How Are Modular Buildings Constructed & Transported?

Modular buildings are simply any building, residential or commercial, that is constructed in a manufacturing location rather than a construction site.

The benefits of erecting a building in a factory are that the construction timeline is not impacted by the weather conditions. For example, the construction site may not be ready for the construction to begin due to freezing conditions as well as wet or flooded conditions, or it could be that the site has not been cleared and graded allowing for an appropriate level construction site.

The factory environment is indoors, climate controlled, and constructed by certified professionals in the modular building world. As with conventional construction, factory personnel are supervised by a project manager and the building is built to the necessary building codes. The building is inspected at the multiple stages of construction by a 3rd party engineering firm responsible to the council for which the building is being erected, and upon completion, is given an official seal of approval from the engineering firm. Whilst this process is taking place, the construction site is being prepared. Or in the instance of inconsistent weather, while it is either snowing or raining, the building is being constructed indoors away from all these possible distractions.

The term modular is in reference to sections of the building that are built elsewhere and delivered with flooring, wall covering, electrical, and mechanical components complete to its eventual destination i.e. the site of construction. The modules are transported ‘over the road’ by a transportation company, and the type and size of the modular building will determine how it will be placed and delivered.

For example, a modular building that is 24’ x 60’ will consist of two 12’ x 60’ modules and will require two transportation vehicles. Therefore, a 36’ x 60’ modular building will be made of up three 12’ x 60’ modules and require three transportation vehicles for delivery. It’s as simple as that!

When to Use Modular Buildings: Three Things You Need to Know

  1. Flexibility

In an economic climate of constant change, organisations must make sure that all aspects of their business operations are flexible, this way they can adapt at a moment’s notice to take advantage of potential opportunities and stay competitive. Re-locatable real estate assets make your organisation even more agile. KC Cabins Solutions gives your organisation the capability to disassemble, relocate or refurbish the modules to meet personal requirements. You can contract and expand space quickly by adding or taking out modules. Modular construction also reduces disruption to your operations, surrounding buildings as well as the environment.

  1. Maximise Your Allocated Budget

KC Cabins Solutions offer incredible productivity and cost gains on your project. For example, modular construction bids typically include all of the mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and structural sealed plans as part of the package, which provides excellent savings to clients on their architectural costs. In addition, KC Cabins have established relationships with vendors and suppliers as well as the ability to purchase materials in larger quantities and at a competitive price. Off-site construction reduces labour and supervision costs as our skilled workers build modular buildings at a fixed price. You also avoid conflicts with scheduling trades and other delay issues.

  1.  Use Modular When you Value Better Construction Quality

Modules constructed off site must meet the same building codes and regulatory requirements, such as IRC or IBC, as other types of construction. However, KC Cabins techniques make the modules much stronger than conventional construction. Each module undertakes a strict engineering process to make sure that the section can withstand transportation to the site and when guided onto the foundations. Storage of the materials in a climate-controlled environment also keeps them safe from deterioration or damage from moisture, extreme temperatures and other elements. Skilled workers build the modules on tables, guaranteeing consistent precision in the work place. Builders assemble the modules on site with strict adherence to local, state and national building code requirements.

The Value of Modular Buildings & How They Can Save You Money

There are multiple reasons as to why and how modular buildings can save you money more than conventionally built structures. The purpose of this article is to examine the pivotal reasons behind the cost savings connected to making the decision to buy a modular building. Also, how KC Cabins Solutions engineering strategies saves client’s money and increases the value of the completed building.

Defined perfectly by the office of management and budget, engineering or ‘analysis’ is “an organised effort directed at analysing the functions of systems, equipment, facilities, services, and supplies for the purpose of achieving essential functions at the lowest life-cycle cost consistent with the required performance, reliability, quality, and safety.”

VE concepts have been implemented to construction projects in numerous ways. The purpose of VA is to improve the cost an owner receives from a constructed project. This value can be demonstrated as the relationship between the functional benefits of a project and the cost required to carry them out. Improved value results from optimising this relationship can be demonstrated by the following…

Cost ÷ Functional Benefits = Value

KC Cabins regularly introduces value engineering strategies to seek the optimum result for the client’s requests. Applying VE concepts to Palomar projects for several years gives us the experience to expedite the process on successive projects.

 

Building Regulations & Planning Permission

What do Portable Buildings Require in Order to Comply with Building Regulations & Planning Permission?

Anyone interested in building and purchasing a building work has a compulsory responsibility by law to ensure the work complies with the relevant regulations and that they use an approved Building Control Service. This includes the installation of a modular building system whether it is new or 2nd hand.

The Difference Between Building Regulations and Planning Permission

Abiding by building regulations and receiving planning permission are both very different matters. Building regulations set the bar for design and construction of buildings. Planning permission is used to guide the way towns, cities and the countryside are developed. Planning takes into account the external appearance and the impact the development will have on the local area. The building regulations are a set of standards for design and construction which apply to most new buildings and many alterations to existing buildings. This ensures buildings, including modular and portable buildings, are manufactured to an approved standard. They cover various parts including structural elements, fire safety, ventilation and the energy use of the building.

If you are purchasing and organising the supply and installation of a modular building personally, the responsibility for approval of the building regulations will be yours. If you are employing a contractor the responsibility will usually be with that company, however, you should confirm this position at the very beginning. You should also be aware that if you are the owner of the building, it is ultimately you who may be served with an enforcement notice if the work does not comply with the regulations.

The Building regulations consist of various parts. Each part is lettered and deals with a specific requirement. These are as follows:

Part A: Structural

Part B: Fire safety
Part C: Resistance to contaminants and moisture
Part D: Toxic substances
Part E: Resistance to sound
Part F: Ventilation
Part G: Sanitation hot water safety and water efficiency
Part H: Drainage and waste disposal
Part J: Heat producing appliances
Part K: Protection from falling
Part L: Conservation of fuel and power
Part M: Access to and use of building
Part N: Glazing safety
Part P: Electrical safety