Design & Build Modular Blog

When and Why Modular Part Four: The Legal Framework and Wrap Up

Posted on 13. Jun, 2011 by Glenn Cort in Industry Insights, Permanent Modular

It’s time to wrap up the “When and Why Modular” series. When choosing permanent modular construction, the appetite of the owner to use “open” as opposed to a closed legal framework is an important consideration. For lack of a better term we will call it the legal framework box.

If the decision makers of a commercial building project are willing to open the process, essentially bringing design together with production, you can check the modular box. It may bode well for any form of construction, but is essential with modular construction that there is a buy in for modular early on in the process.

In fact, the client and design team may be locked in earlier to certain decisions in order to meet the needs of accelerated construction. Once the State approves drawings, the factory must build the modular building to the specification approved. There is little if any room for design changes later nearing or during construction.

However if owners want the predictability, greater control, mitigation of risk , waste reduction and less overall site disruption that are all more naturally occurring with off -site construction, they must integrate team members early on.

In the argument over quality there goes a tie but it doesn’t warrant its own box, first because this series is already too long and secondly it depends on who you talk too. Many in the industry believe tolerances are so strict in a factory and the demands placed on modules over the road speak to greater quality. Finishes on the interior are also matching those of the most skilled field carpenters and build-out contractors.

It’s worth repeating that the only thing I know for sure, when asked “when and why modular” is. . . I know for sure that it does NOT rain in a factory!

If you missed parts 1-3 of the When and Why Modular series, you can catch up here:

When and Why Modular Part One: Location

When and Why Modular Part Two: Experience, Speed and Labor

When and Why Modular Part Three: The Financial Factor

Tags: commercial building, commercial modular, modular construction, Permanent Modular