Hindrances to the uptake of offsite construction

Pre-manufactured and offsite construction are examples of Modern Methods of Construction identified as having the potential to transform the industry. However, unlike the automobile industry, the global construction industry has not been able to fully exploit and harness the many benefits associated with the use of pre-manufacture and offsite strategies. In nearly all sectors of the global construction industry, far too much construction takes place on construction sites. Several factors hinder the breakthrough required to increase the uptake of offsite construction approaches to levels that significantly impact the industry’s performance and outputs. Following a review of extant literature, the most significant constraints that hinder the uptake and increased use of offsite construction strategies are identified. Some of the impacts of these constraints on the industry’s growth and development are explored as well as identifying areas for further study. This paper is based on a review of literature only and represents the first stage of a study into the low uptake of offsite construction approaches. Detailed strategies for addressing the constraints are not addressed in this paper. This will be the focus of the next stage in the broader research.