Rahul Agarwal, Founder & CEO, Avani Infratech, RASA Group, sees a growing acceptance of prefabricated and modular construction by real estate developers.
Do you see Modular / Prefab Construction becoming more accepted by real estate developers in the near future?
Yes, modular and prefab construction is likely to see wider acceptance in the near future because developers are under growing pressure to deliver projects faster, with tighter cost control and better-quality consistency. Factory built components reduce on site construction time and material waste, while improving precision and safety.As urban land becomes more expensive and project timelines become more critical, developers are exploring methods that shorten build cycles without compromising structural performance. Acceptance will grow steadily as more successful projects demonstrate durability, efficiency, and buyer satisfaction.
What are the constraints that developers face in this construction methodology?
Developers face several practical constraints when adopting prefab construction. Transporting large modules requires careful logistics planning and regulatory permissions. Design must be frozen early, which reduces flexibility for late changes. In many regions, approval systems and local authorities are still more aligned with conventional construction methods, which can slow clearances.The vendor ecosystem is also uneven, and not all suppliers can deliver consistent factory quality at scale. Financing and valuation frameworks sometimes remain conservative toward prefab assets, and buyer perception can still be cautious due to outdated associations with temporary structures.
Acceptance of prefab construction will grow once more projects demonstrate durability, efficiency, and design flexibility.
Rahul Agarwal
Does Prefab allow flexibility in the design and construction of buildings, including their facades?
Prefab does allow meaningful design flexibility, including facade treatment, but it requires more detailed planning at the beginning of the project. Structural modules often follow a defined grid, yet internal layouts, exterior finishes, facade panels, shading systems, and cladding options can still be customized. In fact, facade systems are particularly well suited to off-site manufacturing because they benefit from controlled production conditions. The main limitation is that design changes become more difficult once manufacturing begins, so decision discipline is essential.How can the mindset of both the developer and the end-user be changed from Conventional to Prefab construction?
Mindset change will come through evidence and experience rather than promotion alone. Developers and end-users gain confidence when they can see completed buildings, verified performance data, and certified engineering standards. Demonstration projects, hybrid construction models that combine prefab and conventional methods, and transparent lifecycle cost comparisons can help shift perception.Clear documentation, quality certifications, and long-term durability records also play an important role. When prefab is presented as a precision driven and sustainability aligned construction approach, rather than a shortcut, acceptance improves across both investor and buyer groups.
