Modern modular buildings have come along way from
the construction site office trailer
that many of us are accustomed to.
Some recent projects completed this year include
a complex of 12 modular units joined together to form
a single 72 foot by 90 foot space. This office complex
contains numerous offices, a large conference and
training room as well as large open areas. This space
was created by connecting the trailers six wide and
two back to back.
Another company created their large office space
by joining eight trailers side by side.
So why are companies choosing modular buildings and
trailer to house their office complexes? There are
three basic reasons, cost, speed of construction and
quality of the construction.
The cost of modular construction can be half to a
third of the cost of traditional site built buildings.
Modular buildings can be built at lower cost due in
part to the saving in material cost and delivery expense.
In on site construction, material must be delivered
in small lots to the site. In a modular factory, material
can be purchased in bulk and delivered more cost effectively.
Also, due to the repetitive nature of the construction,
there is less waste.
There is also savings in site preparation and foundation
work. Traditional construction requires a concrete
foundation and considerable grading to prepare the
site. Since modular trailers have their own frames
to support the units, foundation work can be minimal
and a perfectly level site is not required.
However one of the greatest benefits of modular construction
is speed of occupancy. The example above, went from
concept to occupancy is just six weeks. Traditional
construction techniques could have taken up to a year
to build a similar building.
The quality of the building can also be much better
in a modular building than in a construction subject
to changing weather conditions and questionable craftsmanship.
Modular buildings are constructed in a facility protected
from the weather under strict quality control procedures.
Quality is not as dependent on the skill and mood
of the individual workers. In the modular factory,
there are procedure and quality controls inspection
process to insure that all steps are completed in
a workman like manner.
In normal construction, materials are exposed to
the weather as the building is being constructed.
In a modular factory, raw materials and the assembly
are protected from the elements during construction.
This protection results in better fit and finish along
with less chance of mold growth and other weather
related problems.
Yet another added benefit is purchasing flexibility.
Modular buildings can be purchased, leased or rented
depending on the application. Modular buildings have
the added advantage that they can be disassembled
and moved to another location if the need ever arises.
So whatever your office space requirements, from
a simple construction site trailer to a full office
complex, modular construction can get you in a better
place faster and more economically than traditional
construction techniques.
