THE FEATURE
Are modular homes a solution to the housing crisis? | Image supplied by NSW Government
Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) - think prefab, modular, and factory-built components - are finally hitting mainstream in Australia. The prefab market is expected to grow from $10.78 billion to $13.71 billion by 2030, but what does this actually mean for tradies on the tools?
Well, for one, it might mean less time getting rained on. QBuild's MMC program focuses on building more, better quality homes in less time, with much of the work happening in climate-controlled factories. This means more predictable schedules, less weather delays, and potentially safer working conditions. But going to work in a factory every day? That might not be for everyone.
The skills that are needed are changing, too. Prefab construction decreases construction timeframes and waste while increasing quality and productivity, but it requires more precision assembly work and understanding of modular systems. Think less rough framing, more technical fitting and integration.
The good news? Programs like Homes NSW’s MMC initiative are already generating fresh opportunities. Instead of replacing tradies, these methods demand newly skilled and re-skilled workers who can adapt to factory work life as well as high-precision on-site assembly. Far from taking jobs away, MMC is creating an entirely new wave of them.
So what’s your thoughts? does MMC look like the future of tradie work or just another passing trend? Leave a comment and let us know, we read every response.
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