You may have heard about modular building and wondered what makes them so appealing. With a potential project on the horizon, you want to determine if utilising them is the right decision for you. Modular construction has grown in popularity for many reasons, giving it the reputation it deserves.
We have jotted down the three most common questions to assist first-time modular building buyers and renters. But before that, let’s look at a few advantages of using modular structures instead of traditional construction.
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Less Site Disturbance
Modular building sites can experience a reduction in traffic due to fewer workers and suppliers, leading to considerable time and money savings for you.
Less Material Waste
Disposing of items with care makes recycling more user-friendly. When recycled items are adequately separated and organised, it encourages people to recycle more and helps contribute to a cleaner environment.
The flexibility of Use
Module-based structures provide great flexibility and convenience. There is no need for extensive capital expenditure as they can be quickly reassembled or refurbished with minimal effort. This makes them a suitable option for short-term commitments.
Reduce Construction Schedule
Working with us will give your website projects a boost at the start. Modular construction is an excellent choice since it’s not impacted by weather, enabling you to keep to your schedule and finish on time.
Eliminate Weather Delays
By undertaking most construction work in a factory setting, you can reduce the associated risks and achieve a quicker Return on Investment.
Safer Construction
Working conditions are highly managed and regulated, reducing the risk of accidents.
Built to Code with Quality Materials
Modular buildings are held to the same standard as any other building when it comes to building codes and regulations.
Now that we have gone over the fundamentals let us look at three of the most common questions people have when considering the option of modular buildings.
Do you need planning permission for a modular building?
To put it simply, yes. Modular buildings are built to the same standards as traditional concrete structures and adhere to the same sustainability laws. This way, modular buildings have a far lesser carbon footprint than brick and mortar buildings, and their flexibility allows for different purposes of use.
Considering a set of factors, the UK requires all constructions to have permission from the Planning Authority. This ensures careful management of towns, cities and countryside spaces as they grow and develop. Factors such as:
- Environmental impact buildings have on the surrounding areas
- Highway access to populated areas
- Landscaping
- The building’s appearance
- The way the buildings use the surrounding land
Official planning permission must be obtained for any modular building set to be in use for longer than 28 days. Modular buildings are held to the same strict standards (if not higher) as any other structure.
Thankfully, many modular building manufacturers provide a comprehensive turnkey service which takes care of all the legal paperwork related to obtaining planning permissions and adhering to legal protocols for your project.
Doing your due diligence is the best way to know if you need planning permission for a structure. Consult with the local planning authority; if you need more information, www.gov.uk has an entire section.
Are modular buildings cheaper than traditional buildings?
Prefabricated modular buildings from companies such as MPH Building Systems are becoming popular among developers due to the significant cost savings that can be had from using them.
Usually, they cost 10-35% less than conventional construction methods, making volumetric construction the go-to option for many. In addition, the new modular construction process significantly lowered design costs and created economies of scale. So what makes it cheaper for the customer? Let’s take a closer look!
- Volumetric construction has been gaining traction lately, allowing most construction to occur in a secure, controlled environment. This drastically reduces potential risks such as weather disruptions, theft and vandalism caused by external factors. With precise control of material usage, no wasted material is generated during manufacturing. This helps create a more sustainable construction method, which has multiple benefits that can help reduce your environmental impact and carbon footprint.
- Bulk buying and secure storage options for materials mean manufacturers can purchase them at lower prices and reduce wastage from weather conditions.
- Modular construction is revolutionising the construction industry – it takes 30-50% less time to build a project of the same size than traditional methods. This translates into fewer labour costs and savings on fuel, materials and transportation.
Before starting a modular building project, take a look at our current stock. Then, before investing, understand what these buildings offer in terms of costs and size. They are ready to use immediately and can indicate how much it would cost for an installation similar to the one you have in mind.
How long does it take to make a modular building?
Getting a modular building up and running can take only around 90 days – significantly less than it would with typical construction methods.
This gives you a much quicker return on investment than the traditional route, resulting in more savings. After 80 days of being open for business and 90 days of seeing a return on your investment, you can expect up to 50% time savings with modular construction compared to traditional methods whilst enjoying an average construction duration of 180 days.
This accelerates the ROI for each day that passes. It’s a known fact that those who use modular construction for their projects have witnessed tremendous savings in time and money. 66% of such businesses have recorded a reduction of four weeks or more in their project schedules, and the savings only compound further as you go along.
Through our research, it has been concluded that obtaining planning permission is necessary for modular buildings that are kept in place for more than 28 days.
This is one of the primary concerns of customers when buying a modular building. After analysing the speedy rate of constructing modular buildings and their cost-effectiveness compared to traditional construction methods, we have concluded that modular buildings are advantageous.
If you are considering a modular building project, you should now be able to make an informed decision. All that is left to do is get in touch with PF Modular and discuss the next steps. Contact us as soon as possible to ensure your modular building is ready on time. Our experienced professionals are here to offer their assistance and the best service experience.
