SMM offers discounted previously leased modular buildings for a quick and affordable solution. If buying a portable building outright at this time isn’t feasible, the solution could be renting a portable building. With renting, you have the opportunity of finding an affordable modular building that fits your needs and budget. Renting quality portable buildings can be a wise choice for business owners, contractors, homeowners and municipalities.
Sustainable Modular Stories
Modular Construction: What’s it Made Of?
When it comes to modular construction, the question of quality often arises. Are modular buildings sturdy? Are they built to last? How can a modular building be structurally sound if it is made of modules? The fact is, modular buildings are made out of the same sturdy materials that are used to build conventional construction. Think wood, steel and concrete. The main difference being, modular construction is manufactured in a factory setting.
Modular buildings must adhere to the same codes as conventional construction and oftentimes exceeds those very standards, producing stronger buildings. Modular construction is portable and people often perceive portable buildings as cheap. In reality, the portable nature of modules makes them stronger, as they have to withstand transportation and multiple uses. When they are delivered to the construction site, modules are set onto sound foundations with the use of cranes and then assembled. So, despite the fact that they are portable, they should not be mistaken for say, mobile trailers.
When you break it down, modular construction and on-site construction produce nearly the same finished product–it’s the process of getting to the finish line that differs. In the case of modular construction, your overall timeline is a fraction of site-construction. Indoor manufacturing means there is no off-season and no weather delays. Your construction “site” is more efficient, safer, and sustainable and therefore more cost-effective for you. Furthermore, materials are kept in a controlled environment so they aren’t prone to damage or theft.
Contrary to popular belief, modular construction is typically stronger than conventional construction. Constructed of wood, steel and concrete, and built intentionally to be used and reused, modular construction produces buildings that are built to last.
To learn more about SMM and our work in modular construction, check out our case studies.
February 12, 2018
Modular Construction Checklist: Where to Get Started
Are you planning a modular construction project in 2018? When it comes to planning for a successful build, it’s crucial to have a team of experts working with you to help execute your vision. If you aren’t sure where to get started, or perhaps you are confused about financing, we’re here to help. Below we’ve mapped out the step by step process typically involved in the construction of a modular building.
Location and Budget
First you’ll need to find and secure the right piece of land for your building and purchase the property. At the same time, you should be planning a project budget that accounts for labor, site management, finishes, permits, accounting for any expenses that may arise along the way. With a location nailed down and a budget in place, you can apply for financing.
Financing
Next, determine how you are going to finance your modular build. You have a budget, but you have to decide what kind of financial terms you need. If your needs are permanent, you may set up a payment plan over an extended period of time, or if you only require a lease, you may have different payment terms. Talk with your construction provider to learn more about their financing options and read our blog post, How to Finance Your Modular Build.
Design
Next, you’ll work with an architect or your construction provider to design the layout of your building and review other specifications. Do you need handicap accessible ramps at every entrance? Are you building a medical facility that will require hazardous waste receptacles? Make sure you work with a company that knows the specific codes and requirements relevant to your building needs. At this time, you will create a floor plan and decide on interior and exterior finishes, being mindful of your budget every step of the way.
Permits
You’ll need to review your building plans with your city and acquire the necessary permits before you can begin working on the construction site. Once your plans are approved, you can get started.
Site Work and Manufacturing
With zoning and building permits approved, you can begin preparing your construction site at the same time your modular provider begins manufacturing your building. With modular construction, site work and plant work can happen simultaneously which dramatically decreases your overall timeline.
Installation
Once your foundations have been laid and the site work is complete, you can begin installing and assembling your modular building, landscaping, and preparing for occupancy.
Ready to get started on your next modular project? Contact SMM today!
February 5, 2018
How to Finance Your Modular Build
When it comes to financing your modular build, you should know all of your options upfront. Whether you intend to outright purchase your modular structure or lease it, you should speak directly with your construction provider to learn about their options and be prepared to establish the proper financing needed.
You may find that your financing needs will change depending on if you are in the market for a medical facility or a school. Below are the most common financing options modular construction companies offer. See which one may be right for you.
Purchase
You can purchase a modular building to own at a specified price with payment terms.
Payment Plan
You can purchase a modular building with extended payment terms.
Operating Leases
You can lease a modular building for a specified lease term and when the lease is up, either return the building, renew the lease, or purchase the building at an agreed upon price. Operating leases are popular in the education and government sector due to the nature of their needs.
Capital Leases
You can lease a modular building for a specified term and then have the ability to purchase the building at a reduced cost when the lease is over. You then will have ownership of the building when all payments have been made. This financing option is popular with commercial space renting.
Click here to learn more about SMM’s financing options.
January 23, 2018
How Modular Construction is More Sustainable
Did you know modular construction is a greener way to build? The indoor manufacturing of modular units not only cuts down your construction timeline and costs, it can reduce pollution and waste associated with traditional construction.
Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
Made from recyclable materials, and built intentionally to be assembled and disassembled, modular buildings can be reused, recycled and relocated. Modular buildings are made of modules which makes them portable. They are designed for efficient breakdown without demolition or disturbance to the construction site. Then, they can be moved to an entirely different site to be used by someone else with minimal wear and tear.
Environmentally Friendly
There is less waste associated with modular construction because materials are in a controlled environment where they are not prone to damage or theft. Off-site manufacturing and indoor construction significantly reduces any disturbances to the environment by minimizing the release of contaminants. Additionally, modular construction is also incredibly energy efficient, as it takes less time to build and install modular units.
Modular construction, as a whole, is a more sustainable way to build. Built to the same codes and standards as stick built construction, modular buildings are just as structurally sound as conventional construction, and as an added bonus are better for the environment.
Interested in sustainable, modular construction? Contact SMM to learn more today!
January 16, 2018
Rebuilding After Natural Disasters with Modular Construction
From one of the worst hurricane seasons we’ve seen in years, to unprecedented forest fires in California, the natural disasters that swept through in 2017 have left mass destruction in their wake. The devastation from strong winds, fires and heavy flooding damaged innumerable buildings beyond repair and left communities in need of rebuilding. With time being the scarcest resource of all in emergency situations, modular construction is one of the most time and cost effective ways to provide fast relief.
Modular construction is manufactured indoors which reduces the timeline and cost, yet produces aesthetically and structurally sound buildings. This reduced timeline means faster relief to the affected areas. Modular construction providers can manufacture a variety of temporary and permanent structures, ranging from modular classrooms to medical facilities. Often times, modular providers have previously used units ready to be deployed at a moment’s notice.
Portable units and temporary structures are great for immediate relief to be used as shelter or supply distribution. Modular construction can also be utilized to rebuild permanent structures in a timely fashion to help get schools and businesses back up and running. While your permanent structure is being manufactured, modular construction companies can provide mobile offices and classrooms as a temporary solution in the meantime.
Disaster prone areas should always have a relief plan in place, and while natural disasters are unavoidable and often unpredictable, communities can get back on their feet with the right support and efficient relief efforts.
See how SMM helped rebuild Joplin, MO after the 2011 tornado.
January 9, 2018
Don’t Waste Money on Traditional Construction, Go Modular
Modular construction involves off-site construction, usually in a large plant or factory setting, where modular units are manufactured and later transported and installed to a designated site. Modular construction is often overlooked due to the misconceptions that the result is less aesthetically appealing or stable as opposed to conventional construction.
In actuality, modular construction is a more sustainable and efficient mode of construction that features better structural integrity, is fully customizable, can be portable or permanent, and is far more cost-effective than conventional construction.
On-Site vs. Off-Site
Traditional construction takes place on-site from day one, meaning the timeline is strictly linear. Before you can start building, you have to first complete the foundation and on-site work. With modular construction, you can move forward with on-site work at the same time as the modular buildings are being constructed. With modular construction, during the fabrication stage, you never have to account for weather delays because the units are constructed indoors.
Safety
Traditional and modular construction sites are accident prone, however, the factory conditions involved in modular construction mitigate a lot of those hazards. Manufacturing the building indoors creates greater quality control and less opportunity for on-site injuries. Overall, there are fewer workers involved in modular builds and those workers in the factory are never exposed to harsh weather conditions.
Flexibility
Modular buildings, unlike stick built, can be temporary or permanent solutions, depending on the immediate need of the customer. They are portable and can be easily disassembled and moved if need be. Often times, modular providers will lease units to customers for terms from 12 months to several years. With modular construction, you also have the ability to customize your design similar to stick built; you aren’t stuck with choosing between model building a, b, or c.
December 18, 2017
Modular Construction: A Better Building Solution
Modular construction offers a wealth of benefits, starting with being cost-effective and overall more efficient than traditional construction. Modular buildings are constructed indoors, which allows for that smaller price tag and shorter timeline. Whether you need a temporary structure or something permanent, modular construction is a great option. Here are the top five reasons you should go modular.
Sustainable
Modular construction generates far less debris. Modular buildings can also be relocated or the materials can be disassembled and reused for new construction reducing the need for more raw materials.
Faster
Modular units are assembled indoors so you don’t have to worry about unpredictable weather delays dragging out your construction timeline. While your modular building is under construction, site work such as building foundations, can be done at the same time which cuts down your overall timeline. In the event of natural disasters, modular construction is a time-effective solution to get damaged buildings such as schools back up and running.
Cost-Effective
By saving you time, modular construction also saves you money. If you’re looking for an even more economical solution, modular buildings can also be leased.
Customizable
If you’re looking for a sophisticated building solution, keep in mind that modular buildings are fully customizable. You can customize anything from interior finishes such as countertops to exterior access points such as ADA compliant ramps. Want your new structure to match an existing building? Modular construction can have the same look and feel as traditional construction for a smaller price tag and can be built on a tighter timeline.
Quality
Modular buildings are constructed with the same materials as traditional construction and are built to withstand being transported and craned onto the foundations. Therefore, modular buildings are generally stronger than conventional construction.
December 13, 2017
How to Prevent Construction Site Injuries
From large machinery to heavy raw materials, construction sites are a hotbed of accidents and injuries waiting to happen. As frequent as job site accidents occur, they are oftentimes avoidable when the right safety measures are taken. To help keep your crew safe and lower the amount of accidents, have everyone take the following precautions.
Know the Risks
Being aware of your surroundings and the dangers of the job you are performing could save you, or someone else, from a fatal accident. Construction site hazards include falling objects, live wires, uneven terrain, and moving vehicles or machinery. Be mindful of those around you and how your actions or mistakes could harm another worker. If you’re working on an elevated surface, ensure your tools are tethered and don’t discard or drop anything that could strike someone working below.
Dress Properly
Construction site workers should always show up to work wearing standard safety apparel to protect themselves in the event of an accident. This includes hard hats, protective goggles, steel toe boots and gloves. If you are working on a rooftop or scaffolding, you should always wear secure harnesses. If you’re working at night, wear reflective vests and clothing to prevent getting hit by trucks and machinery. Remember, the proper safety equipment can be the difference between a small scratch and a serious injury.
Avoid Exhaustion
Manual labor is intense work that can easily fatigue workers. When workers get tired, they are more likely to make mistakes, which can lead to a job site accident. To help keep energy up, encourage frequent breaks so workers can hydrate and fuel up with healthy snacks. When working at length in direct sunlight, cover exposed skin and drink plenty of water.
Go Modular
Because modular construction units are manufactured indoors, there are fewer construction site hazards, however, accidents can still occur. At the project site, if you are performing overhead work such as guiding modular units, or setting a building on its piers, be observant at all times to avoid mishaps or injuries. When manifolding plumbing under modular buildings, workers should also make sure the building is stable beforehand.
When you are aware of your surroundings, wear protective gear, and make sure you and your team are alert, you can greatly improve the safety of a construction site.
November 27, 2017
New Mexico Veterans Healthcare System – Albuquerque, NM
The New Mexico Veterans Healthcare System needed a research administrative building, administrative office building, and a laboratory building.
SMM provided a 4,621 sq ft research administrative modular building comprised of several research rooms, offices, break room and a data closet. The project included a 4,427 sq ft building addition with office space for administrative personnel from the engineering departments. Lastly, SMM built a 3,975 sq ft modular research laboratory building housing administrative offices and research facilities. The modular buildings included data closets, a break room and a large open area for cubicles. SMM built, delivered and installed all of the modular buildings and worked with additional trades to complete the fire sprinkler, fire alarm, voice/data, and utility connections during the installation process.
- Manufacturing
- Delivery
- Installation
- Fire alarm and sprinkler systems
- Voice/data
- Utility connections
October 3, 2017