Modular construction, also called prefabricated construction, is mainly of two types: mobile offices and modular buildings. Mobile offices are generally supply buildings used by construction companies for temporary office space while modular buildings are custom-built as per the user’s specifications.
Modular buildings are constructed in a factory-controlled environment using the same materials that are used for traditional buildings. The floor plan of the building is broken up into individual modules. The size of the module generally ranges in size from ten to eighteen feet in width and thirty six to seventy six feet in length.
Almost ninety percent of a modular building is factory-made. Each module is built with walls and ceilings. They are also fitted with carpets and wiring is done initially. A seamless building is assembled from the building modules when they reach the site. Most modular buildings consist of one or two modules.
Modular buildings can be used for different purposes. Schools, classrooms, daycare centers and dormitories are being built. Modular construction is also used to build office buildings, clubhouses and health care facilities.
There are however some design constraints in case of modular buildings. As the building is shipped via road, height of the modules is a major constraint. The modular buildings generally have a height of around eight feet unlike traditional construction, which can go up to a height of nine or ten feet. It is difficult to opt for modular buildings where height is a problem, like in the case of riding arenas and warehouses.
There are a variety of finishes to choose from for a modular building exterior, such as wood, steel and brick. Exteriors can be customized using windows, multiple doors and various roof treatments. There has been a recent trend of constructing more permanent modular buildings that require more on site construction.
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Modular Office Buildings
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Modern offices are being built using modular construction technology. Different units of the office are being constructed separately in building factories and later assembled on site. This helps to reduce time, labor and money, and thus proves quite feasible for office environments. When building a...
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Commercial Modular Buildings
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The popularity of commercial modular buildings is growing quickly, as both business owners and public officials have become aware of their advantages. Commercial structures vary from temporary single to multiple unit modules. They also have permanent, customized and original alternatives for specific needs of clients....
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Residential Modular Buildings
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Residential modular buildings are seen as the answer to the affordable housing void that exists. Mobile homes, which initially came up as the answer, have been written off as low-class. Residential modular buildings could be single tenements or multi-storied modular homes. They could also be...
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Concrete Modular Buildings
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Concrete modular buildings, also called as pre-cast or pre-fabricated concrete buildings, are the next step to steel modular buildings. Concrete is considered to be a tougher and less elastic material than steel. Also, concrete is less resistant to expansion and contraction due to weather and...
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Modular Buildings
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What Are Modular Homes?
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Modular homes are a modern form of construction, gaining its own space in the home building arena. It is very efficient and applies modern technology to the ever-growing needs of the market place. It has caught the fancy of many a builder as well as...
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The Advantages of Pre-Engineered Steel Buildings
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Steel is a remarkable material that has been steadily increasing in popularity for construction. It is 66% recyclable, which offers both environmental and financial benefits, and is especially strong and durable. There are a number of options available for building with steel, and one of...
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Modular School Buildings
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Modular school buildings have provided an answer to the bludgeoning population of students in schools across the world. Any number of classrooms can be added any time to the existing modular building, taking into account the availability of space. Modular school buildings can be assembled...
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Modular Building Costs
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Cost is the bottom line for any construction project. Modular buildings are cost effective because of less labor and material cost. Labor effort is maximized by factory-construction and material waste is minimized. Costs for modular buildings can differ quite radically from $35 to $200 per...
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Building A Modular Home
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A modular home is an interesting option for homeowners who have concerns about building a budgeted home. Modular homes are pre-assembled and are available in many styles, from cottages to log homes. They are constructed in a factory, out of pre-selected building components and then...