Temporary vs Permanent Modular Buildings

As the name implies, permanent modular buildings are designed for long-term use at a single location and are typically purchased, not leased. Once the contract is signed, you can generally expect to receive your permanent structure in about four months. 

When considering a permanent modular building, you'll find that they offer numerous advantages over traditional construction. Here’s why your business may be best suited to a permanent structure:

Below, we’ve broken down the similarities and differences between temporary vs permanent modular buildings. 

Temporary modular buildings are primarily built with wood-based materials, and their exteriors are often finished with steel. The construction process for permanent structures can utilize concrete and steel or wood for the framing.

When comparing temporary vs permanent modular buildings, it’s important to know that both types are designed and manufactured to meet the same building codes as traditional structures. They also undergo inspections during construction and must meet additional standards to endure transportation to the site.

However, permanent structures have more flexibility in terms of customization. They can be designed to meet an organization's specific needs and connect seamlessly to existing buildings by matching facades and structural details.

One of the key differences between temporary vs permanent modular buildings is how they are assembled and installed on-site. 

Temporary building structures are typically placed on plots of grass or parking lots and sit on decks or ramps 2 to 3 feet off the ground. Furthermore, these buildings are designed for easy disassembly. As a result, they are not attached to existing buildings, but rather connected via canopies or roof coverings. 

Unlike temporary modular buildings, permanent structures are installed with longevity in mind. Upon arrival, these buildings are affixed to permanent concrete foundations, which, like traditional structures, consist of poured concrete with rebar and crushed stone. There are two types of foundations you can choose from, depending on your needs:

• On-Grade Foundations: Poured around the building perimeter, requiring a crane to set each module.
• Raised Foundations: Use concrete piers or blocks, and the modules can be set without a crane.

After placement, the modules of the permanent structures are "sewn together" to create a unified structure.

Temporary building construction offers an accelerated timeline and can be on-site and ready for occupancy in as little as 30 days from the contract date. In the majority of cases, companies opt to lease temporary modular buildings, rather than buy them. We’ll get into this in more detail below. 

Permanent modular construction can be completed in as little as 60-90 days, which can reduce the project timeline by 30% to 50% compared to traditional construction. Depending on the scope of work, a project may require 4 months or more from the contract date.

The finance lease with a buyout option allows you to own your new modular building at the end of the lease term. You get to choose both the length of your lease (typically 24 to 72 months) and the final buyout amount upfront. 

Simply make your regular monthly lease payments, and when the term ends, you can complete the purchase by paying the predetermined buyout amount, which can be as low as a few thousand dollars—or even just one dollar.

An operating lease for a temporary modular building offers excellent flexibility alongside significant financial benefits. This arrangement ensures you can rent the space you want, on your timeline, and keep it for as long as necessary. 

The monthly payments are designed to be low, helping to balance your cash flow. Your monthly rate will be based primarily on the specific building you select and your chosen lease term, which usually runs from one to five years (12 to 60 months).