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Specifications & Scope of Work
Exterior Aesthetic Finishes
Structural Specification Considerations
Interior Aesthetic Finishes
Elevation Variations & Ingress/Egress Designs
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Specifications & Scope of Work
A modular building will only work if the cost of the facility fits within your budget.  Specifications are the largest factor in determining your overall building cost.  Below is a cost comparison using the same building square footage, but with different interior and exterior finishes.  Notice how the building cost fluctuates with the different types of finishes.  It is less expensive to use factory installed finishes, but they should only be used if they satisfy your Project Objectives.  The plan used to install a modular building defines the overall appearance of the facility and is referred to your Installation Criteria.  The labor and materials required to complete the Installation Criteria is referred to as your Scope of Work.  You can install a beautiful modular building like a temporary trailer or plan for a permanent appearance.
 
 
Quality Specifications 
Inexpensive Specifications
Overall Square Footage
6,720
6,720
Specification Price per Square Foot
$75 - $95
$45 - $65
 
 
Permanent Scope of Work
Temporary Scope of Work
Scope of Work Price per Square Foot
$20 - $50
$10 - $20
 
 Total Price per Square Foot
$95 - $145
$55 - $85

(Click here to see another financial example)

Specifications define the materials used to construct your modular building and the Scope of Work determines the extent of performance for all your required subcontractors.  The cost of any item is in direct relationship to the labor and materials required to produce that product.  The building specifications determine which level of quality you are requesting in your facility.  As an example, the heating and cooling system has various specification differences available.  Do you want end mount, split system or a roof mounted system?  Do you want a fully ducted return air system?  What type of duct work is best for your project objectives?  Do you want a programmable thermostat with a locking cover? 

We evaluate these types of questions for every item in your building based upon your overall project objectives.  The exterior veneer can be the most expensive portion of the building specifications, but it has the greatest impact in the final aesthetic finish.  Modular buildings can take on a wide variety of exterior veneers.  Almost any finish that can be installed on a site constructed facility can be used with a modular building.  After the exterior veneer is determined, the modular building specifications are tailored around the material to ensure a quality installation.

Building specifications are the driving force behind your project costs.  Your Scope of Work determines the performance of subcontractors in relation to your Installation Criteria.  How is your building going to be installed?  Based upon your project objectives, what type of foundation should be used?  Does your site have variations in the elevation that would allow for entry at grade?  If your need is only temporary, what steps need to be taken just in case the building stays beyond that anticipated term?  You need to ask yourself a couple questions;  What type of impression do you want to make with visitors?  What will the local community think of my addition?  Does it look like a planned addition or a trailer park? 

Modular buildings have distinct  advantages over conventional site construction.  Modular buildings can offer significant cost savings.  Modular construction can be twice as fast as other forms of construction.  Modular buildings provide you with flexibility.  You have options that can be exercised in the future if needed.  You can relocate your modular building in just a matter of days.  You can reconfigure your entire site plan if required.  You can add additional modular floors within your facility in just a few short days. 

To properly determine your best course of action, your first step is to evaluate your Project Objects.  Your Project Objectives determine what you really want, and need, to accomplish with the use of the modular building.  To determine your Project Objectives, you must define your basic needs and review your overall project plan.  Then taking into consideration your budget restrictions, your building specifications are defined, your scope of work is clarified and your installation criteria is created.  All these steps are required to create a winning formula for your modular building use. 

Unfortunately, most modular retailers can only provide you with some basic building costs without any consideration to your Project Objectives.  At Modular Building Associates, we are modular construction specialists.  We evaluate your needs and plans to help you determine your Project Objectives.  We help you get the absolute best value for your construction dollar.
 
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