Why modular buildings meet the highest quality standards

Modulair Bouwen - Oude Pekela

Modular building is no longer just a practical or temporary solution. In 2025, it is recognized as a fully-fledged, future-proof alternative to traditional building methods. Yet, misconceptions persist that modular buildings are less sustainable or of lower quality. The reality is quite the opposite: modular buildings often exceed the highest quality standards. How is that possible? The secret lies in the controlled factory environment, strict quality checks, and innovative building techniques.

Controlled production in the factory

One of the biggest differences between traditional and modular building is the production location. While traditional building largely takes place on-site, modular buildings are mainly produced in a factory. This offers key advantages:
 
  • Accuracy and precision
    Machines and skilled professionals work in a stable, controlled environment, ensuring millimeter precision that is hard to achieve on a construction site. This significantly reduces the chance of errors.
  • No impact from weather conditions
    Rain, frost, or extreme heat: in the factory, weather plays no role. This prevents delays and ensures materials are not damaged during construction.
  • Consistent quality
    Since each module is built under the same standardized processes, the quality of every component is consistent. This results in a more reliable outcome compared to traditional construction, where conditions vary daily and across teams.

Strict quality checks

In modular construction, everything revolves around control and repeatability. Every module undergoes multiple quality checks during production:
 
  • Interim inspections – Strength, insulation, airtightness, and fire safety are assessed at several production stages.
  • Technical tests – Electrical systems and sanitary facilities are pre-tested, ensuring they are safe and functional upon arrival.
  • Final check – Before transport to the building site, a full quality inspection is carried out. This minimizes defects and failure costs.

According to McKinsey research, modular construction can reduce failure costs by up to 20% compared to traditional building. That means less rework and greater reliability.
Waarom modulaire gebouwen voldoen aan de hoogste kwaliteitsnormen

High standards for safety and sustainability

Modular buildings comply with the same regulations as traditional buildings, including the Dutch Bouwbesluit (Building Code) and SNF standards for migrant housing. In fact, many modular systems score higher on:
 
  • Fire safety – Factory-tested modules are highly resistant to fire risks.
  • Insulation and energy performance – Prefabricated modules are fitted with high-grade insulation and airtight connections, resulting in lower energy costs and a better indoor climate.
  • Structural stability – Steel frames and concrete floors ensure modular buildings are extremely robust and suitable for intensive use.

Fewer errors and less waste

Another major advantage is the reduction of errors and waste. On traditional sites, much time and material is lost due to miscalculations, weather, or logistics. In a factory, material use can be calculated precisely and optimized. According to WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme), construction waste can be reduced by up to 90% with modular building.

Case study: modular school Ter Apel

A strong example of quality in modular building is the primary school in Ter Apel. Commissioned by the Municipality of Westerwolde, Van den Nagel Modular Construction delivered a temporary school for around 100 pupils in just six weeks. Thanks to controlled production and rapid assembly, the building meets all legal requirements and is energy-neutral, including a heat pump. This proves that speed and quality can go hand in hand in modular construction.

Modulair Bouwen Ter Apel

Quality as the standard, not the exception

Today, modular buildings are almost indistinguishable from traditional ones – except in the efficiency and reliability with which they are delivered. Thanks to strict quality checks, precision production in the factory, and robust materials, modular buildings not only meet the highest standards, they often exceed them.

At Van den Nagel Modular Building, we believe quality is no accident – it is the result of smart processes and careful execution. Modular building is smarter, more sustainable, and safer – ready to set the standard for the future of building.

Contact us

Yes, modular buildings are constructed with steel frames and concrete floors, ensuring excellent stability and long lifespan.

Each module undergoes multiple quality checks in the factory, including insulation, fire safety, airtightness, and installations, before being transported to the site.

Yes, all modular buildings comply with Dutch regulations, including the Bouwbesluit and additional standards such as SNF certification for migrant housing.

Absolutely. They are commonly used for schools, apartment complexes, offices, and healthcare facilities, meeting the highest safety and comfort standards.

Controlled production drastically reduces errors. Research shows failure costs in modular construction can be up to 20% lower than in traditional construction.

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