Modular off-site construction methods hold potential to solve the UK's crippling housing shortage, according to a report by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IME). 

The report, entitled "The UK House Building: Manufacturing Affordable Quality Homes" is urging the Government to provide greater incentives for the offsite construction of homes. Lead Author of the report and Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Dr Tim Fox said "The UK is in the middle of an acute housing crisis. 

Current annual construction levels are typically less than half of the estimated 250,000 new homes this country needs built every year through to at least the 2030s. The Government needs to demonstrate real ambition, leadership and innovation, not make small piecemeal changes, if it is going to solve the UK's housing crisis. Overhauling the way the UK constructs homes could be the quickest and most effective way of doing this." 

Off-site construction technologies have advanced greatly in recent years and can offer shorter build times, better quality, better energy efficiency, less waste, and lower costs for buyers. 

 While timeframes are project dependent, most estimates are that off-site-built homes can be produced in about half the time of traditional construction as the house itself can be built in the factory while foundations are being laid on site. Developers also cite the reduced requirement for scarce skilled labour, fewer construction accidents and more consistent quality of build compared to traditional construction. So is now the time for off-site construction to hit the mainstream?

Source – Explore Offsite Housing