Factors Driving the Adoption of Modular Building Practices in the Construction Industry

The construction industry is transforming toward innovative and sustainable building methods, with modular building emerging as a viable alternative to conventional techniques. Modular building practices (MBPs) are regarded as an efficient and sustainable alternative driven by the need to reduce costs, minimise material waste, improve project timelines, and meet technological and environmental demands in the construction industry. This study, therefore, explores the key factors promoting the adoption of MBPs within the construction space. Using a quantitative research design, data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to registered and practising construction professionals, including architects, engineers, project managers, and quantity surveyors across various construction firms in South Africa. The instrument’s reliability was confirmed with a high Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.974, indicating excellent internal consistency. Findings reveal that education and training, increased funding for research and development, tax imposition on traditional building components, introducing relevant support policies and legislations, and awareness creation among the stakeholders are key drivers of MBPs. The findings underscore the importance of aligning industry practices with policy incentives, investing in workforce upskilling, and enhancing stakeholder engagement to accelerate the transition toward modular construction. The study contributes to both the academic literature and industry knowledge by providing empirical evidence on the multidimensional factors promoting modular practices. Implementation of supportive regulations and incentives that promote sustainability, streamlined approval processes, and innovation is highly recommended.