A portable buildings and modular buildings manufacturers directory including modular building, prefabricated buildings, prefabricated garages, modular offices, steel buildings, metal buildings, prefabricated steel buildings, portable storage buildings, pre-engineered buildings, guardhouses, and aluminum buildings.  

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About Modular Buildings

Modular buildings and portable buildings are structures fabricated in whole or in parts prior to the onsite assembly. A controlled factory environment is the place where modular buildings or the components for prefabricated buildings are manufactured. The building or pieces are then delivered to prepared building sites for installation. A prefabricated or modular building comes complete with all the necessary components, including walls, floor trusses, windows, heating and cooling, plumbing, electrical wiring and interior finishes. In the broadest sense, a modular building refers to any building or structure that is factory built.

Modular building manufacturers offer great alternatives to building traditional site-constructed facilities. Varying in size and cost, these structures are very versatile. Modular or pre-fabricated buildings can be used for many purposes, from school classrooms to bullet-proof security spaces. Modular buildings can be used as a temporary space or as a permanent facility. They can be free standing or built inside an existing structure. Many prefabricated or modular buildings are constructed from steel; they can be portable buildings or permanent structures and are often used as garages, classrooms or storage buildings. Generally, most professionals involved in this industry refer to any structure that is pre-constructed in a factory as a modular building.

Modular building manufacturers provide flexibility and other advantages over site-construction, such as cost savings, speed of occupancy, factory-controlled quality and ease of expansion and relocation. The most significant advantage of modular buildings is the time saved. They are built according to a carefully monitored timetable within the factory plant. Modular building fabrication uses factory methods to greatly enhance quality and reduce manufacturing time and cost.

Modular building manufacturers require careful planning before construction. National and local electrical and construction standards must be explored before installing a modular or pre-fabricated structure. Foundation is another concern when establishing a structure on site. Foundation systems that are used by modular structures should comply with locally prescribed model construction codes to support the structure. The use of modular and portable buildings will continue to increase due to their benefits. It is predicted that more than 75 percent of all buildings will be constructed with some form of prefabrication within the next 10 years.

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Featured Articles

"Portable Or Modular? There Is A Difference"
http://www.asbointl.org/asbo/files/ccPageContentdocfilename001012705546SBA_Sept02_article_PortableOrModular.pdf

"Modular Buildings - Temporary or Permanent?"
http://www.schoolfacilities.com/cd_2272.aspx

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Types of Modular Buildings

• Aluminum buildings are fabricated from low maintenance, lightweight corrosive resistant aluminum. Their convenience is their durability and flexibility in size and use.
  
• Building systems assemble prefabricated parts to construct permanent buildings.
  
• Bullet-proof structures meet standards for resisting impact from bullets and other fast moving/high powered objects.
  
• Guardhouses are often placed at entrances to secure areas and serve as stations of clearance and general work activity for security or admissions personnel. Sizes will vary by need.
  
• Metal buildings are comprised mainly of select metal material and can be used for anything from storage to protection in various sizes.
  
• Portable buildings are buildings that can be easily moved or relocated. They are designed to be moved without significant structural modification; examples include portable hospital facilities, classrooms, offices, etc.
  
• Pre-engineered buildings are built of or with prefabricated sections or parts and are similar to prefabricated structures in use and variety.
  
• Prefab buildings are a type of modular building built with prefabricated parts.
  
• Prefabricated buildings are different from modular buildings in that they are delivered fully assembled to site. Sizes and uses are varying.
  
• Prefabricated garages are modular structures often used to add on to a previously existing garage.
  
• Steel buildings are fabricated primarily of steel and are often found in industrial settings as well as for outdoor use. Size possibilities are unlimited.
  
• Storage buildings can be made from prefabricated parts, usually those composed of steel materials.
  
• Walk-in enclosures are enclosed areas, which can be entered and worked in. Guard houses, x-ray rooms and communications rooms are examples of these.