Commercial modular buildings are replacing traditional construction methods with prefabricated components that can be quickly set up and used. These code-compliant structures are created in an off-site location and are designed for easy on-site assembly.
With such benefits, commercial modular buildings are gaining ground among builders, contractors, and business managers who need functional structures erected quickly. It’s a particularly popular solution for the education, retail, and healthcare industries that need adjunct space or training, meeting, meals, offices, storage, etc.
Should you be considering commercial modular buildings for your business? To help you see if this option and its benefits are right for you, we take a closer look at what modular construction is, the different types of commercial modular buildings, and list its advantages.
If you’ve ever played with Lego and other building bricks as a child, you’ll understand the appeal of modular construction. This type of building method works in pretty much the same way. Modules or sections are constructed in an off-site factory-controlled setting before being transported and assembled where they’re needed. They follow the same protocols as standard construction buildings but are completed faster and more efficiently.
What types of modular construction buildings are available to you?
Commercial modular construction buildings fall into three broad categories:
Relocatable Modular Buildings
50 to 90% of a relocatable modular building can be constructed in a manufacturing facility. Relocatable components can include interior and exterior fixtures, finishes, and even mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) fittings.
These buildings can be moved and repurposed to meet businesses’ changing needs. Relocatable modular buildings are ideal for projects with tight deadlines and landowners who need a temporary setup for contract-based projects. These buildings undergo rigorous quality checks and expel less waste compared to traditional on-site construction.
Permanent Modular Buildings
Permanent modular buildings rely on sustainable manufacturing methods for the construction of single and multi-story modules that are constructed on a permanent foundation.
A permanent modular building’s internal and external walls can be constructed off-site and then arranged on-site to complete a building’s frame. Before permanent flooring is installed, modular buildings are lifted with a crane and placed on foundations with beam, pier, and concrete styles.
Hybrid Modular Buildings
Hybrid buildings work well for complex projects that require a combination of modular and traditional construction methods, such as in cases where intricate architecture, strict fire codes, and extensive space requirements significantly prolong delivery dates and make construction more complicated. To reduce costs and fast-track turnover times, traditional construction can incorporate modular components. Hybrid construction lets contractors and manufacturers work together on projects by retrofitting prefabricated modules to existing building designs.
Modular construction can solve several problems related to waste, cost, tight deadlines, and inflexible designs. Here’s why commercial modular construction is the way forward:
These are three major stages involved in erecting commercial modular buildings:
Design and Approval: Architects, designers, and engineers plan the design of commercial modular buildings together. Interior and exterior plans are created and tested through a Building Information Modeling (BIM) system or similar software. Contractors will ensure adherence to on-location building codes and zoning permits.
Once the plans are finalized, the owner will approve them, submit them to a third-party association or group for further approval, and submit building permit applications.
The design process takes place once the important paperwork and plans are approved and given the go-ahead.
Construction and Inspections: After excavation and construction start, modules are simultaneously built in a factory. The modular construction crew is comprised of carpenters, painters, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) professionals, plumbers, flooring and drywall finishers, and the like. Since the project incorporates a multitude of internal and external modules, the crew varies based on the project.
Structural and internal components are built and fitted, depending on the requirements of the project. As the modules are built, a compliance officer regularly visits the factory to ensure that the project meets stipulated building codes at every stage.
Transportation and the Erection of Modules: To ensure that the modules are road-worthy, manufacturers have to make each section strong and durable.
Transportation costs can go up significantly if the delivery location is more than 400 miles. Commercial modular building manufacturers must also take transportation restrictions and regulations into account to avoid transporting modules that are too large to be moved through certain routes.
Once the modules arrive, the sections are stacked or rolled out carefully on the foundation. The modules are then attached to each other with bolts and are weather-proofed. Manufacturers add the final touches by caulking and cladding external systems to finalize the structure. Interior additions such as cabinets and countertops will be constructed at the location if they weren’t done in the factory.
Modular construction buildings do not necessarily impact mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) engineering. HVAC systems can either be incorporated into modular designs at the manufacturing facility or on-site after the modules are assembled.
Like buildings and other commercial structures, HVAC systems with modular components are being adapted in real estate. Based on the same principle, modular HVAC systems are manufactured off-site and are later installed once the building is ready.
Why should you look into modular HVACs?
Modular HVAC solutions save space. They can take up to 50% less room than traditional HVAC systems, allowing you to get the most of your commercial space. Modular HVAC systems also produce less waste. By comparison, modular solutions only produce 2% to 3% of the waste that traditional systems generate.
Take advantage of modular HVAC solutions with leading commercial HVAC contractor Edison Parker & Associates. As one of the highly reliable and sought-after commercial HVAC companies in the tri-state area, Edison Parker has its own in-house team of commercial HVAC contractors to ensure that customers receive consistent quality services.
Edison Parker caters to large-scale establishments such as hotels, nursing homes, malls, and recreational centers. Our services include the installation and maintenance of new, existing, and replacement mechanical parts and commercial appliances, including modular commercial HVAC installations.
We can address all aspects of your HVAC system with our commercial HVAC services, so you can focus on other aspects of your building. Allow Edison Parker to match your technical requirements with our professional, knowledgeable, and reliable services.
To learn more, visit our official website or submit a quote request for your specific needs. You can also give us a call at 718 768 1600 or send us a message. We look forward to servicing your mechanical system needs with reliable service and quality parts!
718.768.1600