Modular Classrooms: The Perfect Solution to the Growing Number of Schools in the U.S.

There is no secret that student enrollments across the country are skyrocketing and that many public schools are seeking to expand their infrastructure. In the school year 2011-2012, there were 49.5 million students¹ enrolled in close to 100,000 operational schools across the United States.2 Today, this number has reached 50.1 million students.³

Given the statistics, there are approximately 100,000 new students in schools across the country every year! With a growing number of students and a more stagnant number of schools, it is easy to see what problems can occur.

When it comes to constructing or expanding a school, the most important factor to consider is time. Schools only close in the summer for two months in a year. Typical brick and mortar structures could take at least 4-6 months to complete (not to mention the disturbance caused to the site – physical as well as environmental).

So, for obvious reasons, schools are better off not going down the traditional route unless they are willing to put up with some serious interruptions in the functioning of the school. Most schools that are looking at expanding (space-wise) to accommodate the new enrollments for the next academic year are struggling to find answers to this space crunch.

Speed

A complete modular structure can be erected in just a few weeks. Of course, it would depend on the design and size of the structure; but compared to traditional buildings, modular school buildings can definitely provide space solutions in a faster manner.

Here’s why

When constructing a modular building, the individual rooms or units are built separately in a factory environment, typically in an assembly line. This happens fairly quickly. At the same time, the foundation is prepared onsite. When the modules are complete they are transported to the site and assembled onto the foundation. After that, all that remains is last connecting the plumbing, electrical work, and other finishing touches. So, the time that it takes to construct the entire building may be cut down by nearly 50 percent!

Cost

Cost of building a modular structure is comparatively less than a traditional one.

Here’s why

Since the construction time taken is cut down by nearly half, so is the labor time and associated costs. Additionally, controlled factory settings allow for efficient use of resources and materials which leads to less waste and additional cost saving.Furthermore, modular classroom buildings are generally fitted with top quality HVAC systems, solar panels, energy-efficient glass, etc., which significantly reduces the running costs and leads to long-term energy and cost savings.That’s not all. With modular construction, there is something for every budget no matter how big or small. There is a vast range of plans and designs that easily adapt to all types of budgets. Portable classrooms are available for rent, lease, or sale depending on what you need and what your budget is.

Flexibility

Modular classrooms are nearly as flexible as rubber!

Here’s why

Modular classrooms are built by joining the individual parts together. So they can just as easily be dismantled and reassembled into something else when the need arises without compromising structure integrity. Also, there is always room for expansion with a modular structure. You can also add a modular structure to a pre-existing brick and mortar building!

Safety

Modular construction has proven to be a lot safer than traditional construction. Here’s why: Since most of the “constructing” happens off site, in a controlled factory environment, the risk of accidents is significantly lowered.Furthermore, there is no use of heavy machinery for the installation phase at the actual construction site which may create a dangerous environment for students to learn in. This is especially crucial for a school with thousands of students hurrying in and out of classes all day.

There you go! Prefabricated classroom buildings are safer, a more cost-effective solution and are incredibly flexible and can be built within a strict deadline. What more would you want when trying to construct an addition to meet the growing number of students?

Wondering how much it will cost you? Request a quote and find out!