talk to about offsite or modular construction think it is a relatively new way to build things, but it has been around for centuries.
Entire modular houses were shipped from the East Coast to California for the 1849 Gold Rush, years before the Civil War.
For something that’s been around for more than two centuries, you would think everyone would know by now that prefabricated structures like modular and panelized are a better way to build something than building it stick by stick on the job site in rain, snow, and baking sun but no, many people think prefabricated structures aren’t as good as site-built.
I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that new home buyers and even developers don’t know that offsite is one of the oldest building methods. After watching a couple of YouTube videos where young people are asked basic questions like “what is the capitol of the US” or “how many stars are in our flag”, with many not knowing the answers, it just confirms we really don’t know the fundamentals.
Yes, little Bobby and Jane, we don’t build every house on the job site in the rain and snow. Some are actually being built in factories. Who knew?
Gary Fleisher is the Editor in Chief of Modular Home Source and Offsite Builder.
Gary Fleisher, Editor in Chief of Offsite Construction Magazine
To learn more about the Offsite Construction Industry, sign up for your free monthly issue of Offsite Builder, the Construction Magazine for Builders and Developers
