The Importance of ICC’s Offsite Construction Standards

Event
Published

In September 2021, the International Code Council (ICC) created offsite construction standards, marking an historic shift in the perceptions of modular and systems-built construction. As home building evolves, such advancements not only recognize progress in residential construction, but also set the stage for future developments.

The ICC is known globally for its commitment to maintaining safe and sustainable environments. With the introduction of these offsite construction standards, the council recognizes the changing dynamics of the residential construction industry.

Offsite construction — which involves the process of planning, designing, fabricating and assembling building elements away from their final installed location — has seen a steady rise in popularity. Benefits such as reduced construction time, less waste, fewer site disturbances and higher quality from controlled environments are likely reasons for this growth.

However, like all innovative methods, offsite construction needs a set of standards to ensure its consistent quality and safety. The ICC’s offsite construction standards provide guidelines and benchmarks for professionals in the field, ensuring that all offsite construction projects meet a certain level of excellence and safety.

NAHB recently passed a resolution acknowledging and supporting these standards. This move underscores the industry's collective commitment to ensuring that offsite construction is efficient and held to the highest safety and quality standards.

ICC Vice President of Innovation Ryan Colker will provide a detailed dive into how the standards impact designers, manufacturers, builders, product and service providers in the systems-built housing industry during NAHB’s Building Systems Housing Summit, Oct. 15-17, in Washington, D.C. Discover how the ICC is working with industry partners to provide states and local municipalities with a universal standard for offsite construction projects in their jurisdictions.

Register today to attend the Building Systems Housing Summit.

Subscribe to NAHBNow

Log in or create account to subscribe to notifications of new posts.

Log in to subscribe

Latest from NAHBNow

Construction Costs | Material Costs

Dec 23, 2025

Lumber Capacity Has Peaked for 2025

An annual revision to the Federal Reserve G.17 Industrial Production report shows current sawmill production levels above 2017 by 7.5%, but just 0.3% above 2023 levels.

Building Systems Councils

Dec 22, 2025

Can Offsite Housing Solve the Housing Affordability Crisis?

Offsite construction – a method in which components are planned, designed, fabricated in a factory setting and then transported and assembled onsite – is something more community-based organizations (CBOs) are turning to as a solution to the housing affordability crisis.

View all

Latest Economic News

Economics

Dec 19, 2025

Existing Home Sales Edge Higher in November

Existing home sales rose for the third consecutive month in November as lower mortgage rates continued to boost home sales, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). However, the increase remained modest as mortgage rates still stayed above 6% while down from recent highs. The weakening job market also weighed on buyer activity.

Economics

Dec 18, 2025

Lumber Capacity Lower Midway Through 2025

Sawmill production has remained essentially flat over the past two years, according to the Federal Reserve G.17 Industrial Production report. This most recent data release contained an annual revision, which resulted in higher estimates for both production and capacity in U.S. sawmills.

Economics

Dec 18, 2025

Inflation Slows in November (with a Caveat)

Inflation unexpectedly eased in November, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) latest report. This data release was originally scheduled for December 10 but was delayed due to the recent government shutdown.