Chances are that you have been in a modular home or another type of structure, such as a modular classroom, at some point in your life. The contractors that own, manage, and/or are employed by a portable building company can design, construct, and deliver a variety of modular building types that work well as homes, schools, offices, and other purposes.
The Benefits of Modular Buildings
When modular buildings are constructed, it doesn’t take as much time as with other types of structures. In fact, the design and construction time can be reduced by as much as 50%. Furthermore, these structures tend to have fewer change orders, and because they can be occupied in a fraction of the time, this can improve a business’ cash flow.
When surveyed, almost 40% of the contractors stated that their companies were growing as a result of being involved with prefab and modular construction projects. It’s also important to note that they claimed prefab and modular constructions were part of their future strategic construction initiatives.
There are also fewer delays associated with modular construction when these projects are handled in a controlled manufacturing environment. The delays that occur due to weather and other potential damages can be reduced in these environments as well. In general, projects can be completed in 40% less time than they would at a traditional construction site.
Delivery times will vary and are dependent on the project needs. Modular buildings, however, can usually be delivered within 3 months. Roughly 60% to 90% of these structures are completed in a factory-controlled environment. After this, they are transported and assembled at the final site.
The Zoning and Permit Process
When a modular building exceed 200 square feet, then it will need to have a building plan review and permit. However, when electrical plumbing, or mechanical work is required, this will require permits regardless of the building’s size. The location of the building also needs to comply with zoning and subdivision regulations.
The Benefits of Modular Homes
It’s important to note that in some cases, it can take just 1 to 2 weeks to complete a factory-built modular home. In addition to taking less time to construct, these home also cost considerably less to produce. It will usually take 20% less to build and at half the cost of a home built on-site. Furthermore, there is 35% to 40% less waste than their site-built counterparts.
The Benefits of Portable Classrooms
There are a several notable benefits to having portable classrooms as well. According to Washington State University’s 2003 Northwest Portable Classroom Project, the models that were built in 1993 were 44% more efficient than those built 25 years earlier. Furthermore, the portable classrooms that were built just 3 years later in keeping with the 2000 building codes, were 20% more energy efficient than their 1993 counterparts.
The project report also found that 99% of schools had permanent buildings, while 31% had temporary, or portable, classrooms and buildings. In addition to energy efficiency, the primary reasons portable classrooms were used specifically pertain to the following beneficial aspects:
- Delivery speed: 35%
- Shifting enrollments: 26%
- Less expensive: 25%
In terms of cost, for example, when opting for a portable rather than a site-built classroom addition, the initial costs were between 36% and 77% less.
Learn More About Modular Constructions from a Portable Building Company
If you would like to learn more about having a prefabricated house, classroom, office, or a similar type of structure built and delivered, a portable building company will be able to assist you with this process. Given that there are a variety of models and sizes from which to choose, you will be able to discuss your specifications with a portable building company.