Insights into the New Zealand prefabrication industry

Abstract

Prefabricated building methods have recently undergone profound development and have been effectively used in easing housing shortages globally. However, prefabrication is a relatively new concept for New Zealand and is surrounded with significant uncertainty around its potential in the construction industry. The purpose of this research is to gain a deeper insight into the realities of using prefabricated construction methods, analyse the government initiatives and regulatory framework to facilitate prefabrication, and discuss the benefits and client preferences. The study employed a survey research approach focusing on prominent prefabrication residential building companies across New Zealand. Questionnaires, followed by face-to-face interviews with industry professionals were the major methods of empirical data collection. The findings revealed that prefabricated construction is a viable option to supply mass affordable homes to the New Zealand residential housing market. The research also highlighted many benefits of using prefabrication over conventional building methods including better quality homes through controlled building methods and use of superior materials, and most importantly the associated time savings during construction. The study concludes that the growth of the prefabrication industry is impacted by negative stigmas still prevalent amongst New Zealand consumers.