Five Pieces of Advice That Don’t Fit the Offsite Construction Industry Anymore

By Gary Fleisher, The Modcoach

The offsite construction industry is evolving fast—faster than many of us expected. What worked five years ago isn’t always the best playbook today. I've seen many owners and factory leaders operate off advice that used to be golden, but now might be holding them back. If we want to stay ahead, it’s time to revisit and rethink some of the long-standing “truths” we’ve all lived by.

Here are five pieces of advice that were once solid—but might need a fresh look in 2025.

“Stick to One Market Segment—It’s Safer.”

Focusing on single-family homes or one type of structure used to be a smart move. It kept things simple on the production line, trained your team fast, and made forecasting easier.

But today’s market isn’t waiting around. ADUs, workforce housing, disaster relief units, and multifamily builds are all growing fast. If your factory can’t pivot or diversify, you’re missing opportunity—and exposing yourself to downturns in one narrow segment.

“Wait for New Tech to Be Proven Before You Invest.”

Conventional wisdom said to wait until others had tested and validated new tools—why be the guinea pig?

But today, delay is risk. If you're not integrating BIM, AI-driven scheduling, or automation to improve workflow and reduce waste, you’re falling behind. The “wait-and-see” crowd is getting outpaced by those who adopt early and iterate faster. Tech is no longer a luxury—it’s becoming the cost of staying relevant.

“Offsite Construction Sells Itself.”

There was a time when being faster, cleaner, and more efficient was enough to close deals. Those days are gone.

Buyers now want specifics: How much will this save me? How does your process actually work? Can you deliver on time? The sales pitch needs to evolve—from slogans to substance. Transparent pricing, sharp project timelines, and clear communication are now non-negotiables.

“Labor Is Always Cheaper Than Automation.”

This used to be true—until it wasn’t. With today’s labor shortages, high turnover, and growing demand for skilled workers, relying on manual labor alone is a gamble.

Automation doesn’t have to mean replacing workers—it can mean empowering them. Cobots (collaborative robots), AI scheduling, and even basic material-handling automation can reduce injuries, increase output, and make your team more efficient. The ROI is now measurable—and often quicker than you think.

“Developers Will Wait for You.”

Not anymore. With more modular and panelized factories coming online—including pop-up factories and mobile micro plants—developers have options.

You have to be responsive, flexible, and consistent. If you can't deliver on time and on budget, someone else will.

The offsite construction industry is rewriting its rulebook in real time. The smartest players aren’t just sticking to what worked—they’re adapting to what’s working now. Maybe it’s time to re-evaluate the advice you’re following.

If you're rethinking your strategy and want to talk more about where this industry is headed, let’s connect.

#offsite #construction #myths Andy Miller Bill Murray Heather Wallace Daniel Small Ben Hershey Yudhisthir Gauli Merrick Macomber Tyler Campbell Frank Canonaco Stan Newman