Modular Building Relocations, Five Great Tips

How To Relocate A Modular Building

Moving a modular building or portable classroom can be done easily in a day or two, and makes sense when you have changing enrollments or you have found a great deal on a used modular building.  Below are a few quick tips that will help make moving a modular building or portable classroom building more efficient and economical.

• Tip # 1:  Plan ahead.  If you know your modular building needs to move in June, start planning the relocation in January to give your team plenty of time to get drawings, utility planning, site planning and coordination, and other efforts accomplished.
• Tip # 2: Meet with local jurisdiction:   Even if you are exempt, meet with the local jurisdiction and find out if there will be any unexpected expenses or requirements so the budget and the schedule stay as proposed.
• Tip # 3: Make a preliminary schedule on paper & make sure all of the vendors, sub consultants, sub contractors, and jurisdictions get a copy.  This way all of the extended team members will buy in and be notified of their scope and their time lines.  If a schedule changes it is always easy to send out a revision.   If you use a program like Modular Solutions uses such as MS Project it is easy to show events in sequential order and events that link together.

Tip # 4: As your move date approaches watch the local weather reports for rain/snow or if you get irrigation look at the watering schedule.   If the weather is going to be bad then don't worry about sliding your schedule around.   If you don't look at possible weather delays, and inform your team ahead a sub contractor may have to slide your schedule by days or weeks due to lack of planning.

• Tip # 5:  Make sure every team member (sub contractors and employees) involved in the relocation get a copy of the drawings and schedule. We have built a great team at Modular Solutions, Ltd and benefit from sub contractors catching things on the drawings that could have really impacted the schedule or cost if they had not been noticed.   It is a team effort and everyone can contribute to the success of a project.

For more information contact our team at:

Modular Solutions, Ltd

Phone:  800-441-8577 x 1 (sales)

Email:  Information@mod-sol.com

website:  www.modularsolutionsltd.com

facebook:  www.facebook.com/modularsolutionsltd

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Permits For A Modular Building?

One question we are frequently asked is Do I really have to get a permit for my temporary modular building? In most cases the answer is YES.

Many states and local agencies across the USA have updated their code requirements and are even adding special clarifications when you choose to get a temporary modular building. The new laws suggest or require that the building must meet the current local building code. (IBC is the current building code, which year they have adopted and are using is the key). The great thing is that some jurisdictions have a special permit for temporary modular structures, but with that convenience comes a stipulation on how long you can keep it on the site. Below are a few key questions to consider before you place an order for your temporary modular building or before you buy one on line that you can not give back.

1. Who is the jurisdiction for approvals (local, state, or federal)
2. Is there a time restriction on how long this modular can stay on my site
3. How long will it take, and what documents will you require to get a permit
4. Are there any special code requirements for your area that we need to know about
5. Ask for a preconstruction meeting. They are usually free, and save lots of time during the learning curve is you are attempting to do it all on your own

Just a few tips to keep you out of trouble, and help you see the big picture on modular building installations.

For more information or to talk with a design consultant for free contact our team:

Modular Solutions, Ltd
Phone: 800-441-8577 x 1 (sales)
email: Information@mod-sol.com
website: www.modularsolutionsltd.com
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Emergency Space Solutions, After A Flood

The Glendale Union High School District experienced torrential rain storms, causing flood conditions. When they needed emergency space they came to Modular Solutions, Ltd in Phoenix. Our team has (6) classrooms in inventory that were ready to ship and set in place. By working closely with their site contractor McCarthy Construction and with the District Modular Solutions, Ltd was able to get emergency classrooms open for children in a matter of days.

The local and state building officials and Fire Marshall had to expedite the approval and placement policy to get the buildings approved for occupancy. This is a great example of what can be accomplished when you have a great team in place and everyone has a "can-do" attitude.






For more information on emergency modular building facilities contact our team:
Modular Solutions, Ltd
Phone: 800-441-8577 x 1 (Sales)
Email: Information@Mod-sol.com
Website: www.ModularSolutionsLtd.com


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How To Prepare A Used Modular Building For Relocation

Modular buildings are constructed to be relocated. While relocation of modular buildings happens every day across the USA there are proper ways to get your used modular building ready for transport so that you do not have to deal with damages to the structure at the new location.

(10) QUICK TIPS FOR GETTING YOUR MODULAR BUILDING READY FOR RELOCATION (multi-section)
1. If your building is a multi-sectional modular building separate the sections at least 5' between each section as you dismanatle the modular building, Make sure you have left piers under the sections for the safety of the team providing the dismantle
2. Build shipping walls to support the beam between the support posts. Shipping walls can be made of recycled materials. Measure & re-measure to make sure you touch the beam & floor
3. Roll the carpet back, so it goes back nicely at the new site (if tile take out 12" x 12" square down the center for full tile replacement
4. If you have Tape,Texture,painted (TTP) wall covering place cross bracing to help reduce cracking to a minimum
5. Make sure you got all your close up materials inside the modular for re-use (ie exterior trims, interior trims, cove base, sprinkler couplings, etc)
6. Label all your cross over boxes & wrap them in a whip or put them in a ceiling box for electrical, fire, communication so you know how & what wires go back together
7. Remove any items that will make the building over height or over wide or be prepared to pay for the additional escort fees (weight the difference)
8. Put plastic & strapping on the sides of the sections. If storing for a while use HEAVY DUTY plastic to keep it weather tight. This is NOT an area you want to save a few pennies. If water or weather get in you can spend thousands of $'s in repair or mold remediation.
9. Block the doors with plywood so they don't accidentally swing open, and put plywood over window. This step is NOT required, but is a great tip for saving money on unnecessary damages. Also if you have cabinets or other items take drawers out, block doors closed, block interior doors so they don't swing loose.
10. Plan ahead and make sure your taxes are cleared and you can transport the building.

By choosing an experienced moving team, all of these items should be included in the fee schedule. If not, this gives you a good list to review with the moving company. Our team has a "make-ready" ship list form that we take to each relocation project to ensure we cover all the site specific items that need to be taken care of properly to ensure a safe and excellent relocation.

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

What Is The Process For Getting A New Modular Building?

The process will vary depending on where you are located, but in general the process or flow are similar across the USA. Two main reasons modular building construction is gaining popularity faster than other construction methods are that you can start generating revenues quicker, and you reduce the cost of your construction general conditions fees by finishing the project quicker.

General Process:
1. Find your land: In any business it is location, location, location
2. Get your preconstruction team assembled: If you are fortunate enough to have a company like ours that can offer design-build turnkey construction providing all services this is the best way, but if not you can assemble your architect, your general contractor, and your modular manufacturer or dealer.
3. Design your site & building layout: Talk through future growth plans and future requirements during this stage to ensure you lay out a wise plan
4. Submit for Permits & approvals: Getting approval on the conceptual plans is usually done on a local basis, but many states have a review division for modular buildings.
5. Start site preparation & building construction: Here is where the modular benefit really kicks in! We prepare the site for the building, as it is being fully constructed in the plant. No weather delays or construction delays when you build inside a plant. Both are completed at about the same time.
6. Deliver & Install the modular building: Take your almost fully completed modular building and install it on the foundation system. Inspections are called in & the building is almost done.
7. Final finishes: Some buildings have to get final finishes connected or completed (ie porches, stucco, high roofs, etc). Those final finishes are installed and inspected & then your new modular building is ready to occupy.

Most modular projects take about 120 days from inception through occupancy. Some are quicker if the building is basic, and some take a little longer if the site is tied up in zoning issues or approvals. Traditional construction takes about 6-18 months on an average project. As you can see that is a HUGE time savings.

For more information on how to get your new modular building contact our team:

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

Mobile Offices For Special Events

Planning an outdoor event?

Modular Buildings are used throughout the USA for sporting events,art galleries, political fund raising events. Large special events need television coverage space, logistical planning, stars and event space, ID and Police/security badges. All of these spaces can be accommodated easily with mobile offices. The alternative is a "tent" that can be blown away in bad weather or that is too time consuming to put up & take down for short term events.

Mobile offices can be delivered and installed usually in a day including stairs, and can be generator powered with holding tanks for fresh and waste water if you want flushing toilets.

Mobile office Special Event Tips:
1. Ask what the insurance requirements are.
2. Make sure the quote includes delivery/set/removal/permits
3. Logistics, can they get the mobile office to your site
4. Do you want plumbing, if so make sure to get cost on holding tanks
5. Look at the mobile offices and make sure they are clean and attractive


Special events take planning as much as a year in advance. To talk with our team call:
(800) 441-8577 x 1

email: Information@ModularSolutionsLtd.com
Website: WWW.ModularSolutionsLtd.com


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Can I put a modular building on my property?

If you want to place a modular building on a property, the first place to stop is your local zoning office. They are a great resource and will set up pre construction meetings to review the project. Be prepared and bring a site map, google earth picture, and as much information as you can about your goals to make sure your budget goals will be on target by meeting the site requirements. Three biggest concerns: 1. Set backs from property lines & adjacent structures 2. Are you zoned for the proper use of the new building 3. How will this impact the community and environment When you need expert advise we are only a phone call away (800) 441-8577 or www.modularsolutionsltd.com or information@modularsolutionsltd.com we look forward to hearing your questions and helping you with modular solutions!

Do steel piers really make a good foundation for modular buildings?

Do steel piers really make a good foundation for modular buildings? Depending on the use of the building typically steel piers make an excellent foundation. You can use precast concrete pads under the pier that are 4" thick x 16" x 16", this really enhances the durability of the foundation. By being able to "re-adjust" your modular building in the future as soils expand and contract the piers are easily adjusted with the soil conditions. In most cases you are required by the local jurisdiction to get a PE stamp or engineering design stamp on the foundation plans you choose. Make sure you hire a local engineering team with experience to make sure your foundation system will not fail. Other types of foundations include concrete or block stem walls with matching piers & footings, precast wall systems, or insulated wall systems. For more details on the best foundation system for your modular building contact the professionals at Modular Solutions, Ltd - www.modularsolutionsltd.com or (800) 441-8577 or email your questions to information@modularsolutionsltd.com