The Pitfalls of Hiring “New to Modular” Consultants in the Offsite Construction Industry

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In offsite and modular construction, the demand for expertise is surging. As companies strive to innovate and streamline their operations, the allure of bringing in outside consultants to guide complex projects and operational challenges becomes increasingly attractive. However, this trend has also paved the way for many “new to modular” consultants whose lack of genuine industry experience can, unfortunately, hinder rather than help.

Here’s a look at how these consultants might be failing the industry and how your offsite construction company can identify true experts who can contribute to your success.

The Drawbacks of Inexperienced Consultants

Lack of Industry-Specific Knowledge: Modular construction isn’t just another building method; it’s a fundamentally different approach that merges construction with manufacturing principles. Consultants new to this field often underestimate the nuances, leading to misguidance in critical areas such as design for manufacturability, supply chain logistics, and factory layout.

Misalignment With Industry Standards: Offsite construction relies on precise standards and regulations that may differ significantly from traditional construction. New consultants might not be fully aware of these standards, which can result in non-compliance risks and costly project delays.

Overpromising and Underdelivering: With the promise of revolutionizing construction processes, some new consultants may overpromise capabilities without having the actual means or knowledge to deliver, leading to unmet expectations and wasted resources.

Puffed-Up Resumes: Before spending thousands of dollars on a new consultant, take a close look at their resume. Do you think they would ever put their failures on it? Are there unexplained gaps between clients? Look at when they started as a consultant. These consultants will not provide much in the way of solid information as they are simply adding to their OJL (on-the-job learning).

Finding the Right Consultant for Your Offsite Construction Company

To navigate these challenges and truly benefit from consulting expertise, it’s crucial to identify consultants who are genuinely skilled and experienced in modular construction. Here are some strategies to help you find the right help:

Vet for Relevant Experience: Look for consultants who have proven track records in the offsite construction industry. Check their previous projects, ask for case studies, and speak to past clients. Experience in addressing the specific challenges of modular construction is invaluable.

Evaluate Their Understanding of the Manufacturing Process: Since modular construction is closely tied to manufacturing, the right consultant should have a deep understanding of manufacturing processes as well as construction. This dual expertise is crucial for effective guidance.

Assess Their Technical and Regulatory Knowledge: Ensure that the consultant is up-to-date with the latest industry standards, building codes, and regulations. Their ability to navigate these can be the difference between a project’s success and failure.

Seek Out Thought Leaders: Engage with consultants who are recognized thought leaders in the offsite construction space. These professionals are often involved in industry panels, publish insightful articles, and stay active in relevant associations.

Request a Trial Project or Consultation: Before fully committing, consider engaging a consultant on a small trial project. This can provide a firsthand look at their working style, expertise, and ability to deliver on promises.

Check Compatibility with Your Company’s Culture: The right consultant should not only have the expertise but also be able to integrate well with your team. Cultural fit is important for effective collaboration and long-term relationships.

It Ain’t Easy

The rise of modular construction is an exciting development, but navigating this complex field requires true expertise. While many consultants may claim to have the necessary knowledge, it is crucial for the health of your project and company to thoroughly vet these claims. By following the above guidelines, you can ensure that you partner with a consultant who will add real value to your offsite construction efforts, steering your projects toward efficiency, compliance, and innovation. Remember, in a specialized industry like modular construction, true expertise is worth the investment.