When it comes to modular construction, there is a big problem you need to know about. 

It’s an image problem.

For some people, just hearing the term “modular construction” instantly generates images of cheaply built, mass-produced, virtually identical buildings that will fall apart almost as soon as they hit the ground.

While there still may be cases where some of that is true, many of today’s modular buildings are robust, highly customizable and in many ways, far superior to traditional brick and mortar buildings.

As a division of RedGuard, CoverSix represents the leading edge of modular design and construction to governmental agencies, military operations and the security industry, worldwide. To do our part to help rebrand the entire category, we have pulled together the following advantages of modular construction you should keep in mind when considering your next building project. These are the four primary advantages of modular construction: 

1. They save time and money

First, while modular buildings aren’t cheaply built, they’re definitely cheaper to build than traditionally built buildings. In fact, it has been estimated that a modular building can be as much as 35 percent less expensive than its stick-built counterpart.
So, what’s responsible for this huge cost discrepancy?

Time.

Modular buildings can be constructed in 25 to 50 percent of the time it takes to build a traditional building—and nearly all of it is done off-site. From design, engineering, permitting and approval, all of the way through the entire manufacturing process. Modular buildings come to life within a remote, controlled environment.

That means rain or shine, sleet or snow, extreme heat or extreme cold, nothing delays the progress of a modular building. And no delays means maximized labor efficiency. 

When it comes to actually getting a building up and running, it is as easy as bolting it down to the foundation, connecting its sections and hooking it up to plumbing and electricity—drastically decreasing an operation’s downtime.

2. Modular Buildings Can Increase Safety

At CoverSix, when we talk about safety, we’re generally referring to the blast- and ballistic-resistance of our structures, but as an added bonus, the entire construction process of modular buildings offers its own set of safety advantages.

With approximately 80 percent of construction being completed remotely, there are fewer contractors on site. Fewer contractors on-site means a decreased chance of accidents and less interruptions to your operation.

For example, since no on-site welding needs to take place when a modular building is erected, there is absolutely no danger of welding-related safety risks that normally require the shutdown of all surrounding operations. 

So, whether it is reducing the threat of worksite accidents or the possibility of opening your site up to potential theft, modular construction is the safest way to add to your facility.

3. They are higher quality

We have talked about it before, but it’s time to put this whole issue of reduced quality to bed once and for all. Because not only is it not true, the real truth is actually the exact opposite.

For starters, CoverSix modular buildings—and many others on the market—are built on solid steel frames where as stick-built structures are just that, stick-built.

Second, modular construction is carried out within a controlled environment, which virtually eliminates all of the normal variables that come into play with traditional construction. There’s simply no “playing it by ear” or making alterations on the fly. Modular buildings are built to exacting standards with precision and care.

In fact, one of the main detractions from modular construction in the past has been that a lot of the planning that goes into these buildings occurs at the front end of the project. While this is true and may prevent one’s ability to jump right into a project, we actually see this as a good thing.

By working out so many of the details upfront, modular construction vastly reduces the possibility of any surprises popping up once you get rolling. And, let’s face it, any surprises or last-minute alterations that come up during a project are rarely a good thing and usually only threaten the ultimate integrity of the structure.

Lastly, modular buildings offer all of the internal finishes and amenities of a traditionally constructed building, providing all of the comforts and convenience modern workers have come to expect. 

4. Modular is scalable

No discussion of the advantages of modular construction would be complete without mentioning scalability. 

Just because modular buildings are mounted on concrete foundations doesn't mean they can’t be easily changed when a facility’s needs change. While traditionally constructed buildings would need to be torn down if a company needed to expand or reconfigure its site, modular buildings can simply be moved or added to without losing a company’s initial investment.

So, if down the line, you find that you need more restrooms or an additional control room, getting it is as easy as just dropping in a new section and it will all flow to together seamlessly and be built to last.

The Final Word on Modular Structures

If you’ve ruled out modular construction based on decades-old perceptions, it’s time to take a fresh look. Not only do modular buildings offer huge savings in both time and money, they are stronger built and more adaptable than any of their stick-built counterparts. With modular buildings you never have to compromise on quality or worry about the strength of your investment, you can always get exactly what you want even if those needs change over time.

Learn more about the variety of modular buildings available from CoverSix or contact us today to discuss your next project.