Four Benefits of Portable Buildings for Business

Minimal Distractions For Business

Organising the development of your business location can be highly frustrating. Out of hours construction isn’t cheap, though neither is the loss of productivity that without question be encountered when construction takes place during office hours. Modular buildings are the number 1 solution to this problem, as the buildings are pre-fabricated, with up to 90% of the construction carried out off-site in a factory environment. And as little as 10% of the construction taking place on-site, therefore noise and disruption are considerably reduced.

Time Saving

Contradictory to traditional construction, modular techniques enable different parts to be carried out at the same time e.g. the ceilings can be constructed simultaneously to the walls. This would not be possible using the old method of construction. The construction of individual components can also take place at the same time as the initial site work. These advantages clearly reduce construction times, making sure that your building is completed in as little time as physically possible. As the majority of the construction work is under taken in a factory, lots of potential delays can be tackled before they even happen e.g. the project’s timeline is highly unlikely to be disrupted by any inconvenient weather.

Environmentally Friendly

Modular buildings are a fantastic option if you are worried about your businesses environmental contribution. According to a recent study carried out independently, it’s now possible to reduce wasted materials by up to 90% by selecting modular buildings over old fashioned construction style. As well as the reduced wastage, the materials used in the modular development can regularly be recycled. If you no longer have need for the modular building, the components can be recycled within your company, or could be reused at an alternative site. Construction plans utilising modular techniques are likely to have a lower carbon footprint than traditional alternatives. Fewer vehicles are required to transport materials to and from the construction site, resulting in lower emissions. The majority of the building is delivered at the end of the project, when it is ready to be installed.

Installation of Flexible Solutions

The needs of your business are constantly evolving, which can make it difficult to commit to a particular building solution. Traditional construction methods are rigid, affording little flexibility. Should your requirements change in the future, additional building work can be costly and time consuming. With modular construction, your building can evolve along with your needs. The modules can often be deconstructed and reassembled in different configurations, reducing the time and cost associated with making changes to your building.

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