In the bustling realm of Ontario’s housing market, modular construction is emerging as a beacon of hope amid a pressing demand for new homes. However, as Albert Bendersky, vice-president of design at Hamilton’s BECC Modular Solutions, points out, several barriers must be dismantled to fully harness this innovative construction method.
Chief among these obstacles is the absence of formal pre-approval or recognition by provincial and municipal authorities for standardized modular units. The existing building code, described as inflexible, does not yet accommodate the revolutionary technologies that modular construction could bring to the fore.
In an effort to bridge these understanding gaps, BECC recently hosted a group of planners at its facility, coinciding with the annual Ontario Professional Planners Institute conference. During this event, Bendersky emphasized the potential of modular construction to meet various municipal and aesthetic requirements, stating, “We can achieve the same results that have been achieved before,” advocating for a shift towards new technological solutions in the sector.
BECC — An executive with BECC modular solutions recently explained that non-modular areas of a manufactured home typically include foundations, structural cores such as staircases and elevator shafts, and large open public zones with flexible use areas. Often it is easier to leave the ground floor fully traditional.
The essence of resolving the housing crisis, Bendersky asserts, lies in the mass-production of high-quality buildings. This involves integrating 21st-century industrial technologies akin to those used in automobile and electronics manufacturing. BECC, for instance, leverages Hamilton’s high-grade steel as a key component in their process, although other materials like wood or concrete are also viable.
The manufacturing process at BECC begins with pre-cut and pre-drilled steel parts, assembling modules complete with wiring, piping, insulation, and more. This modular approach aims to significantly reduce time and costs, paralleling modern industrial efficiency.
Bendersky highlighted a current project for a California client to illustrate the efficiency of modular construction when supported by an effective approvals system. Unlike Ontario’s layered planning and political processes, California’s system allows for streamlined approvals, enabling projects to proceed without repetitive bureaucratic hurdles.
To truly enhance the adoption of modular construction in Ontario, Bendersky suggests the development of a pre-approval system by large municipalities. Such a system would expedite projects by alleviating some of the red tape associated with building permits, especially for small to mid-size developments.
The integration of new technologies into the building code is essential, as existing codes hinder progress by not recognizing the capabilities of modern construction methods, Bendersky explained.
In conclusion, BECC is on the cusp of further technological advancement with plans to introduce robotic systems, poised to enhance manufacturing speed and efficiency. As the industry becomes more sophisticated, sustainable construction standards like Passive Haus and net-zero should become achievable goals, mirroring traditional building achievements.
Despite these challenges, the sector is advancing rapidly with the help of Building Information Modelling (BIM) platforms and AI tools, enabling a more scientific approach to construction. Follow Don Wall on X/Twitter for ongoing updates in this rapidly evolving field.
More Articles
Getting licensed or staying ahead in your career can be a journey—but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Grab your favorite coffee or tea, take a moment to relax, and browse through our articles. Whether you’re just starting out or renewing your expertise, we’ve got tips, insights, and advice to keep you moving forward. Here’s to your success—one sip and one step at a time!
Lofty has launched the industry’s first Agentic AI Operating System, a breakthrough platform that doesn’t just follow commands—it plans, executes, evaluates, and adapts entire workflows on its own. Designed specifically for real estate professionals, the system acts like an AI “orchestra,” coordinating specialized agents for lead qualification, marketing, SEO, transaction management, website creation, and more. With leaders calling this a major leap beyond traditional tools, Lofty AOS signals a new era where agents can focus on relationships and closings while AI handles the heavy lifting.
Florida’s insurance landscape is finally showing signs of stability as private insurers return and Citizens Property Insurance drops below 400,000 policies. Insurance Commissioner Michael Yaworsky says reforms are working, but homeowners may not feel relief yet as inflation and rebuilding costs keep premiums high. With transparency improvements, mitigation credits, and new AI regulations on the horizon, Florida aims to avoid another insurance crisis while keeping the market competitive and consumer‑friendly.
Mortgage rates just hit their lowest point since 2022, closing January at 6.18% and giving buyers and industry professionals a rare moment of relief. But while the Federal Reserve continues to pause rate hikes, economists warn that significant declines are unlikely. Most forecasts show rates hovering near 6% through 2026, with political uncertainty and inflation keeping markets volatile. For now, stability may be the best we get — and even that could be temporary.
Propy, a fast-growing real estate tech firm blending AI automation with blockchain-backed transaction systems, has secured a major $100 million credit facility to accelerate nationwide title company consolidation. The funding aims to modernize the traditionally slow, paper-heavy closing process, offering real estate professionals a faster, more secure, and more transparent experience. As automation reshapes the industry, staying educated on emerging technology will be essential for agents, brokers, mortgage professionals, and investors looking to stay competitive.
Escrow payments in Florida have jumped an astonishing 70% since 2019, far outpacing the national average and now consuming nearly 38% of a typical monthly mortgage payment. Surging insurance premiums and rising property taxes are driving the increase, reshaping affordability for homeowners and pricing out many would‑be buyers.
After losing their Altadena home in the LA wildfires, Jessica and Matt Conkle expected State Farm to help them rebuild. Instead, they faced months of delays, low valuations, and stalled claims — a struggle shared by nearly 80 percent of wildfire survivors. As insurers pull out of high‑risk areas and premiums soar, the crisis is reshaping homeownership, tightening mortgage approvals, and straining government safety nets. What’s happening in California is rapidly becoming a national issue, with real estate, mortgage, and insurance professionals on the front lines of a system under unprecedented pressure.
