Modern methods of construction (MMC) is a term that means a number of things including embracing a new methodology of construction in comparison to the traditional methods. MMC methods today are currently being earmarked and used today for the construction of homes as a new process which means homes can be built offsite and brought to the building site to be constructed together. This new method has many benefits which currently positions MMC at the forefront to resolving a few issues which currently exist within the construction industry. Due to the pandemic, the construction industry was hugely affected in many ways including:
- Delay in completing current projects
- Falling behind on housing targets
- Compounding the housing shortage in the UK
- With working from home policies now active across most companies, office construction projects have decreased or stalled.
As there’s a delay in construction of homes, it means an element of catching up is required. Think about it – there are hundreds if not thousands of projects delayed, so project catch up is required to also fulfil current and new tenders for projects. This is where MMC could come in. It has many benefits which can ease the pressures of catching up for example:
- MMC has a faster build time then traditional construction methods
- The costs associated with MMC are significantly less than traditional construction
- Limited wastage in materials when building.
With MMC having a faster build time then traditional methods and being more cost effective, construction companies are looking at MMC to potentially be the answer on a lot of projects. MMC could help catch up on lost time as well as help create efficiencies in the revenue.
What other factors are helping to drive an uptake of MMC?
Modernisation
When MMC first came around as a solution, it needed work in terms of improving and modernising for more trust to be put into it. For example, banks wouldn’t offer a mortgage on a construction so new. However, with time and development MMC is now at a junction whereby it’s modernised for construction firms and businesses alike to consider it as a viable option. Once where there were barriers these barriers have been answered and removed to let the new innovative method move forward.
Improved Efficiency
MMC’s development over the years has been slow and manufacturing has a large part to do with it. Traditional UK construction has very much always relied on UK based businesses, however with MMC once new to the industry manufacturing took place abroad, added more complexities to its adoption. Since 2020 the UK now holds Europe’s largest MMC manufacturing plant. What this means is that the efficiencies constructions firms couldn’t find before are now available. Efficiencies in speed, delivery, costs, build and many more areas have been improved since the UK has adopted and moved towards MMC.
Improved skills
One of the main barriers to MMC being adopted once upon a time was the lack of specialists that were available via the market. Construction firms were unwilling to offer it via a solution as well as businesses were unwilling to accept it across their project. However, this area over time has been improved with more specialists around more than ever. Henry Riley a construction and property consultancy is a prime example. They now provide the market with modern methods of construction (MMC) consultancy services to help support across those projects needing a certain specific expertise.
Reduced Capital
One of the perks associated with MMC is it’s reduced costs and with the added challenge of catching up on yearly projections, reduced capital works very well for a lot of stakeholders. MMC projects require far less monetary resources then traditional construction, so this innovative method is giving construction a solution to finding efficiencies so all stakeholders can benefit.
Modern methods of construction have had so many barriers removed over the years and it’s almost the challenges that now occur that position it extremely well to be an answer to a lot of the issues the construction industry faces. It’s likely we’ll be seeing a lot more of it over the years to comes especially across housing projects all throughout the UK. It’s showing to be answer to a lot of challenges and with the expertise available MMC will continue to push on and be more prominent across the construction industry.