Modular Construction in Government: How to Reduce Your Project Timelines
If you’ve been working in or alongside the government for even a short time, you’ve likely experienced project delays and unique challenges that can affect your construction timelines. Unfortunately, these challenges often lead to outdated infrastructure and buildings in desperate need of repairs.
The benefits of modular construction in government can help a vast number of organizations complete projects on time and within their initial budget. Read more to learn how BOXX Modular can help you.
Common Risks To Government Construction Timelines
America’s infrastructure is graded at a C-, including all government buildings such as administration and security offices, roads, and public parks.
We’ll explore in more detail different types of government construction, but this grade is lower because of the common risks associated with these types of projects.
#1. Project Delays
Government construction is not unfamiliar with project delays. Many projects have suffered from logistical errors or labor and material shortages. As a result of these shortages, many construction companies are facing longer timelines and increased budgets.
Although these shortages may subside in the future, project delays can also occur due to long approval processes, adapting to different contractor schedules, or long periods of poor weather conditions.
Looking at the average duration of construction projects in 2022, some projects lasted over 2 years. Consider the amount of revenue and capabilities lost when your organization spends years renovating.
#2. Financial Pressure
Project delays and financial pressure go hand-in-hand with each other. The longer it takes for a project to be completed, the more your budget is likely to expand. Typically a project delay falls between 20% to 30%.
This may not seem too substantial or surprising, but when you break down the costs of your construction per day, this delay percentage can turn into a much bigger conversation.
#3. Obtaining Proposals and Contracts
Gathering quotes and proposals from contractors and various vendors can be time-consuming and ultimately slow down your entire project timeline. At BOXX Modular, our cooperative purchasing database streamlines the procurement process for local and state government agencies.
This simplicity of application and process minimizes the initial heavy lifting required for a majority of construction or government projects.
#4. Building Permits & Codes
When expanding or renovating a government building, there are certain building codes and permits you need to follow. Obtaining these permits and codes can be a lengthy process, adding to your timeline and ultimately your budget.
Although specific timelines will vary depending on your project and the region you are in, acquiring permits can take weeks or even months.
#5. Construction Safety
When a full crew of construction workers is on-site, construction safety also becomes a concern. And although projects typically pause during poor weather conditions, there’s still a risk of injury in the best-case scenarios.
If you’ve worked in the construction industry or have started a project, you know there’s a significant gap between number of workers and the demand for work. In 2024, there’s still a gap of just over half a million workers.
What does that mean for construction safety? With shortages comes burnout, if your staff feel overworked or stretched too thin, they’re more likely to do something wrong or miscommunicate within their team.
Shortages could also lead to your team scrambling to find additional workers, potentially resulting in the hiring of unqualified or inexperienced staff. This, in turn, could increase the risk of human error on the job site.
Additionally, if crew members are jumping from project to project, it will take time for them to adjust to your processes and specifications. This extra training time could ultimately lead to longer timelines.
How Does Modular Construction Help?
Factors such as weather conditions, material shortages, and even labor deficits are all virtually eliminated when you choose modular construction in government.
Off-site construction allows us to find a specialized workforce for every step of your project, from design to construction. Additionally, materials are sent and stored at our facility so there’s a reduced chance of supply chain issues.
We’re able to complete the physical construction of your project and site preparations simultaneously. Because of modular efficiencies, permanent and temporary buildings are completed in half the time as their on-site counterparts.
When it’s time to install your modules, the amount of workers needed on-site is significantly reduced. As a result, there’s better construction safety and less risk of injury.
Where Can Modular Help?
There are obvious benefits to choosing modular construction in a government setting, but knowing where to utilize these structures is also crucial to your success. At BOXX Modular, we have lots of variability to customize structures and can adapt them in order to fit your current and future needs.
Below, we’ll highlight some common examples of how modular can benefit your government building.
#1. An Educational Institution In Need of Renovations
Educational facilities have limited flexibility within their schedule and often have financial pressure when it comes to building renovations. This means that building repairs or necessary renovations are pushed to the side. Issues such as overcrowded classrooms and deteriorating interiors can all be minimized with modular.
With efficient timelines and off-site construction, we can provide temporary classrooms to your campus. The additional space can allow students to spread out and collaborate more easily without feeling anxious or overwhelmed in a small space.
#2. A Station In Need of Extra Training or Admin Space
Fire stations and police academies are important establishments within a city or state. Stations likely need a training center or classroom to equip new employees and maintain high standards.
Specifically, if you’re looking to provide training space in a remote or new location, modular can be a great efficient solution. Because of the speed of construction, we can help you get operations up and running faster.
The City of Groveland Fire Station knew that modular buildings were the right financial choice, and were able to have the entire building up and running in less than 3 months. Our team equipped them with living quarters that included bedrooms, laundry, an eating area, and a kitchen.
#3. A Park Is Looking For A Dedicated Welcome Center
There are multiple benefits to having community parks in your area. Whether you’re looking for a safe spot for your children to play or a green addition to your neighborhood, parks are a necessity for communities.
When you’re looking for a structurally sound welcome center, or even revamped bathrooms for your park, modular provides a versatile and cost-effective option.
A well-maintained welcome center gives your park guests an easily accessible place to ask staff questions, get information about the park’s amenities, and see a calendar of future events.
Portable bathrooms also help park users feel more comfortable and clean. Our modular restrooms also make your parks more attractive and appealing for guests.
#4. A Library Is Looking to Expand
Commercial modular buildings are very versatile and are great resources when a company is looking for temporary or swing space. Let’s say your library is looking to expand to include a new dedicated space for a non-fiction reading wing. As valuable as this new space is, you don’t want to shut down operations completely for the renovation.
That’s where modular planning gives you a huge advantage. Our team can customize the space to match your needs and have the structure ready in half the time as its traditional counterparts.
For an even faster completion, take a look at used modular buildings. These modules can be leased so it’s ideal for companies looking to fill a short-term need.
#5. A Highway Weigh Station Needs Set Up
Weigh stations are necessary along the highway to ensure the safety of trucks and other drivers. These stations are set up to ensure all trucks are abiding by the state and safety guidelines. If a truck is weighed heavier than regulation, it can cause severe damage to the roads and bridges.
To gain a better understanding of the comings and goings of the weigh station, you will also need a scale house. At BOXX Modular, our customized scale houses can be adapted to fit your specific needs and company requirements.
As you prepare for a new building or expansion, consider how modular construction in government can benefit you and your future needs.
Ready to solve your space needs?
Modular buildings are the way to go. Request a quote or contact us today to get the conversation started. We’d love to talk to you about how modular can meet — and exceed — your needs.