Off-site construction, or prefabrication, has increased in practice, and at different levels, from prefabricated elements, to modular rooms. The National Institute of Building Sciences Off-Site Construction Council (OSCC) conducted a survey in 2018 to gain an understanding of how the U.S. construction sector is using off-site construction techniques and technologies, and how it’s changed since its previous survey conducted in 2014.

Some key findings from the study include the following:

  • Most respondents (87.62%) indicated they had utilized off-site fabricated components to some degree over the past 12 months, while 81.63% expected to utilize off-site construction more often or the same amount in the next 12 months.
  • Respondents indicated that although off-site construction requires moderately or significantly higher levels of engagement, the increased integration and collaboration throughout the delivery process can result in higher quality and reduced changes throughout construction.
  • The survey also pinpointed that the construction manager or general contractor is the one most often to implement off-site construction.
  • The survey indicates that additional education is needed for current decision makers and owners, who have the potential to demand the use of off-site construction.

 

Learn more and download the full report from the National Institute of Building Sciences: