Planning Ahead for the School Year: When to Order Your Modular Classroom Building

Jan 23, 2023

When it comes to expanding the space in your school district, or college campus, you may have decided that modular construction is the way to go. The fast turnaround time of modular buildings likely played a big role in your decision. However, you may now be wondering at what point in the process should you place your order to ensure the classroom building is ready by your desired deadline.

To help answer this question, we've put together a guide that outlines the steps involved in constructing a modular classroom, identifies potential delays, and provides recommendations on when to place your order. This will help you plan accordingly and ensure that your new space is ready when you need it.

When to Order Your Modular Classroom Building

Modular buildings have become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to their ability to significantly reduce construction timelines and time-to-occupancy by as much as 50%. These buildings can typically be completed in just two to three months, making them a great option for a variety of industries.

However, it's important to keep in mind that the best time to order a modular building can vary depending on the industry you're in. For school districts, April and May are typically the best months to place orders for modular classrooms, libraries, or cafeterias due to increased enrollment and limited space. This allows for enough time for construction, delivery, and installation prior to the start of the new school year. In higher education, orders are typically placed a little earlier, in January or February.

Overall, it's important to keep in mind that the best time to order a modular building will vary depending on the industry you're in. By planning ahead and placing your order at the right time, you can ensure that your modular classroom building is completed and ready for use as soon as possible.

Prepare for Unexpected Delays

Modular construction has its benefits in comparison to traditional construction, mainly because 90% of the total construction is performed inside of a manufacturing facility. This not only prevents weather delays from occurring but also creates a streamlined process. However, unforeseen circumstances can always arise, so it’s important to keep them in mind for when you’re planning out your school’s construction schedule.

1. Used Classroom Shortages - Used modular classrooms are often in high demand, and when one project ends, the buildings are modified and sent to a new location. This can lead to periods of time when used buildings are not readily available.

2. Building Material Price Increases – Inflation has impacted the entire economy, and that includes construction materials. As the demand for construction grows, the cost of materials like softwood lumber and gypsum may increase. This is especially true during the summer months, when construction for schools is at its peak.

3. Permit Delays - Obtaining building permits can be a time-consuming process, and modular construction requires the same permits as conventionally-built projects. It's important to figure out which permits are required for your classroom building early in the process to avoid delays.

4. Building Design Changes - Having a solid design in place before construction begins can help you avoid delays, but even the best-laid plans can change. Any changes to your classroom plans that require design revisions can seriously delay your project delivery.

5. Natural Disasters - In the wake of natural disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes, and flooding, communities often turn to modular buildings to serve as temporary classrooms, offices, cafeterias, and more. These projects are often given priority, which can put a hold on your own modular construction project.

To avoid delays, it's a good idea to add some cushion into your project timelines. This way, if you encounter any of the bottlenecks listed above, you'll have time to get back on track and avoid delaying occupancy to your school.

Why Start Now?

It is important to start planning for new classroom space as early as possible, in order to ensure that it will be ready for the next school year. If you begin planning out your classroom space and contact a contractor early in the year, then you're more likely to lock them in before competitors. The summer months are also the ideal time to add classrooms, as students and faculty are on vacation and construction can be completed without disrupting daily operations or posing safety risks. Starting the planning process now will ensure that temporary modular classrooms can be installed during the summer break.

Portable Classroom Buildings Are the Perfect Solution

Modular classroom buildings are a cost-effective option for public education, providing comfortable temporary learning spaces. Many school districts opt to lease these buildings, allowing them to return them when no longer needed or switch to permanent construction in the future. Additionally, the quick delivery and setup time make them a convenient choice for schools. The option to make affordable monthly payments also allows for flexibility in school budgets.