MODULAR BUILDING FAQS

Timelines depend on scope, site conditions, planning requirements, and the level of customisation you need.

The typical journey is brief → design → approvals → factory manufacture → site preparation → installation → commissioning.

Because off‑site manufacture and on‑site works run in parallel, some modular projects can be up to 50% quicker compared to traditional construction.

We provide an indicative programme early, then refine it as design and surveys are completed. Your final schedule is agreed at contract stage, and we manage the sequence to keep delivery predictable.

Any building, including modular buildings, that remains in the same position for more than 28 days requires planning permission.

We advise contacting your local planning authority before any work begins. They can confirm whether your proposal is permitted and whether planning permission is required for all or part of the work.

Yes – modular buildings are designed to comply with UK building regulations for structure, fire safety, heating performance, accessibility and more.

For welfare facilities, we follow HSE guidance; for healthcare, we can design the building to be in line with HTM/HBN where applicable.

We will address all of the necessary standards that need to be met during the design stage. To keep everything clear and well understood we will provide the appropriate documentation and certifications at handover.

This depends on the type of ground the building sits on. Where there is suitable hard-standing, smaller modular buildings can use metal shims or adjustable stands.

Foundations are ultimately dictated by the ground’s load-bearing capacity; even with a hard-standing, load tests may be required, and this approach is generally only advised for single-storey buildings.

We supply a load point design with every building so that the foundations can be designed accordingly.

Portable Space will be more than happy to assist or advise on a design to suit your required building.

We can fit most cladding systems; this can be discussed at quoting or the design stage.

Various types of external cladding can be chosen, from the standard plastisol-coated steel to more traditional timber cladding options. Cladding can also be in the form of fire rated product.

Please contact the Modular Project team to discuss which options are available for the building best suited to your project and budget.

All buildings follow similar lead times into manufacture, as design and procurement operate to fixed schedules.

The time from manufacture to installation is dictated by the complexity of the build, so this cannot be accurately quantified for every project. As a guide, from point of order to installation is on average around 12 weeks.

There are numerous benefits to off-site manufacture. These include speed of delivery, factory-controlled quality and checking, improved health and safety, reduced waste and minimised on-site disruption, among others.

Civil works can be undertaken at the same time as the Building structure is being manufactured, reducing work programmes.

Our Containex units also offer the ability to position buildings into restricted access areas, for example, rural-based schools. It is also extremely useful for emergency and disaster requirements – the wall, door and window panels can be positioned and moved on-site, and the 6m modules are often available on short delivery times.

As standard, they do not comply with any current regulations – unless you upgrade to the Plus line, which does not come flatpacked.

Yes, all new build modular units come with a standard 12-month defect warranty.

Other forms of warranty are available on request. Please ask us for further details and a full explanation can be provided.

There is no one singular “type” of modular building – modular is method, not a fixed product. You start with a blank brief, and then our team will configure the size, layout, and finishes around your requirements.

That could be a singular unit, a connected suite of rooms, or a multi-storey complex. The internal layouts can be customised to suit your site, budget and brand.

We design, manufacture, and install to your specification, then deliver a turnkey solution that brings your idea to life.

Modular construction is the process of creating a building off-site in controlled factory conditions.

The building is designed and produced in transportable modules, using high‑quality, environmentally conscious materials and meeting the same relevant Building Regulations and performance standards as traditional construction where required.

Once completed off-site, including any internal fit‑out, the modules are delivered to site, installed, checked, tested, and handed over.

Off‑site construction continues to play a key role in delivering more efficient and sustainable building methods.

Whether you’re expanding an existing site or need a new standalone building designed to your requirements, Portable Space can provide a high‑quality, cost‑effective modular structure that is fully fit for purpose.