Top Five Considerations for the Development and Site Planning of Modular Construction Projects

While most development sites can be constructed using modular construction, achieving the cost and time efficiencies that a modular construction development can bring begins with identifying sites that have specific criteria. It is important to plan to address various site parameters and constraints of modular design and construction and include them in the project management schedule and tasks, as well as in the project cost assumptions in the development pro forma. Let’s look at the five consideration you need to make in the development and site planning phase of a modular construction project.

1. Access. Sites with access to major transportation networks increase the ability for module deliveries without significant traffic disruption and transportation logistical challenges. Sites with good transportation access help ensure the flow of the modules to the site based on a projected delivery schedule.

2. Site Height and Width. Sites with the capacity to have a crane on-site to set modules reduces the need for coordination with the department of transportation to occupy on-street area during the module delivery and set period. It is important to check for utility and electric lines that may hinder crane activity. Otherwise, measures for relocating the lines may be necessary before modular units can be delivered and/or set.

3. Storage. As units are delivered from the modular fabricator, development sites with a nearby location to store modular units for delivery to the site each day is optimal. Units can be stored off-site then delivered to the site each day for staging and setting. A storage location may need to be leased for the duration of the staging and setting period. The general contractor will include this cost in their total fee.

4. Staging. Sites with adjacent vacant land provide an opportunity to stage modular units that will be set each day, or a few days in advance, to ensure the flow for setting the modular units according to schedule.

5. Setting. Modules are usually delivered in increments of 10-12 per day, and approximately 8-10 are set each day. For example, 24 days of module set time is standard for a typical urban and suburban site. By contrast, for a site-built project, construction schedules for this level of completely dry-walled units would be anywhere between 6 and 8 months.

Now that you know the keys to development and site planning for a modular construction project, contact us today and find out why Z Modular is The Only Way to Build^®

Source:

Modular Construction – Multifamily residential development Type III and Type V Construction, Mercy Homes, pages 5-6