//What Are the Quickest Methods of Housebuilding Today?

Delivering housing developments at speed has become a defining priority across the construction industry due to the Government’s ambitious target. With many housebuilders warning that the target of building 1.5 million homes in England by the end of the decade is too optimistic, its left many wondering, when demand returns, what the quickest methods of housebuilding are.

Of course, it’s not just speed that needs to be considered; it’s predictability and quality, so we’ve taken a look at the pros and cons of different housebuilding methods, to determine which is the best choice.

//Factors That Influence Housebuilding Timelines

There are many different variables that dictate how quickly a house can be completed, which ultimately affect which method is the best for tight deadlines.

• Weather Conditions: Wet, cold and windy weather can restrict certain construction methods until they are weathertight, so it’s important to choose a method that can work in all conditions.
• Availability: The availability of materials and supply chain consistency can also impact lead times and project sequencing.
• Labour Resources: With skill shortages in specialist trades, resources must be considered when deciding building methods for your project.
• Site Preparation: Groundworks can determine the housebuilding timeline because, if the development starts off slow, it may continue on the trajectory.

//The Quickest Methods of Housebuilding

Timber Frame Construction

Timber frame construction is widely recognised as one of the quickest methods of housebuilding today. This is mainly due to offsite manufacturing where components are precision-engineered in an offsite facility which reduces assembly time once delivered onsite. The benefit of factory manufacturing is not just about speed either; offsite manufacturing ensures your projects are accurate and predictable by reducing onsite adjustments and sequencing uncertainty.

As a material, timber is also lightweight which means it allows for rapid handling and faster, sequenced craning operations while maintaining a safe method of build. One of the key benefits of timber frame construction though is often overlooked.

As mentioned above, weather conditions have an impact on housebuilding timelines, with follow-on trades hampered and delayed until the shell is watertight. By providing factory built components, builds are watertight quicker and, importantly, more predictably, meaning that follow-on trades can work to a quicker schedule and builds are completed to schedule. 

Finally, compared to other housebuilding methods, there’s less drying time or waiting for components before moving onto the next steps in development, showing why timber frame is the build method of choice for many housebuilders.

Modular Construction

Modular construction is where buildings are produced in “modules” offsite that are then craned and put together onsite. Using various materials such as wood, concrete and steel, and designed to the same building regulations and requirements, these builds are constructed very quickly.

One of the big drawbacks for modular construction is that there is less flexibility in design, with repeated modules required to optimise design and manufacturing efficiency. This can cause issues from a planning point of view, as can the requirements for large cranes and transport due to module size.

Like panelised timber frame construction, this housebuilding method can occur simultaneously to the site, groundworks and enabling work, so this saves a significant amount of time. Also, because this method is undertaken within a controlled environment, materials aren’t exposed to weather conditions so there is less risk of wind and rain damage. The higher upfront cost can be another drawback of this method though which may be prohibitive for some projects.

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs)

Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) are panels that consist of an insulating foam in between two structural facings. Also manufactured under factory-controlled conditions, these panels can be used for walls, floors and roofs.

Again, offsite construction results in a weathertight structure and accurate design, so this method can be assembled quickly and there is a predictable build schedule. This means less time and resources being used onsite, so projects will save money as well as time.

Due to their unique construction, one of the issues with SIPs is that they require specialist installers which reduces contractor flexibility. Design changes during construction can be challenging and panels can be expensive too, especially needing specialist installation.

//Fast Onsite Construction Methods

Masonry Construction

Masonry construction refers to bricks, stones or concrete blocks being laid and bound together with mortar. Although there are time-saving options, such as joint blockwork and fast-setting mortars, there are setbacks – particularly the impact from the elements due to the delay in getting watertight.

Adverse weather conditions, such as cold or wet weather, can severely delay site programmes so construction needs to be protected. Materials need to be stored onsite and kept covered from the rain and moisture before they are used in construction.

Precast Concrete Systems

Precast concrete systems are concrete elements that are manufactured offsite in volume and transported to the development site ready for construction. From walls to beams, floors to stairs, these systems are produced in a factory-controlled environment which reduces cure times and can be completed simultaneously alongside on-site work.

Being made in volume and as such a heavy material, precast concrete systems require specialised equipment for transportation and installation. This could result in additional costs, delays with equipment and other logistical challenges, meaning they are often used for higher rise buildings.