For schools and churches, space is always at a premium. Expansions are almost always needed, but the planning, permissions and construction can be complicated and time-consuming. Modular buildings that serve both temporary and permanent needs can be a good choice for schools, churches and businesses. Portable wood buildings provide extra space for expansions, while keeping costs low. These can be built much quicker than regular on-site construction, and are also more energy efficient than older buildings.

What are modular buildings?
Modular buildings are assembled in a factory environment. Unlike site-built homes, they are built in a controlled environment, without the delays and problems caused by bad weather like rain and wind. This means that they can be completed quickly, in just about a week or two. These are also less expensive to build than homes constructed on site. Modular units use less building material, and waste 35 to 40% less than similar units built on site.
As much as 60 to 90% of Permanent Modular Construction or PMC buildings are completed in the factory-controlled environment. They are then transported to the final building site for assembly. Opting for modular construction like portable wood buildings can reduce design and construction time by half. This can be a major advantage for schools, churches, and businesses looking to add more space quickly to meet immediate needs.

Advantages of modular buildings
Regular onsite construction projects can be expensive and time consuming. They also typically overrun budgets and schedules. Budgets must include costs of electrical, plumbing and duct work, and these can add as much as 20% to the initial estimate. In modular portable buildings, these fixtures are factored into the cost. Another major advantage of modular buildings is that they are much more energy efficient than their older counterparts.
A study conducted in 2003 by Washington State University for the Northwest Portable Classroom Project found that portable buildings that were built to the 1993 code were as much as 44% more energy efficient than their counterparts from 25 years earlier. Portables built to 2000 codes added 20% more energy efficiency than those built to 1993 code.

Space for expansion for businesses, schools or churches
Finished portable buildings give businesses, schools, and churches room to grow. Nearly a third, or 31% of all schools use modular units like portable wood buildings. These have a number of advantages, such as speed of delivery and relatively lower costs. They also give schools the flexibility to plan for shifting enrollment numbers.
Modular buildings likewise give churches and businesses room to expand and grow their activities without the delays and high costs associated with on-site construction. Portable wood buildings have quick delivery times, and are more energy efficient than older models.

As schools, churches and businesses expand and grow their activities, they find that they need more space. Modular buildings offer a simple solution with many advantages over on-site buildings. Adding portable wood buildings is both quicker and less expensive, and allows for flexibility in planning and implementation.