Get the Facts: Busting 4 Modular Building Myths

Thanks to significant advancements in processes, materials, and technology, the modular building industry has rapidly and progressively improved its products to the point where permanent modular construction is consistently being compared side-by-side with conventional construction as an option that provides greater affordability and timely construction project completion. It’s time to set the record straight and bust these common modular building myths.

• Modern modular buildings are diverse and attractive. They can be multi-story, customized to match existing designs, and serve as permanent, aesthetically pleasing structures, not just temporary ones.
• Modular construction is a high-quality, permanent solution. These buildings are built to code, in controlled factory environments, and designed for long-term use.
• Cost savings come from efficiency, not low cost. Financial benefits are realized through faster project completion, reduced management time, lower risks, and minimal waste.

Myth: They Don’t Look Nice

FACT: Today’s modular structures are a comprehensive portfolio of highly functional, creative, and attractive temporary and permanent structures. Contrary to popular belief, pre-assembled buildings designed for permanent use can be multiple stories, including elevators, vestibules, and connected to stair towers. Furthermore, depending on the budget and specifications for a particular project, the building’s interior and exterior can be created to suit a client’s custom design preferences, including matching the architectural design and façade of surrounding buildings. At its roots modular construction is a building method rather than a building type.

Myth: They Are Only Temporary Buildings

FACT: Temporary modular buildings are often seen at construction sites or near expanding businesses making it understandable why modular buildings may be primarily recognized as temporary solutions. While portable modular buildings offer a fast environmentally friendly solution to an urgent need for space; BOXX Modular leverages Permanent Modular Construction (PMC) to provide an alternative permanent building construction option to meet the broad long-term space needs of businesses, schools, healthcare facilities, and more. PMC solutions are fitted on comprehensively designed and engineered permanent foundations which are always custom installed to precisely meet the specifications of each integrated modular building, resulting in a high quality cohesive structure.

Myth: Modular Buildings Are For Those With A Low Income

FACT: Permanent Modular Construction and portable buildings alike provide alternative methods for satisfying space needs and offer a wide range of pricing options, but would not necessarily be considered “cheap.” When calculating the investment needed for a modular construction project our clients find that the greatest portion of inherent cost savings is achieved through how quickly the project can be completed, reduced time project management, shortened insurance and safety risk periods, and limited material waste at the factory. BOXX’s clients, large and small, are savvy professionals looking to save time and money but they also demand project performance and consistent quality.

Myth: They Aren’t Structurally Sound

FACT: This may be the ultimate myth about modular construction. Modular buildings are painstakingly engineered and professionally fabricated to meet applicable building codes. The assembly of each module is performed in a safe and controlled factory using typical construction materials. Because modular buildings are fabricated in sections, rigorous quality control including structural inspections can be consistently performed throughout the modular construction process. Not only do the inspections at the factory investigate the individual components, there are also inspections at the project site during the assembly process further verifying the modular building’s structural integrity. The factory setting also protects building materials and assembly line workers from inclement weather while supplying an environment where safety procedures can easily be consistently followed and monitored.

There are many advantages of modular building design, but the most noteworthy attributes include cost-effectiveness, innovative flexibility, and a much shorter construction timeline.

Do you have questions about modular construction or modular building myths?