Merry Christmas From Modular Solutions, Ltd

We will be on holiday season hours this week. I hope that you take time to enjoy the season, and spend time with friends and family.

Have a great holiday season and wishing everyone a healthy and prosperous 2014!

www.modularsolutionsltd.com

Need A Modular Building Floor Plan Fast?

Modular Construction is like traditional construction, everyone has a unique design they are looking to have built for their organization.

Conceptual floor plans from an architectural firm can cost from $500 to $3,500 and can take weeks to develop.

Here are (4) tips for getting affordable conceptual site plans:

1. If the modular company keeps a “catalog” of buildings similar that have been built you can look at something similar that worked for another client. Modular Solutions, Ltd keeps a master catalog and has floor plans from every project dating back to 1996. Just make sure if the floor plan is an older floor plan it has been updated to meet current IBC codes.

2. Modular companies will sometimes have “typical” models. Maybe one of these floor plans will work for your needs. If not, ask the modular company if the provide conceptual planning as a part of their service. Modular Solutions, Ltd provides free conceptual plans and budgets as a part of our preconstruction package.

3. Identify key employees space needs, and flow as you plan. Reworking floor plans can take time and slow down your schedule. Design firms will charge you for each rendition or version you request.

4. Keep your mind open. Sometimes what you thought would be a great idea, does not pan out to be a cost effective design. Listen to the design experts and let them help you create a design that is efficient and affordable.

For more information contact our team at Modular Solutions, Ltd (800) 441-8577 x 1
email: information@modularsolutionsltd.com
website: www.modularsolutionsltd.com

Five Tips on How to Prevent Key Chaos

Every school, church, hospital, facility has a challenge of keeping the key chaos down to a minimum. With proper planning you can eliminate the key cluster effect and the pandemonium of lockout syndrome!

HELPFUL TIPS:
1. Decide on a plan for brand, keyways, security clearance, egress pitfalls, and talk it through with your modular design specialist during the preconstruction phase. Proper planning helps you alleviate extra spending on "do-overs"
2. How secure do you need to be? Talk through and decide if you need additional security features such as electronic monitoring, card keys, cypher locksets, or will standard keyways be sufficient.
3. Talk with other professionals in your industry. See how they handle their egress issues and see if they have any helpful tips
4. Every volunteer and employee has the potential to be locked out...or worse "locked-in". Walk through how your group will handle unscheduled events or the need for off hours entry.
5. Don't be afraid to try different things to see how they work. Sometimes the best plan on paper just does not work for your function. If you find the plan is not working-redesign or tweak it.

For more information call us a (800) 441-8577 x1
email: information@modularsolutionsltd.com
website: www.modularsolutionsltd.com

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Modular Dreams, Build It And They Will Come!

In a hard economy too many investors are holding back and not encouraging growth. Now that the US and other global economies are on a rebound it is time to take that chance and expand your dream!

Companies grow by adding new technology, or updating old machines, or adding more space for more employees. When non-profit and for profit firms are ready to grow they need to just take the chance, and go for it!

Modular buildings are the perfect solution for growing companies. In most cases banks and finance companies treat a modular addition as "equipment" and the building can be added on a long term lease, and the payments can be written off taxes! Win/Win!

Some great resources for 3rd party finance:
www.baystone.net Great for municipal and school districts or non profits
www.lease-smart.com Great for small growing businesses
www.ffb.com Great for mid size firms that need extra capital


We have a great network of 3rd party lenders that help growing firms with a dream, let us help you grow!


Contact us: Modular Solutions, Ltd (800) 441-8577 x 1
email: information@modularsolutionsltd.com
website: www.modularsolutionsltd.com


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New Mexico CES Saves Time & Money

Modular buildings are available through CES New Mexico. What is CES New Mexico?
Cooperative Educational Services aspires to be known as one of the best educational service agencies in the country and the program of choice in New Mexico.

CES (Cooperative Educational Services) is a membership cooperative that saves school districts and municipalities time and money on the procurement process in New Mexico.
What value does this bring? Members can take advantage of the streamlined procurement process that CES has already performed. Vendors on the CES vendor partnership program are offering great service and value to CES members. Members are able to choose a vendor based on qualifications and value.


contact Modular Solutions for more details at (800) 441-8577 x 1
email: information@modularsolutionsltd.com
website: www.modularsolutionsltd.com

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US Military Chooses Modular Construction

Providing space for the US Military is very important to the security of our Nation. When the US Government needs a space requirement fulfilled there is usually an urgency for that space. Traditional design/bid/build methods through standard reporting methods can take 6-18 months to fulfill a space need. GSA Advantage allows contractors to provide on line proposals based on the best value for the federal Government.

The US Military does not always award based on "low-bid" there are other determining factors that are critical to the success of their mission.

Factors for award can include:
* Schedule of performance
* Past Performance
* Best Design Solution
* Team Experience & Qualifications
* Turnkey Capabilities
* Overall Project Value


Modular Solutions, Ltd holds a GSA contract # GS-07F-0199L and has been awarded modular building projects for the US Military based on providing the best solutions and value.

To find out more speak with our team at (800) 441-8577 x 1



email: information@modularsolutionsltd.com
website: www.modularsolutionsltd.com



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Modular Building Wall Covering Finishes, Help Me Choose!

Commercial modular builders have commonly limited customer choices in wall covering to keep costs lower in production, and build faster. As a client you are not limited to a small selection of prefinished wall panels. There are some very attractive options in the commercial modular industry that will help you enjoy the environment of your new modular buildings.

Tips for choosing your wall covering:
1. Work with your schedule, some textures and finishes have additional steps which may slow your schedule by a few days
2. Work with your budget, Pretty....is yes sometimes expensive
3. Share the use of your rooms during the design phase of your modular building so the best solution can be developed
4. If image is important spend the time & energy to work with the preconstruction design team to explore options.
5. Don't settle. If you want a design that a factory is not willing to include or is trying to "change" your mind- talk with another factory. Experienced factories that build custom modular buildings are capable of taking care of any style you want to include.

Contact our preconstruction team at Modular Solutions, Ltd (800) 441-8577 x 1
email: information@modularsolutionsltd.com
website: www.modularsolutionsltd.com

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Modular Buildings & Modern Technology

Many clients ask can I integrate modern technology into my new modular building. Integration of technology is simple when it is incorporated into the design during the preconstruction phase.

Tips for getting new technology integration:
1. Plan ahead for "future" growth. Always assume your organization will grow and you will need to add more communication stations, more phone lines, etc.
2. Don't just integrate technology into your new modular building based on lowest price. Buying last years technology, will allow you to hobble along, but will not streamline productivity
3. If you have an existing modular building and you are updating your technology, bring the design team and preconstruction team on board to ensure you get proper grounding and fire proofing and safety in place as required

Any technology you want to incorporate into a modular building including military and secured facilities has been utilized. Facilitating your current and future goals for technology implementation is simply a matter of communicating your wants and needs and then having the design team facilitate those goals into a reality.




For more information contact our team at Modular Solutions, Ltd (800) 441-8577 x 1
email: information@modularsolutionsltd.com
website: www.modularsolutionsltd.com

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Is your Modular Vendor a GSA Contract Holder?

What are the benefits of choosing a modular vendor that holds a GSA contract?

In the federal and educational industries studies have proven GSA vendors provide a better value than traditional design/bid/build methods of procurement.

Tips for selecting a GSA modular vendor:
1. Past Performance, experience- take the time to check their references.
2. How long have they been in business? Companies with a long record of successful performance are frequently a better choice than someone who is a start up or newer organization or new teams with less than five years in business.
3. Do they have sufficient bonding? Make sure your project costs & scope are covered within the bonding capacity limits of the company.
4. Will they dedicate the staffing and team members required to have a successful modular building project. This should include a preconstruction team, a project manager, a site manager, and key employees based on the scope.

To find out more about GSA and the Modular Solutions, Ltd team call (800) 441-8577 x 1
email: information@modularsolutionsltd.com
website: www.modularsolutionsltd.com

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What Occupancy Is My Modular Building?

Modular buildings are the same as traditional construction when it comes to occupancy & use. Each type of facility can have multiple uses in the same building. Example a church or "A" assembly may have a school during the week and have "E" classrooms incorporated into the design. Any architectural design firm will tell you the importance is in the proper naming and function of the room and space.

This little cheat sheet will help you see what the general guidelines are for occupancy and use of your new modular building. By identifying areas that might be mixed occupancy or require fire separations, it is always great to meet with your design team during preconstruction and make sure we are incorporating the best flow & use of the facility.

Sometimes a wrong name on a room can be an expensive error. One example "B" offices can have professional improvement or training rooms without mixing your occupancy and using a higher square ft occupancy load. If you call this room a "conference room" or "meeting room" you will have mixed your occupancy and also raised your occupant load in the building.


For more details contact our preconstruction team at Modular Solutions, Ltd (800) 441-8577 x 1
email: information@ModularSolutionsLtd.com
website: www.modularsolutionsltd.com

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ADA ramps For Modular Buildings, (5) easy tips

Modular buildings can set above the grade keeping the axles and frame system but federal and local jurisdictions require the building to be ADA or handicap accessible. Some designers will charge a few thousand dollars to put a ramp drawing together for you, but we have some tips to help you save time and money on making your modular building ADA accessible

FIVE HELPFUL TIPS:
1. Know your door threshold, measure it and re-measure it. Most mistakes are made in the threshold height if your ramps does not meet the mandatory 1:12 Pitch/ratio your ramp no matter how sturdy will not pass inspections....and do overs can be very expensive
2. Prefabricated ramps & stairs are quite common in the industry. By using a prefabricated system there are legs that can adjust up and down with the terrain and makes installation quicker & more affordable since the "design" is already incorporated into the prefabrication process.
3. Material: Ramps can be made of wood, steel, aluminum, concrete, trex, the value of the ramp is the value of the life cycle and site conditions. Make sure you think of those considerations before just exploring "how-much" the ramp costs
4. Maintenance: Get a ramp that is LOW MAINTENANCE, most clients do not have time to go out and paint, or nail or resurface ramps each year
5. Before your build, get approval on your design. Many times a simple thing can be very expensive to retrofit, and it could have been prevented if a plan review agent reviewed the design prior to installation.

for more information contact our preconstruction team at Modular Solutions, Ltd (800) 441-8577 x 1
email: information@modualarsolutionsltd.com
website: www.modularsolutionsltd.com

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What Color Should My Modular Building Be?

COLOR.....it is often one of the most personal preferences any client can apply to a project. Too bold and the neighbors complain, too light and you are painting and power washing every year. What is the perfect balance of not too bland...not to charismatic?

While colors for a modular building are often determined by the local CCR (zoning board), where you can get options from a fan deck that allows (4) flavors of tan there are also unlimited options available which can become overwhelming.

Architectural design teams have "families" of colors to help you design the perfect match and blend of colors that will enhance the community and accomplish your color objectives successfully.

TIPS FOR CHOOSING COLOR PALLETTE:
1. Choose what you like, and see it in a BIM or colored elevation and color board so the entire project can be visualized
2. Don't be afraid of color, sometimes a great pop of green, or bold red can really make the difference
3. Natural textures and colors are always a safe bet, with lots of choices in that color family
4. Experiment your color choices, and in the end if it is just paint, you can always "do-over".

For more information on modular building design & construction contact our preconstruction team at Modular Solutions, Ltd (800) 441-8577 x 1
email: information@modularsolutionsltd.com
website: www.modularsolutionsltd.com

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New Mexico, Land of Enchanted Modulars

New Mexico is on the rebound, and construction is on the rise. Modular homes, and modular buildings in New Mexico are showing great signs of back log in factory production orders. And why not? Modular homes and commercial modular buildings are a way to get your new building completed faster, and get custom architectural features.

In New Mexico the santa fe look with stucco exterior is one of our most popular architectural styles, but we are able to provide any number of finishes you want. Blending in with the existing community is important and should always be considered when you are in the design phase of getting your new modular building.

We are pleased to be a CES procurement partner in New Mexico. By making the commodity contract available throughout the state of New Mexico to all state, local, and educational buyers the procurement process is streamlined and the value is proven!

Advantages to commodity purchasing:
1. Preapproved pricing package for modular buildings and structures with value and price as a determining award factor
2. Convenience of expedited procurement process. Instead of having to do design, bid, & construct contracting agents can choose the more preferred design-build methodology of procurement
3. As a procurement partner we will always ensure our clients are satisfied, so that our contract will be extended
4. Free consultations and solutions development! Why pay for a consultant to tell you that modular construction is a great solution!




For more information contact our team at Modular Solutions, Ltd (800) 441-8577 x 1
email: information@modularsolutionsltd.com
website: www.modularsolutionsltd.com

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Modular Buildings, know your snow load!

This time of year we are faced with huge storms all over the country. One of the biggest misconceptions about modular buildings is that they can not withstand heavy snow loads. When you work with an experienced preconstruction team they can ensure your construction design will work in the heaviest snow & driving wind conditions.

Blowing winds, ice dams, and setting snow are all factors that contribute to roof load failures. By making visits to your local site and incorporating actual data, not just charts from a book a capable modular building designer will incorporate site specific data that implements a safer modular building design.

For more information contact our team at Modular Solutions, Ltd (800) 441-8577 x 1

email: information@modularsolutionsltd.com
website: www.modularsolutionsltd.com

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Native American Communities Choose Modular Solutions

Many Native American Communities are hundreds of miles from the nearest metropolitan city. The need still exists in each community for stores, police and fire protection services, schools, housing, clinics, social services, legislative and judicial offices. Due to the remote location construction costs swell well over $200/PSF for traditional construction. Many Native American communities have discovered the flexibility and affordability of prefabricated buildings.

Benefits of modular buildings and prefabricated construction include:
1. Modular buildings are temporary or permanent, depending on specification details and construction methods
2. Modular buildings can be in place in 60-90 days from approval
3. Modular buildings can be constructed "green" and include construction methods that reduce our carbon footprint
4. Modular buildings deliver to the site 90% complete, reducing site noise, theft of materials, and environmental impact
5. Modular companies can work with local TERO offices to hire semi-skilled labor forces to complete the finishes to the new building addition allowing work for a broader spectrum of construction crews

Modular Solutions, Ltd is a Native American owned company. We have constructed, relocated, and renovated over 1,000,000 S.F. for projects that needed a better way to build.

Modular buildings have been used for temporary and permanent construction, meeting the needs of Native American communities.

Assisted Living Facilities
Dental & Medical Clinics
Dialysis Clinic
Wellness Centers
Classrooms & Education
Community Centers
Casino & Conference Resorts
Stores & Supply Warehouses
Housing
Secured Financial Facilities
Dining Facilities
Emergency Responders
Legislative & Judicial Facilities


To find out more about how Modular Solutions, Ltd can help you meet the space needs of your community contact our preconstruction and design team at (800) 441-8577 x 1

email: information@modularsolutionsltd.com
website: www.modularsolutionsltd.com

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Modular Kitchen, On the move!

After a weekend of holiday feasting kitchens are on our minds. Did you know that you can have a commercial kitchen with all the amenities in a modular building? A modular kitchen and cafeteria are great space solutions for rural areas that need a modular diner, or a school that needs more modular cafeteria space, or disaster relief in areas hit by natural disaster.

A few hints for getting everything you need in a commercial modular kitchen design:
1. Find a vendor with kitchen design experience, commercial kitchens have to meet logical space flow patterns and meet health code requirements, and OSHA safety requirements
2. Get a conceptual design, and run it by all the inspection parties to make sure you don't have to "do-over" a design deficiency
3. If timing is critical, get a firm written schedule. Nothing worse than opening months late......with excuses from a vendor that is invested in your critical path schedules from the onset
4. Consider growth. If you think your diner or cafeteria will need more space plan to use flexible modular sections that can easily add more space as you continue to grow, allowing for more revenue and better community service

Some Design Considerations:
1. Consider clearspan steel construction in your modular dining area, so that you do not have to work tables around post locations and you have clear viewing access of the entire room
2. Create a spacious area for restrooms, away from main traffic
3. A modular design can have high ceilings for a more open feel, ask how to get this incorporated into your new modular space
4. Design your new modular building to meet the theme of your restaurant, successful establishments will share that the theme and ambiance can be the critical factor in revenues
5. Know what you want, and don't settle. Innovative modular companies will be able to design and build any type of kitchen and dining facility you want, when they are involved in the early planning stages.


For more information contact our preconstruction team at Modular Solutions, Ltd (800) 441-8577 x 1
email: information@modularsolutionsltd.com
website: www.modularsolutionsltd.com


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