Placement of the modules may take from several hours to several days. Completed modules are transported to the building site and assembled by a crane. In many cases, modular contractors work with traditional general contractors to exploit the resources and advantages of each type of construction. This can comprise the entire building or be components or subassemblies of larger structures. The buildings are 60% to 90% completed offsite in a factory-controlled environment, and transported and assembled at the final building site.

PMC modules can be integrated into site built projects or stand alone and can be delivered with MEP, fixtures and interior finishes. Modules' construction may take as little as ten days but more often one to three months. Modular components are typically constructed indoors on assembly lines. Permanent Modular Construction (PMC) buildings are manufactured in a controlled setting and can be constructed of wood, steel, or concrete. Often, modules are based around standard 20 foot containers, using the same dimensions, structures, building and stacking/placing techniques, but with smooth (instead of corrugated) walls, glossy white paint, and provisions for windows, power, potable water, sewage lines, telecommunications and air conditioning. The use of modular buildings enables events to be held at locations where existing facilities are unavailable, or unable to support the number of event attendees.Ĭonstruction is offsite, using lean manufacturing techniques to prefabricate single or multi-story buildings in deliverable module sections. The portability of the buildings makes them popular with hire companies and clients alike.

Modular buildings are often used to provide temporary facilities, including toilets and ablutions at events. They can also be used in areas that have weather concerns, such as hurricanes. Other uses have included churches, health care facilities, sales and retail offices, fast food restaurants and cruise ship construction. Modular buildings are used in remote and rural areas where conventional construction may not be reasonable or possible, for example, the Halley VI accommodation pods used for a BAS Antarctic expedition. Modular buildings may be used for long-term, temporary or permanent facilities, such as construction camps, schools and classrooms, civilian and military housing, and industrial facilities.

Building construction process