Fun Exterior Finishes For Commercial Modular Buildings

Modular buildings are traditionally finished with "wood" siding or "cement-panel" siding, because they are a great value option. The materials are purchased on a bulk quantity basis, and are shelf ready; meaning you can get them anywhere, anytime.

There are however some really fun and different exterior finishes available if you have the funds for your permanent modular building or if you just really want to make a statement with your temporary modular sales office or facility. Let your imagination go wild and explore a combination of textures and finishes to have an architectural wonder when your new modular facililty is completed.

What is considered the "norm" in certain parts of the USA, is considered unattractive or unfit for other parts of the USA. For example in the dry southwest climates you see a huge percentage of modular buildings being finished with a stucco exterior;In the mid west steel siding if very popular;In the northeast brick veneers are common place. Some of the choices are impacted by weather, others are impacted by historical architectural elements, and still others are a matter of controlling life cycle costing.

Choosing an exterior finish for your new modular building is limitless, as long as you choose an experienced modular building manufacturer that understands there are choices, and has the experience to successfully complete those finishes for your organization.

For more information contact our team:

Modular Solutions, Ltd
Phone: 800-441-8577 x 1
Email: information@mod-sol.com
website: www.modularsolutionsltd.com
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Who Has Jurisdiction Over The Construction Of A Modular Building?

Modular buildings are constructed to meet building codes for local/county/state/federal regulations. Sometimes it gets a little tricky to figure out who has final jurisdiction over how a modular building will be constructed and what code it should meet.

In general many states have a regulating department that oversees modular construction. For example in AZ there is the manufactured housing division, In New Mexico there is the construction industries division. Each state in the USA has the "right" to have an oversight division for modular construction. In the case where there is no oversight agency usually the county or local jurisdiction will then take over authority. Each county and local city will have special provisions for modular construction. For example some areas will only allow modular buildings in a location if they are set on permanent foundation systems, others have CCR or visual requirements that the modular building must comply with.

One clear cut line in the sand is tribal and federal agencies. If your modular building is going to a Native American community or a federal site (ie AFB), that location has total jurisdiction. Whatever process they have set up for you to follow, is the process you must take.

When you choose a modular building company that has experience they should be able to tell you:
1. Who has jurisdiction over approval of the modular building
2. Abbreviated version of the permit requirements and process
3. Documents required and building code compliance for getting permits

Modular Solutions, Ltd has been providing custom modular buildings since 1996, and worked with tribal, federal, local/county/state, agencies across the USA.
For more information contact our team solutions!

Modular Solutions, Ltd
Phone: 800-441-8577 x 1
email: mitzig@mod-sol.com
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Does A Modular Building Meet Daycare Codes?

Modular buildings are used across the USA for daycare centers. Many daycare centers are financed entirely through the modular building company or a 3rd party leasing company. Financial companies know that constructing a successful daycare center is based on "location", and not if the building is site built or modular. Modular buildings have to meet the same building code as a site contractor, and then one up! What does that mean? Imagine a building driving down the road and traveling to the site. Modular buildings have additional structural value built into the building so that it can safely transport to the site and have no damages to the facility or the structural integrity. A site constructed building is only framed to set in one place, much less structural bracing and enhancements.

Modular buildings are financed now the same as a site built structure. Most lenders will include the modular building, the site, the site work, and the FFE (furniture/fixtures/equipment) in your total finance package. There are some great formulas they use to identify maximum cash outlay for total return on investment.

By choosing a company with daycare experience you can probably find a floor plan that is close to what you need, with minimal layout change. Selecting a company with experience, saves additional money on architectural review if the team has in-house architects. Modular building companies that have been in the modular industry for 10 or 15 years have constructed hundreds of daycare and head start facilities & have already included the healthcare & building codes in your design.

Modular daycare centers offer fun & flexible play space for infants through school age children and offer savings in time & money!

To learn more about modular daycare centers, contact our team at Modular Solutions. We have been providing quality daycare centers since 1996.

Contact us:

Modular Solutions, Ltd
Phone: 800-441-8577 x 1
email: inforamtion@mod-sol.com
website: www.modularsolutionsltd.com
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Modular Solutions for FAQ GSA questions

As a GSA contract holder for many years we have lots of questions GSA contracting officers have run by us. While we do not claim to be the experts on GSA contracting, we have learned and grown in experience with each new GSA contract award over the past 15 years. Some of the questions we have worked through:

1. Is Prevailing Wage Schedule Required? If the project is federally funded then prevailing wage is applicable on any site work.
2. Can My Modular Building Be Custom? Most GSA contracts are set up to be highly custom, our contract has available components to make each individual building as unique as required. Some contractors do no offer this flexibility and only offer models. You will need to evaluate the GSA contract vehicle with the vendor.
3. How Long Will It Take To Get A Custom Modular Building? Custom modular buildings are typically 90-120 days from approved plans. This can be expedited, depending on the use and difficulty of construction. Some "long-lead" items are highly specialized on federal projects, and require up to 12 weeks from date of order.
4. Will My New Modular Building Meet The Local Building Codes? As a rule, Modular Solutions, Ltd always complies with the local building codes and regulations. On a federal site, some vendors will only construct to the factory location building code. As a contracting officer you will want to ensure your RFP asks for local/state building code compliance. Build to the area, snow load, wind loads, energy code, and other applicable regional variables.
5. Can I Use An RFP For Procurement Instead Of A Bid? GSA allows you to use RFQ, RFP, Design-Build (SOQ), Sole Source, and other procurement methods in the best interest of the government. Which ever method makes the procurement process easier for your individual procurement needs.

These are just a few of the questions, stay tuned for more GSA tips, and GSA FAQ answers.

For More Information Contact Us At:

Modular Solutions, Ltd
Phone: 800-441-8577 x 1
email: information@mod-sol.com
website: www.modularsolutionsltd.com
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Modular Solutions For Project Management

We are frequently asked "why do I need a project manager or site superintendent for my modular building project"? While the modular building industry is built "off-site", it is identical to site construction. The goal is to accelerate the schedule and manage sub contractors on site to meet or beat a project schedule. Here are a few reasons why it is great to have a project manager and site superintendent on your modular building projects.

1. A safe site: Site managers watch for safety violations and make sure no accidental injuries or death happen on your project site.
2. Off-site quality control: Since you can not be at the factory every day, watching each phase of the modular building construction it is reassuring to know that you have a site manager and project manager that are watching the quality and code compliance of your modular building. Nothing is more disappointing than having to wait on-site while a modular building is being "fixed" to meet the specification and criteria you ordered. Also once everything is covered up, you don't know if the quality standards were met.
3. Coordination of schedule: Coordinating a modular building schedule is the same as site construction. There are many sub contractors, permits, inspections, etc to schedule and coordinate as a part of the modular building installation. It is reassuring to know that those details are handled by your site superintendent and project manager.
4. Budget Management: If a project manager is not on board, some sub contractors (perhaps low bid type), will try to keep the cost low in the beginning and then change order, or deliver a lower quality of workmanship than is acceptable in the industry. The ability to have a team that manages the sub contractors and hold them to the quality, and budget proposed on the project is peace of mind.
5. Experience: Site Managers, and Project managers are experienced in construction & modular solutions. By having an construction export on board watching your project from inception through warranty you know that the outcome will exceed your expectations.

For more information on building a better modular solution contact our team
Modular Solutions, Ltd
Phone: 800-441-8577 x 1
email: information@mod-sol.com
website: www.modularsolutionsltd.com
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How Large Should I Make My Offices In My Modular Building?

A modular building that is used for office space has typical sizes if you lease or purchase "stock" equipment. Most buildings that are "inventory" equipment include offices that are approximately 12' x 10'. Building codes says you need to use 100 square ft per person as a head count, the question is what is the office function. Here are a few rule of thumb examples that we have used for architectural space planning over the years. Every case is unique, but rule of thumb is always a good place to start.

1. Support staff or part time staff can usually get away with 80 - 100 sq ft office spaces or share an office with 150 square ft every two people. If you make the space too small you may lose productivity with disorganization.
1a. If you have a built in work desk for multiple employees, make sure they each have at least 3' wide for work space.
2. Full time employees with a desk and a computer station & files typically need 100-150 square ft for comfortable flow
3. Managers or Directors Will usually add a small conference table or store lots of referral material, so their offices are usually 150 square ft - 250 square ft
4. Executives have earned the right for space, so typically executive office have windows, corner office, exterior doors, their own restroom, and this will be 400-500 square ft.

Another good gauge is what industry are you in? For example medical offices will be larger than telemarketing offices or sales reps that are in the filed most of the day.

To learn more about proper space planning consult our team at Modular Solutions, Ltd

Phone: 800-441-8577
email: information@mod-sol.com
website: www.modularsolutionsltd.com
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Can A Modular Building Have ADA Doors?

Commercial modular buildings actually require all doors to be a minimum of 36" and ADA accessible. A door needs to be large enough to have a wheelchair egress through the door. There are many types of doors available for versatile appearance. Doors can also be larger than 36" for oversize wheel chairs and scooters. Facilities such as clinics and wellness centers often have 42" or 48" doors.

When looking at ADA design, you will also want to look at the angle of hallways and the width of hallways. When you are dealing with scooters or oversize wheelchairs more space and direct angles are key to making a modular building more ADA friendly.

For more tips and ideas on making an ADA modular building contact our team:
Modular Solutions, Ltd
Phone: 800-441-8577 x 1
email: information@mod-sol.com
website: www.modularsolutionsltd.com
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How Do I Make My Modular Building Workplace Safer? (5) great tips

Whether you are in a site built or modular building the safety of employees is a great concern. We have some great general tips that will help encourage employees that your organization is doing everything they can to offer a safer work place environment no matter what the external existing conditions might be.

1. Trim back all hedges and landscape. If there are no hiding places employees can get to vehicles safely and know they are visible.
2. Have great exterior lighting. Whether that is parking lot lighting on a pole, or wall sconces mounted to the modular building, light will help divert criminal activity to a different location.
3. Fences and gates should have lighting. If possible have an automatic gate system. This way an employee does not have to exit their vehicle after leaving the modular building.
4. Employees in remote areas can arm their modular building with a security alarm feature. This can be set off in emergencies to divert criminal activity, making your employees feel more confident.
5. Open the floor to suggestions, have a wall box on your modular building or in staff meeting to allow staff to make suggestions for a safer workplace environment.


If you have a new modular building this can be incorporated into the design, if you have an existing modular building the modular building or site can be retrofitted to accommodate.

For more information on designing a safer modular building, contact our team:

Modular Solutions, Ltd
Phone: 800-441-8577 x 1
email: information@mod-sol.com
website: www.modularsolutionsltd.com
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CES, In New Mexico The Only Way To Buy A Modular

CES (Cooperative Educational Services) is a non profit organization that helps school districts and municipalities purchase used and new modular buildings and other commodities. CES has done the homework so that members can get the best value and experience from local procurement partners.

What Advantages does CES and commodity partner purchasing offer:
1. Expedited procurement process- Bidding already accomplished, Vendors offer value
2. Experience & background checks - Procurement partners have already submitted extensive past performance and experience details on their products & services
3. Safety- CES requires procurement partners to submit their safety records, background check process, and OSHA standards for approval
4. CES TEAM: The team a CES is comprised of professionals in the procurement industry. They are always ready to lend a helping hand to members and procurement partners
5. CES services the entire state of New Mexico. Making any region available to utilize their procurement services.

If you would like more information on CES you can visit their website or contact Modular Solutions, Ltd. We are a procurement partner for modular buildings, and for JOC General Contracting.

Contact Modular Solutions,ltd:
Phone: 800-441-8577 x 1
email: information@mod-sol.com
website: www.modularsolutionsltd.com
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Can I Get Ceramic Tile Or Wood Floors In My Modular Building?

Many modular factories try to keep costs lower by offering limited selections of colors and finishes to their clients. While this way of building offers a little cost savings, most clients feel it is better to get what you really want when you are getting a custom designed and build modular building. We have been asked if modular buildings can have ceramic tile walls or floor covering. In most cases the answer is YES. The fun part is deciding which finish you want, and how much you want to spend in your budget. The choices are unlimited. The key to having a successful installation of wood flooring or ceramic tiles is in proper installation.

(5) great tips:

1. Choose a heavier floor decking the industry standard is 5/8" thick, and we suggest 3/4" or 1 1/8"
2. Use an underlayment such as wonder board or equal that lets the movement transfer as required
3. Trim and transition strips can be attractive and blend in, or basic know you have choices
4. Have your tile professionally cleaned and sealed, depending on what type you get (natural stone better not to seal)
5. Use proper cleaning instructions for water/steam/cleaning to ensure you do not over saturate your new flooring




For more great tips contact our team at Modular Solutions, Ltd
Phone: 800-441-8577 x 1
email: information@Mod-sol.com
website: www.modularsolutionsltd.com
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Drywall Textures, Are There Choices For My Modular Building?

One of the fun aspects of my job is teaching clients the versatility of interior finishes. Many modular building factories do not offer a choice when it comes to interior wall covering. The factory is only equipped to offer knockdown texture or VCG (vinyl covered gypsum), to keep their modular building line moving faster. Clients that are ordering a custom modular building will often ask is there any other option for interior finishes. There are literally so many choices (wall paper, plaster, material, custom paint, etc) we can cover this topic in the blog for a few weeks, but to keep to this question, what options are there for drywall textures.
In the gypsum industry they assign "levels" of drywall preparation which are fairly standard.
Levels 0-5 are various stages of preparation as to how smooth and polished the final finish will be.

As far as textures go some common finishes in the industry are:
1. Painted drywall: (for storage or non traffic areas)
2. Knock down texture: can be easily replaced of damaged with uneven finish level and no specific pattern
3. orange peel texture: Common in government offices. Greater attention to detail and similar level of texture pattern & level throughout. More complex to fix or repair
4. drywall swirl (sand swirl, mud swirl), pattern is in little fan like sweeps and consistent in thickness, texture, and pattern.
5. Sand finish: very common with hospitals or clinical environment where they do not want any chance for germs to get trapped into the texture of the drywall. Used with scrubbable paint.

There are entire websites and organizations dedicated to the various levels of drywall texture and the qualities of each. Research and an experienced team will help you make the right choice.

For more information contact our team:
Modular Solutions, Ltd
Phone: 800-441-8577 x 1
email: information@mod-sol.com
website: www.modularsolutionsltd.com
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Dialysis Clinics Choose Modular Solutions

Across the country Dialysis is becoming a huge industry. There are firms that specialize in taking care of diabetic patients that need daily dialysis treatments. Developing a footprint that is conducive to the clients is critical to the success of the center. Dialysis centers have found that strip center remodel & renovations can be very costly by the time they get all of the changes incorporated into the approved plan. Many agencies and private owned dialysis firms are choosing modular construction and modular solutions for their centers. The great thing is that a new center can be open for revenue in 60 - 90 days. By developing a prototype with the preconstruction team you can implement all the spaces and be functional without renovations or remodel expenses and time delays.

since this is a specialty field make sure you select a modular building factory that has experience constructing dialysis centers, and building them with excellence in mind. Modular Solutions, Ltd has a great team that will help you with conceptual plans, permits, approvals, site work installation, FFE/Equipment, and take you through full warranty.

For more details on how to build a successful dialysis center contact our team:
Modular Solutions, Ltd
Mailing Address: P O Box 15507-Phoenix, AZ 85060
Phone: 800-441-8577 x 1
Email: information@mod-sol.com
Website: www.modularsolutionsltd.com
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Should I Choose Wood Or Concrete Siding For My Modular Building?

In the modular building industry many clients ask should they go with the traditional wood siding products or should they choose a newer yet still proven concrete panel siding. Both have advantages and disadvantages. When you are making this choice factors such as location ,use, climate, budget, desired look all have a play in your decision. Poor installation has been the culprit of "siding gone bad" on some occasions, so make sure you purchase from a reputable modular building company.


Advantages of hardboard sidings:
* Comes in taller sizes so you don't have to have a trim board at 8' if you want lower maintenance costs
* Can be easily painted, as required to keep appearance fresh and new
* Is readily available off the shelf, most often no lead times required
* Easy to replace if damaged by storm or accident
* Appearance is always the same, from year to year, batch to batch
* Affordable option

Disadvantages of hardboard sidings:
* Requires annual or semi-annual paint to look fresh
* Wood not good in wet or wood pecker climates
* Boring appearance, "trailer" feel

Advantages of cement sidings:
* Critter resistant- termites etc
* Fire resistant, not PROOF- but resistant
* Easy to paint and refresh appearance
* Have lap or stucco or smooth panels for variety
* Holds up well in wet climates

Disadvantages of cement sidings:
* More expensive than wood siding
* Brittle, requires substraight and wrap under material
* Sometimes long lead on projects & not always "shelf" ready in all locations
* Sometimes minimum quantities apply on orders, making it more expensive to fix a damaged panel
* NOT tongue & groove, joints sometimes separate or don't appear straight/level

Both are used equally weighted for various reasons. In the end you want to know you made the choice based on an educated decision process. Modular Solutions, Ltd can provide samples, and examples of projects with both types of siding and you are able to judge for yourself what you want to use. Additionally SIDINGS are NOT the only choice. READ OTHER POSTS for options available or contact our team at Modular Solutions, Ltd for more details:

Modular Solutions, Ltd
Mailing Address: P O Box 15507-Phoenix, AZ 85060
Phone: (800) 441-8577 x 1
Email: Information@mod-sol.com
Website: www.modularsolutionsltd.com
facebook: www.facebook.com/modularsolutionsltd
youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/modularsolutionsltd

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