COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN CUSTOMER AND DEVELOPER ACCEPTANCE OF MODULAR CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM

Abstract

There are several advantages of a modular construction system that both developers and customers of housing estates can benefit from. However, such a system has not yet been as well adopted as it should be to suit Thailand’s housing industry. This research surveyed and analyzed opinions regarding the acceptance of a modular construction system from a questionnaire survey of 100 potential customers. The acquired data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-squared analysis. The results from the questionnaire survey were then compared with the real estate developers’ opinions from a former research study, and conclusions could be drawn. The results showed that the customers give precedence to three key factors, e.g., construction duration, on-time delivery and price of residence. In addition, customers who pay higher prices for their houses are more concerned about the developers having a good reputation. However, if the developers cannot control the construction cost and it becomes too high, such a situation will lead to a higher selling price compared to conventionally constructed houses. The process of modular construction is also faster than the required house delivery rate. These troubles seem to prevent developers from adopting a modular construction system into their projects. This research’s findings highlight the obstacles and limitations to developers, as well as providing information needed for seizing the advantages of such a system in countries with labor-intensive construction industries, like Thailand.