Modular Isn’t Cheaper — And That’s the Point | Steve Dubin

In this episode of Blueprints to Buildings, Glen Palmer sits down with Steve Dubin, Business Development Manager at Rmax (a business unit of Sika Corporation), to uncover the real truth behind modular construction. With experience visiting over 80 modular factories across North America, Steve shares a rare, ground-level perspective on what actually drives performance, efficiency, and scalability in factory-built construction. They break down the biggest misconception in the industry — that modular is cheaper — and explain why the real value lies in speed to occupancy, consistency, and long-term ROI. The conversation also explores the operational challenges holding modular back, including communication breakdowns, regulatory complexity, and slow adoption of digital tools — as well as where the industry is heading next. Key topics covered: Why modular construction isn’t cheaper (and why that matters) Speed vs cost: where the real value lies Lessons from 80+ modular factories The importance of communication in factory environments Code compliance and regulatory challenges Early design decisions and cost impact The future of modular and digital adoption Connect with Steve Dubin: LinkedIn: Connect directly https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-dubin-00200a8/ This episode is supported by Meta-Dology — a visualisation methodology helping developers, investors, and project teams communicate ideas clearly using immersive 3D walkthroughs and digital twins before construction begins. If you’d like to see how this could apply to your project, connect with Glen directly: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glen-palmer-online/ or go to the website: https://meta-dology.com/home-en?am_id=glenpalmer2378