The time for modern methods of construction (or MMC) to flourish and be the future of the construction industry has arrived as we find ourselves with more freedom after lockdowns from the covid pandemic.
The construction industry accounts for 7% of the UK’s overall GDP, which is a huge figure, in terms of employment and businesses this industry alone involves. The pandemic has thrust MMC forward as the answer to a lot of the issues the construction is currently experiencing. Currently, MMC is being considered more and more as it’s helping us to continue construction in a world where considerations are needing to be made in the wake of the pandemic.
Why is now the time for Modern Methods of Construction?
Modern Methods of Construction was first coined in the UK in 2005 and was branded as a solution to the housing crisis. It was meant to make building homes easier, quicker, cheaper and had many more benefits. However, these benefits couldn’t be realised with MMC still in its infancy. Although it could be advised, discussed and recommended, the adoption was really slow because it was new. As a result of the pandemic and with lockdowns a regular occurrence, it means that yearly projections were affected such as:
- Delay in projects completing
- Delay in housing projects starting
- Behind in housing builds as forecasted
- Business numbers such as revenue and more being impacted
With the benefits MMC is meant to deliver, it means the construction industry potentially has an answer to these issues.
What are the benefits of Method Methods of Construction?
The modern methods of construction have many benefits to improving upon traditional construction practices and these include:
Speed
MMC can be delivered in as much as half the time it takes to complete traditional construction. On a varying scale MMC can save up to 10-50%. This allows for projects being completed much quicker meaning housing projections can still be delivered upon if MMC is approved.
Safety
As MMC is manufactured off-site at reduced levels of height and has a defined process, risk is vastly reduced. In addition to this it can allow for social distancing with most of the manufacturing happening off site, making it safer for workers.
Sustainability
With processes and materials across MMC being developed and improved, it now offers improved sustainability in comparison to traditional construction. There’s let wastage and fewer transport solutions needed.
Reduces Disruption
MMC methods require manufacturing to take place off site which means less time is required on site. This means that the area surrounding the project is less affected whilst construction takes place.
The continued adoption
Post covid, modern methods of construction is primed and ready to be the answer to a lot of problems. Companies such as Henry Riley who are construction and property consultants provide modern methods of construction services to help deliver the much needed expertise across the industry. With such expertise now available it means the new innovation construction approach can thrive and there are the professionals and experts available to ensure the increase in MMC projects are well accommodated for.