The Game Changing Benefits Of Modular Buildings: A Detailed Guide
Businesses and public sectors are embracing portable building construction because it offers advantages over traditional construction methods. Modular buildings can be constructed for all types of purposes, from offices and canteens to toilet facilities, classrooms and general storage. Midlands Portable Buildings (MPB) is here to explain the benefits of modular construction, no matter the use.
What is Modular Construction?
Modular and portable building construction involves fabricating modular sections off-site, under controlled conditions. Each section built features the floor, walls, ceiling and most interior finishes, all adhering to building codes and regulations. With the different sections fabricated, they will be assembled and then delivered to their intended final site location.
The off-site fabrication acts like a catalyst for various benefits, from reducing noise pollution and mitigating the risk of theft to moderating the exposure of environmental damage.
6 Modular Building Advantages to be Aware of
In addition to these sub-benefits, there are several key advantages of modular buildings to explore. These include the speed at which they can be constructed and installed, the flexibility of use, how they better the environment compared to traditional methods and how it’s much more cost-effective.
1. Speed
While the modular building is being fabricated off-site, during this time, foundations can be constructed on-site, providing a time-saving, simultaneous solution for construction. Overall, modular construction projects can typically be 50% faster than traditional methods, as well as be fitted with health and safety and fire safety equipment.
This means that once delivered and installed, they are ready for use straight away. Many see the speed of fabrication and installation as one of the top benefits of modular construction, with the controlled factory setting reducing delays caused by the weather or other unforeseen circumstances, which keeps schedules on track.
These savings come from being able to run two or more construction processes at the same time, such as on-site groundworks and the manufacture of the building within the factory.
2. Flexibility
The beauty of portable building construction is in the name: portable. These structures can be utilised for both permanent or temporary use, with adaptation and reconfiguration completely plausible for changing requirements. Layouts can be adjusted, designs renovated and additional modules installed.
For instance, a school may require additional classroom space temporarily and after this need is fulfilled, the modular classroom could be repurposed into a sports changing room. Construction sites may have several modular cabins situated, but now need them relocated to a different position on the site. You get the idea – changing needs are easily accommodated thanks to the beneficial flexibility modular buildings offer.
3. Sustainability
Traditional construction requires vehicle movements at almost every point of the project. The transport of labour, materials, waste collection and plant vehicles release vast amounts of carbon into the atmosphere. Modular construction minimises the movement of labour by up to 75% and the movement on commercial vehicle traffic by up to 40%.*
Waste is also kept to a minimum due to tighter quality control on material use and procurement. Studies by the Steel Construction Institute (which highlight the benefits of modern methods of construction) showed waste could be reduced by as much as 40%, meaning less would be going into landfill.
Portable building construction benefits from drastically reduced environmental impact. The modular structures are lightweight, helping lower CO2 emissions during transportation, and during off-site production, waste is kept to a minimum thanks to exact material cuts and recycling. The fact that the portable buildings can be reused for multiple projects emphasises their sustainability.
4. Cost Efficiency
The first of our benefits of modular construction is the speed at which they are built and installed. In turn, this brings costs down significantly in terms of labour and project management. As everything is constructed in controlled conditions, project timelines can be closely monitored and stuck to, reducing the costly risk of delays.
There are also flexible options for how businesses can pay for modular buildings, with options to buy outright or hire, with many businesses hiring out used buildings for an even more affordable short-term solution.
5. Off-site Manufacturing
Modules are manufactured in a controlled factory environment which leads to a higher quality, precision finish. Material waste is kept to a minimum due to the better levels of quality control.
Off-site manufacturing avoids common traditional construction delays, such as bad weather conditions, which can have a large impact on construction times. A controlled manufacturing process within the factory leads to a better quality of finish and fewer defects. 85% of snagging can also be completed at this stage, keeping the work force in a comfortable, safe and warm environment which can reduce the risk of injury.
6. Less Disruption
As 85-90% of construction is off-site, there is less disruption. This includes vehicle movements, litter, noise, dust and traffic management systems. With faster build times and less activity on the proposed site, the local residents and environment will benefit.
Explore Modular Building Solutions For Your Business
Modular building advantages allow businesses to get sustainable and cost-effective structures extremely fast and tailored to flexible needs. Here at MPB, we offer turnkey services for businesses looking for modular and portable buildings, from creating bespoke designs to delivering and installing them, as well as handling planning permission on your behalf.
We have new and used buildings to purchase or hire. Whatever you need your modular buildings for, MPB is here to help. Contact us today to discuss your requirements and receive a free quotation.
