Every business or organization needs buildings to effectively run their operations. Your budget, purpose, and the length of time in which the structure will be in use will determine the type of building you will construct. You can opt for permanent or prefabricated buildings, otherwise known as modular buildings.
Prefabricated buildings have become very popular recently because of their numerous benefits. They are quick to construct, cost-effective, durable, and even elegant in their own way. As a result, businesses and organizations are switching to these buildings. They can be used for storage purposes, classrooms, and even churches.
The manner in which the construction of prefabricated buildings is carried out can give you the impression that buildings of this kind cannot be used for a long period of time. This can be true since in most cases temporary buildings are prefabricated, but is it always the case?
What are prefabricated buildings?
The structure components used in creating prefabricated buildings are manufactured offsite and then transported to the site where they will be put together. These components are designed in a way that putting additional sections onto the original structure is easy. The construction of these buildings is very quick, so they are the best option when sorting out immediate needs.
Prefabricated buildings are commonly constructed using steel, aluminum frames, and sometimes PVC. Steel buildings are a very good example of prefabricated buildings. Many warehouses these days are prefabricated. After all, there is no need to spend too much on permanent structures when prefabricated structures can effectively sort your needs out.
Construction of prefabricated buildings is not a new concept
The idea of prefabricated buildings can be traced back to as early as the 1600s. They were first widely used in 1880s during the California Gold Rush, which created a significant demand for houses.
After the Second World War, there was a huge shortage of houses in Britain. A team of engineers borrowed the concept of prefabricated buildings from America. The buildings were initially supposed to exist for ten years as the government built more permanent homes, but some of these buildings still exist today.
Ever since then, the construction of prefabricated buildings has been gaining momentum up until the 21st century where many organizations are seriously considering them. The construction of prefabricated buildings has been sparked by a rise in need for housing and dissatisfaction with the current construction methods.
Types of prefabricated buildings
There are two types of prefabricated buildings with both having characteristics that enable them perform certain functions effectively. They include:
Relocatable prefabricated buildings
These buildings are intended for temporary use. They are usually smaller and can be transported to the site to help with functions like disaster relief, medical clinics, temporary housing for workers, and as temporary offices. The buildings are not permanently installed on the site and can be easily removed once they have served their purpose.
Permanent prefabricated buildings
These buildings are usually bigger and are often assembled on site. They are intended to last for a very long period of time. These buildings can be used in several industries for various functions. They can be used in sectors like hospitality, education, retail, as office buildings, and for student housing.
The bottom line
The word “prefabricated” makes many people think that prefabricated buildings are temporary. Though we do have temporary prefabricated buildings, we have seen that permanent ones also exist. Prefabricated buildings are not always temporary and can be permanent and long-lasting just like any other permanent building structure.
