Why Modular?...better, faster & cheaper

The terms modular and prefab have been buzz words within the national and international design communities for years. Countries around the world, including Sweden, Canada, England, and Japan all use modular production as major home-building techniques. Our job at GreenFab is to educate and inspire the public and community, living in the Seattle area, on the benefits of building with this unique process.

What is modular?
Modular means that the building construction takes place in an off-site factory before being assembled onsite in pieces or modules. Each module of the building is built to site-built codes in a highly controlled environment. Site-built components, including deconstruction of existing structures, site-preparation, and foundations, are completed and approved using a standard inspection process. In general, this modular process results in higher quality homes, built faster, and for less money than traditional “stick-built” (site-built) homes.

The Modular Advantage

Shortened Construction Timeframe
As existing buildings are being deconstructed and foundations are being poured, building modules are being constructed off-site. This parallel development reduces the overall construction time by up to 30%.

Money Saved
Parallel development also reduces labor charges through construction efficiencies and the term required for expensive construction loans. Reduced costs will also be achieved through: lower insurance costs, lower administration costs, and volume discounts on materials.

Increased Quality
Modular construction results in higher quality homes. This is achieved through assembly line construction that leads to higher quality craftsmanship. In addition, all homes are built to the same local UBC/IBC codes as site-built homes.

Increased Health
Materials are stored indoors in a controlled environment eliminating the risk of mold, mildew, rust, and sun damage. Normal “site-built”methods are always at risk from these threats

Sustainability
Modular fabrication is a more environmentally efficient way to build. Factory construction allows for precise cuttingand use of materials, resulting in 50%-75% less waste as compared to site-build construction. That means that fewer materials end up in land fills. Modular building also lessens the carbon emissions that result from transporting different materials to a construction site.