Modular Buildings

Modular buildings which are sometimes known more generally as portable buildings are temporary structures that comprise of modules and sections. These are built off-site and then constructed at a desired location. Although they are often remarked upon as portable buildings, in fact in many instances they have a longer term use. A modular building can come in many forms such as mobile offices, marketing suites and temporary classrooms. One notable difference between conventional modular buildings as mobile/temporary office space is that a modular building is more likely to have a bespoke specification.

There are a number of different uses for modular buildings. These include classrooms, offices, marketing suites and other working environments. Generally the height of a modular building is no more than eight feet, as the components (modules) have to be transported to the construction location. However, they come with the same features you would expect to see on a bricks and mortar building such as windows and multiple doors. Facilities such as electricity, internet, air conditioning, toilets can all be fitted within a modular building, depending on what it’s purposes is. Because they can be built to such a high specification, many modular buildings are now being used as a long term solution to a lack of work space. They can also be upgraded in the future, should the need arise.

There are a huge number of different types of business that use modular buildings. Most often it is companies that require a secure working environment, often because of expansion. That said many smaller businesses use modular buildings as they are more cost effective and lower risk compared with a bricks and mortar building. Companies that need an area to work from, such as next to a construction or engineering site will also use modular buildings. Often referred to as cabins, these are generally a basic version of a modular building without the higher specification.

Traditionally, a modular building has been perceived by some as something you would associate with building sites and car dealerships. However, due to the development of portable buildings, the reality is that a modern modular building of a high specification can be indistinguishable from a bricks and mortar building from the inside. Housing developers often use them as marketing suites on new build housing construction sites. Often the very shortest you can sign a commercial property lease for is three years, of which many companies do not wish to commit to and so a modular building can prove the perfect solution.