The bottom line for any construction project is cost.  Modular buildings cost less because of labor and material cost savings.  Factory-construction maximizes labor effort and minimizes material waste. Modular buildings have an economic advantage over most other forms of site-related construction because of our labor cost savings and our control over material purchasing and waste. 

Below is a cost comparison for a 6,000 square foot building.  The example compares a site-constructed wood frame structure against a commercial modular building.  Both buildings are using the same basic specifications and they will look almost identical upon completion. 

Generally speaking, it is more expensive to apply interior and exterior finishes on a job site than to install those same finishes in a quality-controlled factory setting.  Carpenters, electricians and plumbers working on an assembly line get more actual work done in a day and cost less than the typical subcontractor doing the same work at a job site.  On a typical job site you can expect cost overruns due to bad weather in the form of construction delays and damages to your building products.  Site subcontractors waste valuable time traveling between multiple jobs, finding the right tool for the work, picking up parts from various suppliers and organizing their employees.  Factory-construction brings the work to the labor force and provides them all the tools, equipment and support services required to get the job done.  Let's face it, labor is the most expensive cost element in any construction project.

The old saying “Time is Money” is right on target with modular construction.  The factory assembly line maximizes the productivity of workers thereby driving down your cost per-square-foot. Henry Ford revolutionized manufacturing when he put the theory to work making automobiles.  We use the same concept except utilizing construction trades. Factory production allows the different construction trades to get more work completed each day by moving the actual building to the worker, providing them with quality tools and providing parts on demand.  Factory production does not suffer from delays associated with bad weather.  Our factory crews are working under roof and out of the elements.  The materials we use to construct your building are protected from weather damage.  We can purchase materials in bulk from manufacturers.  All this helps to reduce our costs which also reduces your price. 

When comparing your building options it is important to remember that your real cost is not just what you are paying, but what you are buying. In addition to comparing specifications, scope of work and installation criteria, you should consider the overall appearance of your finished building. Will the finished facility be a welcomed addition to your neighborhood?  Will the building design satisfy your long-term space needs and aesthetic expectations?  What will the building look like in five years?  Will you still want the facility?  Modular construction provides you the option of removing the building.

When evaluating your building costs, you must include your overall project costs for a complete estimate.  Below is an example of a typical site-constructed public school.  Notice the additional 23.6% required to determine the final projects costs.  Actual construction costs accounted for 76.4% of the total, but an additional 23.6 % was required for completion.  Of course, the percentage breakdowns would be different for a modular project, but the concept is the same.  You must evaluate total project costs to understand the complete financial impact of your project.  When evaluating your modular construction project, it would be a mistake not to include the additional costs associated with site preparation, utility connections, foundation, sidewalks, decks, ramps, parking, landscaping, permit costs, professional fees, communications and any other items required for occupancy.