faq's

Modular vs. Standard Construction

A modular building is a pre-engineered structure that is flexible enough to satisfy virtually any requirement... tougher than standard drywall construction, expandable, relocatable and completely re-usable.

One obvious advantage that modular construction has over conventional construction is cost. Not only can one save up to 35% on the initial construction costs like labor and materials, but there are other benefits as well. The following list contains the TOP 10 Reasons for choosing modular buildings over block or drywall construction.

TOP 10 Reasons to Choose PortaFab Modular Buildings over Conventional Construction
#	Feature	Advantages	Benefits
1	Pre- Engineered	No need for an engineer or architect	No hidden design costs
2	Ease of Coordination	Ability to supply single source installation through factory-trained distributor network	Buying is simple with local support and assistance
3	Appearance	Attractive integrated systems manufactured to your exact specifications	Consistent high quality in both appearance and design
4	Speedy Installation	Fewer disruptions to plant operations	Maintains plant productivity during building installation
5	No Mess	No need to seal off areas against dust	Eliminates additional labor costs and minimizes plant disruption
6	Low Maintenance	Pre-finished walls require little maintenance beyond occasional surface cleaning	Eliminates costly painting and other maintenance and repairs
7	Durability	Reinforced cavity and tough quality facings decrease chances of damage	Long lasting product will perform for years without deterioration
8	Adaptability	Quickly and easily relocatable, expandable, and reusable	Provides maximum flexibility to meet your company's needs
9	Sound Resistance	Fire & Sound panels provide superior sound deadening	Substantial noise level reduction produces a more productive work environment
10	Accelerated Depreciation	Depreciation is usually over seven years vs. 31-1/2 years for conventional construction	Quicker return on investment

1. Pre-Engineered
No need to incur the costs of an architect or engineer, because our buildings are pre-engineered. Each office contains complete CAD drawings and details, installation instructions and a bill of materials. If you should require engineering calculations and sealed drawings, PortaFab can also supply them for your project. Our buildings can be designed to meet most building codes.

2. Ease of Coordination
Standard construction requires the need for contractors and sub-contractors, which increase the number of trades involved. Coordinating and scheduling of these multiple contractors takes more of your time.

With a PortaFab modular building, one phone call covers everything. We supply a pre-engineered office through a qualified factory distributor, who can handle the installation - or help your maintenance people do the job. You don't have to spend your valuable time away from your own job. PortaFab can handle the entire construction project for you.

3. Appearance
With standard pre-fabricated components, PortaFab can ensure a consistent, high quality appearance with every installation. Each system integrates with the others to provide a clean and professional look. The nature of conventional construction with multiple contractors and materials does not allow for such consistent quality control.

4. Speedy Installation
A standard 12 x 16 inplant office can be assembled in less than one day, compared to standard construction, which can take several weeks - especially when dealing with design permits or multiple contractors. Plant disruptions are reduced to a minimum, eliminating costly reductions in productivity often caused by the distractions of construction. The cost savings are significant.

5. No Mess
With PortaFab's pre-engineered panels there is no need to seal off areas to protect against dust and the mess associated with paint, mortar, spackle, tape, etc. Plus, you are not faced with detailed cleaning of equipment afterwards. Eliminating these related costs means very substantial savings for modular construction.

6. Low Maintenance
PortaFab wall panels feature a mar-resistant vinyl coating or extra durable steel surfaces that maintain their attractive appearance for years. There will be no need for the constant painting and repair associated with standard drywall construction. Also, while conventional construction can warp because of high humidity levels or moisture, PortaFab modular walls can be designed to withstand variations in environmental conditions. So, whether you are using your enclosure in a manufacturing facility or office environment, the walls will perform for many years, with no deterioration.

7. Durability
Industrial plant offices built using the conventional method utilize wood or metal studs and painted drywall, leaving an empty cavity that can be easily damaged or punctured. PortaFab panels fill that void and feature durable vinyl or metal surfaces laminated to an insulating core. This solid, reinforced wall construction resists damage from direct impact.

8. Adaptability
The greatest demand on business today is the ability to react to change - rapid growth, downsizing, or new directions. With modular buildings, if additional space is needed, or the original configuration is not as practical as planned, space layouts can be modified to meet the changing needs.

PortaFab wall panels, doors, and window panels are all interchangeable. If you know you need a window where a solid panel stands, it can be quickly exchanged with a window panel without disturbing adjacent panels or the ceiling - with our nonprogressive systems.

You can add a second story, attach a mezzanine, or expand laterally. Your design options are almost endless.

9. Better Sound Resistance
Just putting up four walls won't solve the need for a quiet place to work - especially in plants with loud machinery or forklift traffic. An office built of standard construction is useless if it is not designed properly to reduce contaminating noise levels.

PortaFab Fire & Sound panels provide a logical solution to noise control. In the design of our modular buildings we evaluate all connections and openings to ensure the building will meet your specifications for effective sound control.

10. Accelerated Depreciation
Most tax laws allow very favorable depreciation rules on all PortaFab inplant offices and modular buildings. Our products typically qualify for a seven year depreciation period while conventional construction often requires over 30 years. Please check with your tax advisor.

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