Modular Buildings 101: The Complete Guide

Explore Mobile Modular's blogs for insights into our modular construction solutions. We cater to diverse industries, providing flexible, timely, and top-tier modular buildings. Delve into our blogs as a comprehensive knowledge center, offering resources and experienced perspectives to learn about Mobile Modular's processes and how modular construction can be the optimal solution for your specific needs.


    September 18, 2024

    Modular Buildings 101: The Complete Guide

    Modular buildings are a cutting-edge construction option that allows organizations of all sizes and types to have the space they need to operate. Discover what modular buildings are, how much they cost, and how we can help you get the new or used building you need.

    What Is a Modular Building?

    Modular buildings are prefabricated structures that are constructed off-site from your location, and then shipped and assembled wherever it’s needed. Unlike conventional, site-built structures, the modules for these buildings are largely crafted in a climate-controlled factory environment, which minimizes disruptions and delays due to inclement weather.

    Modular construction has surged in popularity over the last several years, with the industry now generating over $8 billion annually. This growth is largely owed to the efficient, cost-effective nature of the construction process.

    Built to the same standards as traditional buildings, modular commercial buildings are often more energy-efficient and weather-resilient than their site-built counterparts. They can also be used across various industries to save building owners time and money.

    The Difference Between Modular & Prefab

    Modular construction is a subset of prefabrication. Whereas a modular building represents a complete structure, “prefab” typically denotes individual components in an overall structure that are manufactured off-site, such as bathroom units or pre-assembled ductwork.

    Both traditional and modular construction can utilize prefabricated materials during the building process.

    Modular Buildings vs. Office Trailers

    While the mobile office trailers on construction sites are modular structures, not all modular structures are office trailers. These are standardized, cost-effective options for all types of temporary or long-term projects.

    On the other hand, office trailers are primarily suited to temporary projects due to their more simplistic layout and lack of customizations or other features.

    The Modular Construction Process

    Modular construction follows a slightly different process than traditional construction. While the foundation is being laid at the site, modular buildings are built off-site in sections in a factory with the precise amount of materials they need. This takes some of the guesswork out of creating a new building.

    Once completely fabricated, the individual modules allow convenient transport to the construction site. Our crews can then assemble them on-site and either affix them to the foundation as needed or mount them as a temporary structure.

    Why Choose a Modular Building

    Modular buildings offer several advantages over site-constructed buildings, including their cost savings and faster availability. Whether your organization needs a new building as a long-term sales office or you require them for disaster relief efforts, modular construction makes it easier to provide the space you need immediately without paying as much as you would for expedited, site-built construction.

    Types of Modular Buildings

    Modular Office Buildings

    If your organization is growing or needs additional storage space, modular office buildings are an ideal solution. They are secure office spaces that can be tailored to fit your needs, be it as a pre-owned and refurbished modular office or a new modular construction that you plan to use for more than five years.

    Modular School Buildings

    Finding used modular classrooms for sale also makes it easier for schools to provide a safe, comfortable learning environment for students while still being budget-conscious. At Mobile Modular, we have a large, varied fleet of pre-owned modular buildings to utilize for a variety of educational purposes: classrooms, labs, libraries, gymnasiums, teachers’ lounges—whatever your school needs, we can provide.

    Modular buildings can also be used as a temporary space solution or a permanent fixture in your school’s community. They can function as sleek school buildings while being easier for limited budgets to accommodate.

    Modular Church Buildings

    Modular construction provides a cost-effective way to construct or expand churches and other places of worship. Custom builds can allow for a design that fits your space and budget, while refurbished modular buildings offer a more affordable option when you need space quickly so you can build the church you’ve always envisioned.

    At Mobile Modular, our buildings come with a plethora of options for customization, whether you want to match the exterior to your current church buildings, or need ADA-compliant handicap accessible entryways.

    Modular Restrooms

    Featuring all the same amenities as a permanent restroom building, modular restrooms are ADA-compliant, sanitary, and ideal for any construction site, park, school, or business campus.

    Our modular restrooms can be completely customized and have high-quality layouts. They also come in male, female, and gender-neutral configurations and can be provided in days, rather than weeks or months to accommodate your next project.

    Hospitals & Modular Healthcare Buildings

    Modular buildings can serve both temporary and permanent purposes that allow healthcare organizations to expand as needed. They are ideal for when hospitals need extra space, or as a brand-new clinic or urgent care facility.

    Modular construction allows hospitals to open efficiently and on definitive timelines, rather than relying on the mercy of the weather to be able to complete their construction project.

    Permanent & Temporary Modular Buildings

    Temporary Modular Buildings

    This option from Mobile Modular is designed to cater to a myriad of temporary needs, from emergency housing during disaster relief efforts to school overflow for increased enrollment needs.

    In many regions, these buildings are permitted to be placed on non-permanent foundations, which further reduces installation costs.

    Permanent Modular Buildings

    Permanent modular structures can last as long as their site-built counterparts and are crafted with top-quality materials. They can last for decades and are ideal for situations where you foresee needing additional space for more than five years.

    Permanent modular structures are slightly more expensive than their temporary peers because they require additional foundation work. However, this cost is offset by the fact that you won’t have to pay for it to be removed when you’re finished using it.

    Renting or Buying Modular Buildings

    Cost of Modular Buildings

    The costs of modular buildings depend on several different factors, including whether you’re leasing or purchasing them, whether they’re new or used, and if they are customized to suit your needs. While there are multiple variables to consider at any given time, we’re always ready to provide a free quote based on the details of your project.

    New Modular Buildings for Sale or Rent

    Opting for a new modular office or classroom ensures that you have a space tailored to your organization’s exact needs. While the cost is slightly higher than purchasing a used modular unit, it enables you to customize almost every detail to adhere to your unique operational requirements.

    In addition to offering the same level of time and cost savings as any other type of modular project, new modular construction allows you to build or add space to your structure. Subsequently, you can adapt your modular space to align with the aesthetics of your current infrastructure while saving money compared to a traditional bespoke site-built building.

    Used Modular Buildings for Lease or Purchase

    While they don’t offer the same customization capabilities as new modular structures, used modular buildings are a cost-effective choice for those needing additional space quickly and on a budget. They are designed to last just as long as other types of modular structures and can perform exceptionally well, whether they are installed as is or if they are repurposed.

    Request a Quote for Your Modular Building

    We can help you revolutionize your next construction project and help you find a turnkey building solution that fits your needs. Request a quote from us today and see how we can help your organization quickly and affordably.

     

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