Paul C. Tansill, executive vice president of modular construction company Affordable Structures, has seen an explosion in modular construction in recent years as clients recognize the cost and speed advantages.
His team recently completed a 16,000 square foot imaging center in downtown Atlanta, and completed the a project in six months that would’ve taken a traditional construction company a projected 14 months.
“Because of manufacturing efficiencies and bulk purchasing, our clients regularly enjoy 25 to 30 percent in monetary savings,” he says. “Additionally, because the site and building construction can be completed concurrently, we routinely outperform traditional construction by 30 to 40 percent.”
Read on to learn more about the advantages of modular construction:
Can you tell us a little about Affordable Structures?
Affordable Structures was formed in 1998 as a Florida-based state-certified general contracting corporation that specializes in the design, construction and installation of commercial modular buildings in the U.S. and abroad. The ASI management team has more than 45 years of industry experience and has successfully completed hundreds of jobs located across the United States, Caribbean and neighboring countries. Our goal is to design and provide our customers with an affordable building that utilizes the best building materials that will create value, maximize utilization, and yield an attractive elevation.
What is a modular structure?
Modular buildings are three-dimensional sections (floors, walls and roofs) that are built in a controlled atmosphere with tight tolerances and inspections throughout the manufacturing process.
How have modular structures changed over the years?
We now build both wood and steel frame structures. Concrete floors, specialized HVAC, full fire suppression and many green building features are common in our buildings.
Also, multi-story buildings are becoming more common throughout the U.S.
What do contractors like about modular structures?
One of the most attractive features is the tight tolerances and quality control. Delays due to poor weather conditions or labor shortages are greatly reduced through the use of modular manufacturing.
What special skills or qualifications does a contractor need in order to begin installing modular structures?
The installation of modular buildings need to be handled by a qualified installation crew. There is specific equipment that is required to install a modular building correctly. The modules need to be placed precisely on the prepared foundation.
How easy are they to install?
Not difficult at all for a qualified, licensed, experienced installation contractor.
What considerations need to be made when deciding between a more traditional building and modular construction?
If a client decides to pursue modular construction in lieu of traditional construction, he needs to bring in the modular building specialist early. The project needs to be designed with modular construction in mind. Placement of doors, windows, fixtures and millwork need to be strategically located so the client enjoys the benefits of modular construction. Also, because we provide all of the mechanical, electrical, plumbing and structural sealed plans as part of our package, our clients enjoy great savings in their architectural expenses.
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