Why the Healthcare Industry is Embracing Modular Construction
When it comes to building projects, the healthcare industry is looking for ways to shorten construction timelines and reduce costs, while at the same time obtain a high-quality medical building. Now more than ever, hospital and healthcare owners are looking to modular construction for their expansion needs. Although modular construction was seldom used in healthcare a decade ago, it’s now utilized 49% of the time.
But how does modular construction meet the needs of healthcare, when compared to traditional construction methods? Here we break down the benefits of modular construction and how it is reshaping the healthcare world around us.
Who in Healthcare Uses Modular Construction?
The healthcare industry is a broad sector. There are hospitals for people, clinics for pets, testing centers, cancer treatment facilities, and more. But the one thing that all healthcare clinics have in common is they need a clean, high-quality, cost-effective building to facilitate their daily operations.
Here are some examples of healthcare providers who trust modular construction:
- General Surgeons
- Emergency Hospitals
- Dialysis and Chemotherapy Clinics
- Medical Research Labs
- Outpatient Clinics
- Pharmaceuticals
- Dental Offices
- Veterinary Clinics
- Rehabilitation Clinics
- Disaster Relief Organizations
- Testing Centers
- And more
Modular healthcare buildings can be used in many instances, and there is virtually no limit to what modular construction can do. Each prefabricated facility can be designed to meet the individual needs of the healthcare client.
Some examples of customization include:
- Waiting rooms and reception areas
- Exam rooms
- Surgical rooms
- Private offices
- Emergency rooms
- Laboratories
- Radiology rooms
- Dispatch Offices
- Intensive care units
- Delivery rooms
- Maternity wards
- Pharmacies
- Break Rooms
- Bathrooms
- Cafeterias
- Kennels and boarding rooms (veterinary medicine)
Advantages of Modular Construction for Healthcare
Besides the off-site construction and fast time-to-occupancy, there are several reasons why healthcare providers prefer modular construction.
Clean Construction
When you think of a hospital, you probably picture a clean and sanitary environment. A place where patients and guests can come to heal and rest. What you probably don’t picture is a loud, noisy construction site. This is one of the many reasons why the healthcare industry is turning to modular construction for space expansion to their facilities. Because the modules are built in a manufacturing facility, most of the construction is completed off-site. This means less disturbance at your medical facility, and more time focused on your patients.
Easy Expansion
Whether you need to add medical space to an existing facility or are looking to expand in a new market- modular construction makes it easy. Temporary modular buildings can be used as standalone clinics at remote sites. Examples include truck stops, school campuses, retirement homes, or even natural disaster locations. These buildings can be used for short-term purposes or kept for long periods of time, depending on the need of the client.
Modular healthcare buildings can also be constructed for permanent needs. They can be custom designed to match the aesthetics of an existing clinic and paired seamlessly with the structure. Once completed, you cannot tell the difference of a permanent modular building and a traditional one.
Flexible for Reuse
Modular healthcare buildings can be repurposed for different needs, making them a recyclable option. They can be easily disassembled and relocated for new use, at any time. This not only offers flexibility to the healthcare provider, but also cuts back on costs for raw materials and new building construction. In fact, modular buildings generate up to 90% less waste and require 60% less energy to build than traditional construction methods.
Leasing and Financing Options
Healthcare providers are always looking for ways to cut back on expenses, and construction is no exception. With rising costs in raw materials and labor shortages- modular construction has become more desirable than ever before. Unlike the cost of constructing a building from the ground up, modular construction allows for a variety of payment options. This includes leasing a building until it is returned to the dealer, or financing the building until it is paid off. Both options allow healthcare providers to pay an affordable, monthly payment, reducing the capital needed upfront like traditional construction methods.
Modular Construction as the Future of Healthcare
According to construction experts, the growing trend of modular healthcare construction has just begun. A growing number of healthcare providers realize that prefab and modular aren’t just design concepts. They are solutions that can help control how they deliver premium healthcare services for the future.
“The shift to off-site construction is providing new solutions to modern healthcare facility challenges, not only making spaces more adaptable but helping providers better predict costs and reduce risk.”
There are many more reasons to consider a modular building for your medical facility. If you would like more information on floor plans or design options, request a quote today. Or consider contacting one of our modular healthcare professionals. Our incredible team is here to assist you with your medical space needs.
Ready to solve your space needs?
Modular buildings are the way to go. Request a quote or contact us today to get the conversation started. We’d love to talk to you about how modular can meet — and exceed — your needs.
