Modular Advantage Magazine

Water is one of the biggest threats to any building, causing structural damage, mold growth, and costly repairs if not properly managed. Waterproofing is the first line of defense, ensuring durability and long-term performance. As construction methods evolve, so do waterproofing solutions – moving beyond traditional coatings to advanced, factory-ready systems.

When projects grow too fast without the right systems, factories run into problems. They miss deadlines, crews burn out, and quality drops. Instead of steady progress, chaos takes over. Things slow down, even with more units going through. That’s because building more isn’t enough—you also need to build smarter. That means shifting focus from volume to velocity.

Many affordable housing developers have looked at modular. Maybe even tried it. And it’s complicated. And here’s the truth: It not anybody’s fault. The problem isn’t the fabricator, architect or GC. It’s everything that happens between them. That’s where modular breaks down. And that’s where a Rooms as a Product approach changes the game.

New York City stands at a pivotal moment in its housing history. With over 60,000 individuals in city-funded shelters and soaring construction costs, the city faces a housing shortfall that threatens both its economic competitiveness and social equity. Traditional building methods are proving too slow and expensive to meet demand, but a viable alternative already exists.