The myth of overnight success is a persistent one. For example, we have all heard a song on the radio (or streamed online) by a group that we have never heard of before, and the first time we do hear of them, it’s with a #1 recording. Everyone says “Wow! From nowhere to #1—an overnight success.”
But the real story is always very different from the myth. In the music world, it takes years of playing in churches, bars and clubs to finally work your way to prime time.
The reality is the same with offsite construction. I have actually talked to many construction professionals that have just recently heard of modular construction for the first time. Sure, they know about components like roof trusses and floor trusses, but that’s the extent of it. They weren’t aware that full volumetric construction existed.
The reality, of course, is that it’s been around for many years. If we really want a history lesson, we can go back to Henry Manning’s Portable Cottage, which he built in England and exported to Australia in 1837. Or the offsite construction machine of National Homes of Lafayette, Indiana in the 1950s. These are just two of many examples.
But despite this long history, offsite construction has always seemed condemned to its version of churches, bars and clubs. That is, until now.
In 2023, modular construction is poised to be the year’s “overnight” building industry success. Many people have asked me why I think this is modular’s moment. Why do I believe that modular is finally ready to take its place as a leading method of construction? Why is this time different?
Well, there are many things that make this the perfect storm: the broken supply chain, the price volatility of materials and the relentless construction labor shortage.
Of course, these things didn’t start in the past year. I do a number of presentations on modular and other offsite construction methods in various venues at the International Builders’ Show (IBS) each year. In 2019, every room was full. In 2020, almost every room was standing-room only.
In 2021, COVID canceled the show. But at the same time, it also helped propel offsite further to the forefront.
At the 2022 IBS, the murmur around the entire show was about offsite and modular construction. The Building Systems Councils’ Lounge was packed with builders and developers hungry to learn about these methods.
The NAHB had seven offsite or modular-related speaking sessions in 2020. In 2022, they had 39. Offsite is no longer the red-headed stepchild of the construction industry; instead, it’s being viewed as the way forward.
The 2023 International Builders’ Show promises to go even further. While the economic headwinds have many concerned, this time it seems that those economic concerns may further drive interest in, and adoption of, offsite construction. The stage is set, and builders and developers are ready to learn. Personally, I will be at the show presenting in multiple education sessions and moderating several roundtables. Impresa Building Systems will be presenting our home, The Carolina Cottage, at the Pro Builder Show Village. And my team will be in the nextBUILD section of the show hall under a big sign – Modular Spoken Here!
This year’s International Builders’ Show promises to be modular’s moment to finally take its place on the big stage!
