One of the contenders for traditional construction is modular buildings. During the pandemic, the healthcare industry relied so much on modular healthcare buildings to accommodate patients needing immediate treatment, care, and isolation. If it weren’t for modular construction, the healthcare industry would’ve turned out differently during that difficult time.
Since modular construction has proven its build, use, and quality in healthcare facilities, schools, businesses, and homes, the demand for modular buildings has increased. Their demand has increased significantly, and people are comparing them to traditional properties. There are many reasons modular construction is high. One of the primary is its market value.
Even though modular buildings come with many advantages for people looking into constructing a property with a restrained budget, it’s not easy to build one. In this post, let’s look at the usual requirements for building a modular property.
1 – Structural design
It’s important to remember that building a modular property has many requirements similar to traditional buildings. However, these requirements vary depending on your country, state, area, and other factors that could affect your modular property. It would also depend on your partner construction company.
One of the things the government would require before approving or issuing a construction permit is the modular building’s structural design. There are various types of modular properties. Whether you’re planning to construct a transportable modular building or not, giving them the structural design you’re planning for the building is necessary.
2 – Roof assembly materials, structure, etc.
Another requirement that a government or concerned office will look at in modular properties is their roof assembly process and type. Roofing is critical in any residential and commercial property. Aside from safety, it serves a purpose in ensuring a safe and accident-free environment for your neighbours.
Did you know that the roof system is the most complex construction process? Aside from improving curb appeal, helping insulate your home, protecting from water damage, adding dynamism, and speaking quality to structure, specific locations require specific roofing design, material, and build to meet their area standards. And whether you’re constructing a moveable or permanent modular property, it’s something you should consult first before construction.
3 – Foundation type
In my first two points, I mentioned that structural design and roof systems are a requirement for either moveable or permanent modular buildings. But in this third point, disclosing the foundation type of your modular property is necessary, particularly in some countries, states, and areas.
Before constructing or erecting a modular property, ensure you have an approval permit from the government office in your area. That way, you can refine your construction plans better. Remember that not all areas approve of the erection of moveable modular properties, while others don’t approve of permanent ones. That’s why inquiring from your local office is critical.
4 – Foundation quality
Another thing that a local office may require is looking into the foundation quality of your modular property. Since not everyone is open yet to the concept of modular construction, some areas are particular with the company they approve for building a modular property.
Before you finalise or start a contract with a modular construction company, you must ensure your local area is okay with the construction company you’ll work with and if they have the necessary permissions to start the project.
5 – Means of egress
Some villages and locations are highly particular with the means of egress of a property. Complying with the required egress location is critical if you are building a modular property in a residential area. You can’t place the entrance and exit doors at the side or back of the property if the local government requires you to put them at the front, facing the street.
People building modular properties rarely encounter issues with this requirement if the location they’re constructing this to even requires one. It applies to those incorporating unique design structures into their modular property.
6 – Life safety systems
Last but not least is life safety systems. In construction, “life safety systems” is the phrase used to say when all of the devices in a property follow proper installation to protect people from injury, accidents, and natural disasters.
The concerned office usually does a final inspection once the modular property is erected and placed in its new area. They verify and check their life safety systems before construction through the plans and after construction to ensure that they meet their standards and requirements.
Requirements vary from location to location, not limited to legal documents.
The six points I shared are some of the requirements for constructing a modular property. Some could only require legal documents, while some require meeting the construction and legal requirements other properties comply with. That’s why researching beforehand is critical before moving forward with your plans. These six points aren’t only requirements–but also essential in ensuring your modular property is of top quality.
Written by Bianca Banda
