Jun. 09, 2025
Modular construction is an excellent choice in a wide variety of situations. Here are a few of the most common reasons your organization might turn to modular:
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• Your organization is growing and you need additional space.
• You have old buildings that need to be replaced.
• You need swing space during renovation projects.
• You need workspace for on-site contractors.
• You have temporary buildings, but need permanent ones.
• You’re a new organization.
The biggest advantage of modular construction over traditional construction is the accelerated building schedule and occupancy. Additional benefits of modular buildings include:
• Off-site construction is a cost-effective option for organizations of all sizes.
• Off-site construction is often more environmentally-friendly than traditional construction.
• There’s less disruption to operations and job sites, making modular a more convenient option.
• You can choose between temporary or permanent structures, which isn’t possible with traditional construction.
• Modular buildings meet applicable construction codes, including the International Building Code (IBC) and other applicable federal and state building codes and regulations.
• Modular buildings can be built to look like existing structures.
• Modular buildings minimize the use of internal resources and keep upfront capital expenses low.
There are two main types of modular construction: temporary buildings and permanent buildings. Let’s take a closer look at each kind.
Temporary modular buildings are defined by their intended use, foundation design, and how they’re affixed to that foundation, not their structural design. In other words, a temporary building designed for relocation can still be affixed as a permanent building.
In most cases, temporary modular buildings are used as leased space for a predetermined period of time. Temporary buildings of any size can be delivered to a property, installed, and removed when no longer needed. Because they’re engineered and designed for relocation, temporary buildings can be repurposed and redeployed for use several times during their lifespan.
Temporary modular building foundations are specifically engineered so the modules can be disconnected and demounted easily. These concrete pier foundations are also relatively easy to disassemble and remove. They can be installed on a parking lot or plot of grass, and typically rise 2-3 feet above ground. Decks and ramps are installed at the entrance of temporary modular buildings for easy access.
With proper maintenance, temporary buildings can have a useful life of 20-30 years. The limit on useful life is primarily due to them being set up, disassembled, and relocated numerous times to various locations.
Permanent modular buildings are installed and affixed to foundations that are engineered and designed for long-term use. They’re often built as II-A, II-B, and V-B structures and can be framed in wood, steel, or concrete. With proper maintenance, they can have the same lifespan as traditional construction.
Because they’re most often set at grade level, permanent modular buildings require full perimeter foundation walls and interior concrete piers. While this option is more expensive, it eliminates the need for decking to exterior doors. Permanent modular structures are typically accompanied by ground-level accessibility, extensive stormwater management systems, sidewalks, and landscaping.
Depending on your individual needs and situation, you may decide to lease your modular building. Leasing is your best option if:
• You don’t want to own the building for business reasons
• You intend to use the building temporarily
• You don’t want to spend the capital upfront to purchase a building
In most cases, you’ll want to lease a used building as opposed to a new one. This is because they’re already built and can be installed and occupied more quickly. They’re also more affordable than new buildings.
The customization level, structure type, and project complexity dictates modular building pricing. Each modular building has its own set of specifications, so prices can vary widely.
Sale prices for new V-B-type standard temporary modular buildings generally range from $75-130 per square foot. Custom buildings have a much wider price range, which can be anywhere from $150-400+ per square foot. This is due to the nearly endless customization options, from the engineered support structure to final finishes. Costs beyond the building itself can include permits, site work, foundations, delivery, installation, access systems, utility runs, and more.
If you’re looking to lease a standard temporary modular building, you’ll generally pay $1.20-1.75 per square foot per month. The lease term length and building size are the primary drivers behind the monthly rate you pay.
The ten steps below make up the process of getting a modular building from start to finish.
The site you choose is very important, as it directly impacts many other aspects of the process. Be sure to consider the grade (slope), soil compaction, site accessibility, and proximity to water, sewer, utilities, and existing structures. These considerations can have a significant bearing on the cost of your project, but they can be controlled in advance by selecting the right property.
You’ll also want to have a clear understanding of the municipality or local governing body and how easy or difficult they’ll be to work with. The permitting process and project inspections can impact the project schedule, sometimes substantially.
Project owners typically partner directly with modular building dealers that have the ability to perform complete design-build projects. In other cases, they work directly with an architect to design their building. Both routes generally result in a high-quality structure built to your exact modular building specifications.
The formal proposal allows you to see everything in one place before signing a contract. A typical proposal may include delineation of responsibilities, pricing, project schedules, terms, drawings, and building specifications.
In most cases, you’ll need to obtain the proper permits and approvals. However, these can also be secured by the modular dealer for an additional fee. It’s important to find out what local officials require as early in the process as possible, since permit application approval can take a significant amount of time. The length of the approval process typically depends on where your building will be located.
There are as many different types of contracts as there are designs for modular buildings. Your contract form is typically determined by the size and scope of your project. Other than monthly rental invoices, most projects are billed either based on milestone achievements or monthly percentage of project completion.
As your modular building is being built at an off-site factory, crews will work to prepare the job site for building delivery. This can include surveying, demolition, excavation, foundation work, utility installation, and more.
Once your building design is approved, it will be constructed at your dealer’s modular building factory. The support structure, plumbing, electric, data, mechanicals, ductwork, insulation, doors, windows, interior finishes, and exterior finishes are often completed within the factory.
Once your modules are completed, the individual sections are transported to the job site by over-the-road truck in a predetermined order.
There are a few things you should consider — but not necessarily have all the answers for — before requesting a modular building quote. Having more answers ahead of time can help move your project along more efficiently, though.
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Here are a few things you might want to determine before contacting a modular building dealer:
• Your land availability (owned or leased)
• How much space you need (both occupancy and layout)
• Requirements of your project (aesthetics and security)
• Occupancy time frame and/or length of need
• Whether you plan to rent or own the facility
• Your budget and funding source
For a long time, builders have used solid wood to construct modular house frames and substructures. Today, other options are available, such as mass wood, concrete, and steel. With the introduction of CAD/CAM technology, using steel has become quite straightforward. Opting for a steel-frame house instead of a traditional wood-frame system will allow you to enjoy the following benefits:
You'll save both time and money with steel modular homes. That is because these building components can be ordered from suppliers to the precise size and dimensions specified in the CAD designs. This contributes to a simple and faster installation process.
The subframe could be assembled in a few days, depending on the building's sizeF and complexity. Plates and gussets are made to order, including connecting holes. The frames arrive supported and completely straight, allowing for easy wall installation. In contrast to timber frames, no further preparation is necessary prior to plastering.
On average, a basic frame consisting of five modules takes around seven days to construct. That said, the faster building and installation period results in lower initial costs.
Long-term cost savings are another benefit. This material is more durable by nature, resists rust and corrosion better, and is impervious to termites and wood rot. It also has the added advantage of being easy to modify if the structure needs to be expanded or changed over the course of its lifetime.
That said, older steel-framed modular structures can be taken apart from their bare frames and given new life using modern building supplies and technology.
With custom metal fabrication, these aging steel-framed modular structures can undergo a remarkable transformation. Custom metal fabrication enables the revitalization of these structures by incorporating innovative design elements, improved structural integrity, and enhanced energy efficiency.
One of the main critiques early modular construction faced was that modular buildings seemed like boxes. Steel's strength, malleability, and durability have made it possible for designers to produce previously difficult features like cantilevered modules, rounded corners, and pitched roofs. These features enhance the building's aesthetic appeal and can hide its modular construction method.
The frame's strength allows designers to create bigger open spans for a more modern, open design. Plus, a steel frame house is a great option for tough locations with steep grades. Its rigidity and strength also make it capable of supporting modern multi-story modular constructions.
Compared to traditional lumber, this type of construction is a lot safer. It integrates into building designs as a fully developed, distinctly verifiable system and offers a significantly higher level of fire resistance.
Welded connections can be easily tested and certified using non-destructive methods, and they are inherently stronger than wood connectors. You may anticipate a structure with true structural integrity when using this kind of frame.
There is no question that a modular house built with a metal frame results in a high-quality product.
Steel frames are made with a high tolerance for straightness and dimensional correctness. Most respectable manufacturers and suppliers can track and certify these qualities. The material's durability assures that all components utilised in the fabrication of modular structures will not fail during shipping and installation.
This metal is naturally corrosion-resistant. Its performance is predictable and dependable in both indoor and outdoor building conditions. This eliminates any doubt regarding the building's performance during its lifetime. Steel can be protected in severely corrosive conditions by hot-dip galvanizing or the use of other appropriate coatings.
Welded steel connections are not only stronger than other materials but they can also be easily inspected to ensure that they conform to the specified designs and standards. Bolted connections utilised in steel fabrications are intended to ensure their strength and adaptability for any modular building application. Bolts and fasteners acquired from reliable vendors will be supported by quality assurance procedures that ensure their performance when used as indicated.
Steel is an excellent material choice for the environment as well as the industry. Modular steel buildings are expertly crafted. As a result, there is very little material lost during building and landfill waste is significantly reduced.
This metal is also completely recyclable. All components of the structure may be dismantled and recycled for use in other modular constructions or fabrications at the end of a building's life.
The environmental impact of this type of construction is negligible. Because the modular structures are prefabricated, there are no dangers to nearby communities from dust, spills, pollution, excessive noise, or disruption.
Timber and steel are generally priced equally, and while there are numerous factors that influence material pricing (volume discounts and design requirements, for example), like-for-like frame cost differentials are almost certainly identical.
There is no effect on the cost of building permits, though, because building permits are decided by the cost of the construction, not the materials utilised.
However, steel has certain pricing benefits over wood that may assist achieve more profitable projects:
Steel is more resistant to mould and can withstand water damage than wood. Rust resistance is also improved by galvanized steel or zinc coating treatments. Once you decide that a such a modular home is the right option for you, it will be time to find a reliable modular home builder to work with.
When looking for a builder, look for one with a thorough résumé and decades of experience so you can be sure of their ability and talents. You'll find builders that specialise in other types of building offering to build modular homes as a side option. Make sure you avoid them.
Even if it's an attractive offer, these contractors are likely unfamiliar with the numerous building procedures unique to modular construction. When it comes to modular house construction, there are several processes involved in the manufacturing and construction process. It's critical to deal with builders who aren't simply acquainted with the construction process; they must also be ready to take the time to walk you through it, step by step, so you feel confident in their abilities.
You'll get more skilled builders, a higher-quality modular home, and a clearer grasp of the customisation process if you work with a company that only builds modular homes. They will thus be able to give you advice on floor layouts and distinctive characteristics that are perfect for your new home.
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