Top 5 Questions About A Portable Classroom Building

A new year and decade are around the corner, so it may be time to begin thinking ahead to next year’s construction needs. Here are the top five Q&A about portable classroom buildings that can help you decide if a temporary is right for you.

Cost to purchase a modular classroom building

Sale prices for new V-B type standard temporary modular classroom buildings generally range between $50 and $100 per square foot, not including site-work, delivery, and installation. Each modular building has its own set of specifications so it is important to understand that these ranges are for a general frame of reference.

NOTE: Pricing beyond the building could include site-work, foundations, delivery, installation, access systems, utility runs, and potentially much more. Every job site and project is different, so pricing can vary widely.

2. What is the useful life of a temporary classroom building?

Assuming proper maintenance, temporary modular classroom buildings can have a useful life of between 20 and 30 years. The limit on useful life primarily has to do with the fact that these classrooms are set up, disassembled, and relocated numerous times to different locations throughout this time.

The temporary nature of a modular building is defined by the intended use, the foundation design and the way it is affixed to the foundation, rather than by the building’s structural design. In other words, a modular building built for relocation has the capability of being affixed as a permanent building. Just because it is called temporary, does not mean it cannot be used for an extended period of time on your school’s campus.

3. How long does it take to get a temporary classroom building?

Every modular building project will vary, but generally the time frame from start to completion of construction is roughly 8-20 weeks. By purchasing or leasing a used modular classroom building you may be able to cut this time frame in half.

NOTE: Generally the building construction and installation go quickly, but the design of the building (for custom buildings) and permitting of the project can slow your project substantially. The summer is a very busy time for portable classroom building installations which can affect your anticipated schedule.

Reasons to lease a modular classroom building

Temporary need with an adequately defined end date
Temporary swing space is needed for students during large renovation projects
Want a low monthly payment to help contain upfront capital expenditures
Don’t want to borrow from a financial institution
Don’t want to own the building
Want big ticket items such as mechanical components and large maintenance items to be covered while the building is being leased

NOTE: When you lease a modular classroom building, you need to anticipate that there will be charges for the building to be disassembled and removed from your property at the end of your lease.

5. Can a portable classroom be customized?

Yes, portable classroom buildings can be designed and built to your exact specifications. Layout, mechanical components, material selections, and aesthetic feature options are seemingly endless.

Note: Typically heavily customized portable classroom buildings can only be purchased, not leased. If the ceiling height you need exceeds 8 or 9 feet, it may not be cost effective for you to select modular construction.

For more than twenty years, schools have trusted BOXX Modular as the provider of their classroom needs, and they continuously see the benefits that modular buildings have to offer their faculty and students. The flexibility, speed, and versatility of modular is unmatched.