The Ultimate Guide to Modular Buildings

Modular buildings are becoming increasingly popular due to their quality, affordability, flexibility, and speed of delivery. VESTA provides high-end modular buildings to a wide variety of industries. We design and customize the interior and exterior of every new purchase to ensure it meets our client’s needs. VESTA also has a large stock of pre-owned buildings available for lease.

To help people understand the full scope of the modular construction industry, we created this helpful and comprehensive guide.

What Is Modular Construction?

Modular buildings are made in a factory-like environment under controlled conditions. The assembly-like nature of the process allows modular construction companies to maximize efficiencies and conserve resources. The money that is saved through modular construction is ultimately passed on to the customer.

Once the modular building is completed at the factory, it is sent to its final destination where it is professionally installed. Not only are modular buildings less expensive than traditional construction, but they can also be completed and delivered much faster.

Modular Construction vs. Prefab

While you may find that the terms modular and prefabricated are often used interchangeably, they actually describe different types of buildings. A prefabricated building or material is anything that is built in a factory and moved to another location. A modular building is a self-contained, prefabricated unit. While prefabricated buildings may have some assembly on site, modular buildings are delivered in a virtually completed state.

A prefabricated building is most commonly a slab-on-grade steel building that is erected on site, with MEP systems added after installation. Prefabricated buildings are typically used for buildings requiring a clear-span space with high ceilings, such as warehouses, manufacturing plants, and storage facilities.

Modular buildings arrive at the site complete with all interior/exterior finishes, including mechanical, electrical, and plumbing components. Modules simply need to be seamed together and connected to site utilities.

The Modular Construction Process

As the years have passed, modular construction has continued to innovate new ways of building high-quality, durable buildings. There can be a misconception that because modular buildings are less expensive than traditional construction, it must be because corners were cut in the construction process. This could not be further from the truth. Modular buildings are built to meet the same International Building Code (IBC) as site-built structures. In many cases, modular buildings use higher quality materials and craftsmanship than traditional buildings, because they are built robust enough to withstand transport to the job site.

Modular Building Materials

We use a variety of materials for modular construction, including wood, steel, and concrete. Our designers and builders work hard to ensure the strongest structural integrity possible for our buildings. Modular buildings are constructed on a steel frame and can be built with wood or non-combustible depending on the usage and building code requirements.

VESTA’s commitment to quality extends beyond just the structure of our buildings. Our heating and cooling systems, insulation, flooring, windows, and doors are all made with the utmost care and craftsmanship. The quality and durability of our materials is part of why VESTA Modular buildings hold their value and make for a smart investment.

The Advantages of Building Modular

Cost

We believe that quality structures should be affordable and attainable for every business. Not only are our buildings more affordable than traditional structures, but we also have a wide range of leasing and financing options. Whether you’re looking to purchase a building or sign a short-term lease for a temporary swing space, we have options that will fit your budget.

Customization

Everything from the exterior color and materials down to the interior layouts, flooring, and security features of each new purchase can be customized to meet our client’s needs. For instance, modular classrooms can be designed for different subjects such as music, chemistry, or computers. We also have a variety of standard classroom and office designs available for purchase or lease. Also, with Beyond the Box, our customers can lease furniture, appliances, accessibility features, and even access services such as office cleaning and beverage solutions.

Speed

Modular structures can be designed, built, and delivered much faster than traditional construction, which makes them an ideal choice for tight deadlines. VESTA also has a fleet of thousands of buildings that can be leased. Pre-owned structures that are immediately available for lease can be delivered in a matter of weeks. This allows organizations to start making use of their buildings much faster and also enables them to close the deal before another potential rise in interest rates.

Types of Modular Construction

Temporary Modular Buildings

Portable modular buildings are popular as job site trailers, classrooms, disaster response buildings, and swing spaces. Despite their label, temporary modular buildings last for decades with proper maintenance.

Permanent Modular Buildings

Permanent modular construction is often used for healthcare facilities, workforce housing, military bases, and educational buildings. Our permanent modular buildings can be expected to last around 50 years, though they can last much longer if they are properly maintained.

The Fastest Growing Modular Construction Company

In 2019, Inc. 5000 named VESTA Modular the fastest-growing construction company of any kind in the United States. We see this as recognition that more and more companies are discovering the quality and benefits of modular buildings. VESTA has been able to achieve this success over other modular construction companies by providing excellent customer service coupled with durable, flexible, and affordable modular buildings.

Choose a Modular Building for Your Business

Join the thousands of organizations that are discovering why modular buildings are the best option for their business. Reach out to VESTA Modular’s staff to receive a free quote.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Modular Construction Cheaper?

Yes, modular construction is more cost effective than traditional construction in multiple ways. Not only are the buildings themselves less expensive than traditional construction, but they can be ready for use much faster, providing more value to the customer by allowing them to open their building or school sooner. This is especially true during a period of interest rate hikes when finishing a project sooner will lock in the current interest rate before they’re raised again.

How Long Do Modular Buildings Last?

The lifespan of a modular building will depend on several factors, but you can be confident that your building will last for decades. Modular buildings are constructed with the same building materials as site-built construction and to the same building code.

Temporary modular buildings typically last between 25 and 30 years, depending on the circumstances. An office trailer moving between construction sites will likely receive more wear and tear than a portable classroom. Permanent modular buildings can be expected to last about 50 years. However, with proper care and maintenance, they can last for much longer.