At iModular, we read rhythms of articles about modular construction and how it is becoming popular amongst architects, engineers, and conventional contractors around the globe. This is a welcome trend and a much-needed move toward a smarter way to solve space needs in literally every type of business, medical facility, government facility, school, or church.

If you are an architect representing an organization that has plans to design and build a new structure or if you are a business owner researching a better way to build, the article below has some compelling information for using modular construction as your building method. While this article is sponsored by Elliot Modular Building Solutions and does reference a project in the United Kingdom, the modular construction concepts described apply anywhere in the world.

Off-site Modular Construction: Building for the Future

Since the construction industry began to rebound in 2013, demand for modular off-site construction has increased. Between 2014 and 2017, the market is estimated to have progressed by 26% and is set to grow another 4% per year from 2018 to 2020.

Need more information about modular building? iModular.com is here to help answer your questions and assist you with finding the best supplier for your space needs in the U.S. or Canada. Call our Toll Free Modular Building Help Line at (800) 806-7485.

FEMA, Federal Agencies Ready as Hurricane Dorian Heads to Florida

WASHINGTON - Hurricane Dorian continues to gain strength and could be a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall somewhere along Florida's eastern shore sometime early next week. As FEMA and other federal partners work with officials in Puerto Rico and the U.S.

Are you searching for a deal on a modular building, mobile office trailer or portable classroom in Maryland?

Finding the right modular building or portable classroom at a fair or even deeply discounted price can be time consuming and frustrating - but it's very possible to find a great price to rent or buy in Maryland. The best advice we can give is to know what size modular or mobile structure you need, what floor plan will meet your business or school needs, when you need to occupy the space and for how long you want to rent or if you want to buy the modular building. Once you have this information talk to your local building and safety department about obtaining "use" permits and then contact Maryland suppliers for price quotes, floor plans and pictures.

Here are a few helpful tips if you are searching for space anywhere in the state of Maryland.

TOP SUPPLIERS: Here are some of the most reputable and commonly used suppliers of modular buildings, mobile office trailers and temporary portable classrooms in Maryland. These companies have used modular buildings in stock and can also help you if you are interested in having a modular building designed and manufactured to your specific space needs.

1. Williams Scotsman
2. Wilmot Modular Buildings
3. Modular Genius
4. Acton Mobile

Feel like going direct to a source to find a used modular building? Try calling the facilities department or physical plant manager's office at these large Maryland based companies and organizations. Organizations with large properties and growing work forces typically have modular buildings and mobile offices that are no longer needed.

Lockheed Martin
Northrop Grumman Department of Transportation Port Administration
University System of Maryland (facilities page)
Montgomery County Public Schools
Prince George's County Public Schools
Baltimore County Public Schools

Modular construction is quickly becoming a preferred method of building in the eyes of Architects, Engineers, and owners across the United States and abroad. In fact, many conventional building contractors are starting to view offsite construction as a faster and more economical way to deliver design-build solutions than their traditionally time consuming and more costly site-built methods.

Christian Lawrence of Rise Modular

In the article below the founder of Rise Modular of Minnesota reveals his reasons for believing why modular construction will become the norm rather than the exception for all types of residential and commercial building projects.

This is a good read if you are considering modular construction for your own project or if you are a builder that wants to investigate a new way of delivering high-quality structures to your clients in less time and more economically.

Q&A: Builder sees future in modular construction

If you visit a construction site today, you'll see the same sorts of workers, the same materials, the same hammers and nails that would've been a construction site from 40 or 50 years ago.

Click to enlarge this chart

The value of your used modular office trailer depends on several factors such as the age, floor plan and features, condition of the structure, condition of the roof and floor, condition of the heating and air conditioning system(s) and the amount of time, materials and effort it will take to remove and relocate it.

Age / Date of Manufacture
This factor is the most obvious. The newer the modular office trailer the better its resale value will be in most markets. Older modular buildings, even if in good condition, will have depreciated to a much lower value. Check your title or the identification tags typically found on one of the ends of the structure or its chassis for the manufacturer's insignia and date of manufacture.

Floor Plan & Dimensions
One of the first questions you should consider before you try to sell your used modular office trailer is whether or not it is a commonly used size and an "in demand" style of temporary building?

For example, a standard modular office trailer with typical interior offices, male and female / unisex bathrooms, heating and air conditioning, standard exterior doors and windows is very marketable. In comparison, a unique floor plan that has special doors and windows, odd shaped offices, shower and locker room areas, large kitchens or anything that was "customized" for a specific user's needs is more difficult to re-sell. Finally, dimensions matter and if you have a standard sized modular building it will be much easier to remove, transport and install at the buyer's location than if the length or width is odd. Typical modular office building sizes in the United States consist of sections that are 10' and 12' in width and range from, 40' to 60' in length.

Condition of the Structure, Roof & Floor
The condition of the modular office's major structural components is important for valuation and occupant's safety and security.

In most cases major problems with the roofing or flooring of the modular are easily identified. Here are some of the most common signs and symptoms that will negatively impact the value of your used modular office:

• Roof leaks / water inside the usable space
• Visible daylight through the roof
• Delaminated floor and wall finishes
• Mold / Mildew on ceiling tiles, wall finishes
• Drooping of the roof or floor

* Note: If you have made any modifications to the actual steel frame or roof structure of the modular office trailer you will need to show that a structural engineered approved the modifications. Otherwise you run a huge safety risk that the buyer must be made aware of in advance.

Heat, Air Conditioning, Electrical & Plumbing
Depending upon your location and climate patterns the heating and air conditioning system(s) installed on your modular office trailer can either be in good working condition or completely overworked and in need of maintenance, repair or replacement. This can effect the value and the cost the buyer will need to invest to bring the modular up to comfortable working condition.

If you are positive that your heating and cooling systems are in great working condition there is no need to look into this item. If not, it makes the best sense to call a local HVAC company and have them assess the condition and either complete the needed work or disclose what's needed with a formal price quote.

* Note: Most modular offices in the U.S. will have a Bard or Marvair wall mounted HVAC system. Wall mounts are fairly easy to maintain, repair or replace.

Removal & Relocation from Your Site
The final piece of the modular office resale puzzle is the condition of the site where the structure is currently located. The costs for removal and relocation can range based on the following questions:

• Does the modular office trailer have it's original wheels, axles and hitches? Check underneath the structure. 
• Are there site obstacles such as other modular trailers, traditional buildings, or landscaping that will need to be moved or removed to make removal of the modular trailer easier?
• Does the modular office trailer have wheelchair ramping, custom decking, awnings and steps that will need to be removed?
• If there are difficult utility connections who will handle these and pay for the permits and work required for safe disconnect
• What will it cost to return the site of the modular office trailer back to it's original condition?

Finally, if you are ready to sell any type of used modular office trailer, portable classroom or mobile office trailer it makes good sense to speak with one of iModular's experts. Be sure to take quality photos of the modular office's interior, exterior and any other important features and send them to us using our modular building resale tool. If you have the original floor plan and title you should send that as well.

Modular Buildings | Temporary and Permanent Prefabricated Buildings

Looking for prefab buildings? Explore customizable Mobile Modular buildings for mobile offices, classrooms and more for rent or sale. Request a quote today.

This used modular church building is available in Florida.

The Northwest Church of Christ in Saint Petersburg, Florida contacted iModular.com last week to donate their modular church building to another organization in Florida. The modular building has three classrooms, each with a private bathroom and three heat/air conditioning units. The church requires that the recipient cover the expenses of removal and relocation.

If you are interested in this modular church building donation, please complete the form below or call us directly on the Modular Building Help Line at (800) 806-7485. 

💡Here are some of the most important things you need to know if you are interested in using a modular church building on your campus:

1.) Permits from your local building and safety department are required in Florida. Visit your local office and find out what requirements you need to meet.

2.) You will need to provide wheelchair access using an ADA approved handicap access ramp to any modular building that the public will have access to. Learn about ADA and modular buildings in this post.

3.) Choose a site on your campus that has easy access and is level. This will make it easier to install the modular church building and less expensive. Plan for site work, including utility connections for power, water, and plumbing. This iModular post explains site selection and is helpful.

Modular Building donations can be a great way to help churches, private schools, and other non-profit organizations that need space for classrooms, meeting areas, after school programs. If you have a modular building or portable classroom and would like to donate it or sell it at below market price to help another organization complete the iModular Donation Form. 



Need more information about modular building? iModular.com is here to help answer your questions and assist you with finding the best supplier for your space needs in the U.S. or Canada. Call our Toll Free Modular Building Help Line at (800) 806-7485.