Modular Buildings
Modular buildings are structures built in sections or modules in a factory setting. These individual sections are transported to the job site for assembly and installation. This type of construction is becoming increasingly popular due to its many advantages over traditional extensions or expansions.
A modular unit can be designed to fit an existing warehouse layout, maximizing space utilization. It is a cost-effective solution that allows you to increase space efficiency without moving facilities or building an expensive extension.
Modular construction projects differ from traditional construction, where most work occurs on-site. In contrast to site-built construction, modular buildings are manufactured in modules or sections that are then transported to the site and assembled. This modular construction trend has grown in popularity in recent years because it is efficient and cost-effective.
One of the main benefits of modular structures is that they can help speed up work on a job site. Since the modules are built by construction firms in a factory, there are few obstacles to slow down the process. Modular construction techniques, such as precut construction methods, can save time and money.
Conventional construction firms maintain high-quality standards and efficient production processes from their specially designed manufacturing facilities. Efficient manufacturing operations help ensure the project can be completed in a short timeframe.
Modular is becoming the new construction norm. The modular construction trend ensures you have a wide variety of building options that align with federal building code regulations. Popular current designs in the modular building industry include:
A manufacturing facility handles the entire process, including sourcing raw materials, off-site construction, quality control, and delivery of the sections. Modular construction techniques typically involve four steps: design, fabrication, assembly, and installation.
After sharing construction plans, modular building companies create individual sections of building materials for your facility. Your facility’s needs and budget determine the module size. If necessary, the modular housing design team can create an estimate with low-cost materials to align with a tight budget.
A specialist modular company creates deliverable module sections through in-house construction at their facility. Once single modules are completed, they are delivered to your facility for on-site assembly. Modular building companies use precut construction methods and materials to create various types of buildings.
During this phase, the architect or builder works with the client to create the plans for the modular building. These plans consider the project’s specific needs and requirements. Once the current designs are complete and finalized, they will be sent to the factory where the modules will be built.
The fabrication phase of the process can take several weeks or months, depending on the size and complexity of the project and the modular building unit manufacturer. However, virtually every modular housing design uses precut materials and similar house construction processes, ensuring manufacturing operations don’t take long.
After the modules have been built, individual sections of building materials will be transported to the job site and assembled by a team of construction workers. This ensures minimal disruption to the plant production process.
One of the benefits of prefabricated construction is the ease of installation. Once all of the modules have been put together, the final step is the installation phase. This is when everything is hooked up and made ready for use.
A variety of materials are used frequently in the modular building industry, including wood, steel, concrete, and glass. The type of material used depends on the project’s specific needs.
For example, if the goal is to create an energy-efficient home, then using temperature-resistant modules with insulated walls made of steel or concrete would be a good choice. It’s also important to pay attention to the federal building code guidelines to avoid a breach of industry standards.
There are several benefits to using prefabrication and offsite construction, including:
Speeding Up the Construction Process
Because the modules are offsite construction built in a factory setting, they can be constructed more quickly than if made on-site. This can save time and money as the project can be completed in a shorter time frame.
Modular construction can help to improve the quality of the finished product. The modular building unit manufacturer controls the environment in which the modules are built. The efficient plant production process reduces the risk of errors or defects in the modular home structure.
Modular offsite construction can help reduce waste as any material not used to construct the modules can be recycled or reused. This helps create a more sustainable building process.
Regardless of the module size, offices and other types of modular construction buildings can be a more cost-effective option. They use low-cost materials and often require less labor than traditional construction methods. The modular home structure ensures no need to dig permanent foundation surfaces, reducing costs.
While modular construction has many benefits, there are also some disadvantages.
One disadvantage of modular construction is that it can be limiting in terms of the design options available. This is because the modules need to be designed to fit within the factory setting, which can restrict possible shapes and sizes.
Another disadvantage of modular construction is that the modules must be transported to the site, which can add to the project’s cost. However, it is still far cheaper than a major traditional construction project.
One type of modular building that is becoming increasingly popular is the modular office. Modular offices are prefabricated buildings that can be used to create temporary or permanent office space. They are often used as construction site offices, sales offices, or medical clinics.
Modular classrooms are another type of prefabricated building that is becoming increasingly popular. Modular classrooms are prefabricated buildings that can be used to create temporary or permanent classroom spaces. They can also be used as construction site offices, sales offices, or medical clinics.
Our modular buildings are available in two and three-story options. They are a cheaper alternative to stick-built construction and are far more flexible. Each unit is built with 3-inch insulated wall panels, a 22-gauge galvanized steel top deck, and quality electrical components. Although these units are often used as permanent structures, they are easy to reconfigure and relocate according to your facility’s needs.
Modular construction allows for very flexible designs. Because the modules are built in a factory setting, they can be customized to the project’s specific needs. The finished product can be designed to meet your requirements.
In the United States, modular buildings must comply with local building codes and any state laws that have been adopted. In addition, because modular buildings are considered temporary structures, they may be subject to different zoning regulations than permanent ones.
Two primary national organizations develop standards and building codes for modular construction: the Modular Building Institute (MBI) and the Alliance for Construction Excellence (ACE).
The MBI is a trade association that represents the interests of companies that manufacture, sell, or lease modular buildings. The MBI develops modular construction standards and provides industry educational resources.
The ACE is a non-profit organization that promotes using advanced technologies in construction. The ACE has developed standards for modular construction that the United States uses.
Consult with the necessary bodies to determine your building code requirements before deciding on your facility expansion project.
Prefabricated or modular buildings are a cost-effective alternative to conventional construction projects, like extensions. Modular buildings have many benefits, including increased flexibility in design, faster construction times, and reduced environmental impact.
Each modular unit is built in a factory setting and assembled on-site without digging a permanent foundation. This makes for a fast and efficient installation process.
At Shelving + Rack Systems, Inc., we stock several prefabricated modular buildings, including permanent modular construction options and temporary or relocatable buildings. Lean manufacturing techniques ensure these commercial buildings are low-cost but effective.
We also offer installation services. Our factory-trained installation crews maintain exceptional quality standards and will make sure your modular buildings are installed safely and correctly.
If you need further assistance planning or designing your storage space, contact Shelving + Rack Systems, Inc. We offer exceptional service and can help you with all your modular building needs. Browse our online catalog to view our full inventory range, or call one of our project managers today at (800) 589-7225 for help determining suitable modular buildings for your needs.
Prefabrication involves manufacturing a building or structure in a factory setting and assembling it on-site. Prefabrication can be used to create all types of facilities, including offices, homes, schools, and hospitals.
A permanent modular building is a prefabricated construction designed to be used as a permanent structure. Permanent modular buildings can be adapted to suit a wide range of needs and are often used as schools, offices, or medical clinics.
Relocatable modular buildings are becoming the new construction norm in the modular building industry. They are a type of prefabricated construction that can be easily dismantled and transported to another location. Relocatable modular buildings are often used as a temporary office or school classroom spaces.
A system-built home is a prefabricated construction that uses standardized components, or modules, assembled to create all kinds of homes. System-built homes are becoming increasingly popular as they offer a high degree of flexibility and can be adapted to suit a wide range of needs.
One safety concern with modular buildings is that they are often made with flammable materials, such as wood. This means that if a fire starts in modular construction, it could spread quickly and be difficult to control.
Another safety concern with modular buildings is that they are often not as strong as traditional buildings. This means they can be damaged more easily in high winds or earthquakes.
All types of buildings have safety concerns, and modular buildings are no different. However, by working with a reputable manufacturer and following all safety guidelines and building codes, the risks associated with modular buildings can be minimized.
