Temporary office buildings are important for businesses that undergo constant changes. That may mean sudden growth or changing locations, but in any case, it pays to have a space that can keep up. Renting a temporary office might work for a while, but if the future is uncertain, you may get stuck paying at high rates for months, and when it’s eventually time to move on, you’re stuck starting over again.
With relocatable modular offices, things are much different. They can be installed fast, and often just as fast as rental offices.
In this article, we’ll discuss what temporary office buildings are, the differences between rental and relocatable offices, and more.
What Are Temporary Office Buildings?
A temporary office building is a structure that is made for short-term use. Anyone who has ever been to a construction site has likely seen such a building, though in construction, they tend to look like trailers and are most often on wheels. This is not always the case, though, and you may have been inside a temporary office space without even knowing it.
There is some confusion about what a temporary office building is because “temporary,” “modular,” and “portable” are often used interchangeably, and in many cases in the wrong way.
Many temporary buildings are rentals, modular, or both, and can be removed after a short time.
Modular buildings, though sometimes temporary, do not have to be. In fact, some of the biggest companies offering temporary rental buildings use modular. What makes them so valuable for temporary use is that they can be disassembled and shipped to a new place (or in other words, can be relocated), where a small team can create the building once again, often within a few days.
“Portable” buildings are small and mobile, and often on wheels or skids. Technically, modular buildings are relocatable, so in a sense this is portable as well.
At Allied Modular, we mostly build relocatable modular buildings. You install them once and move or reconfigure them as your needs change.
Rental vs. Relocatable Office Buildings
If you’re in need of temporary office buildings, renting them might seem easier without a closer look at the details. However, over time, it can come with some serious limitations, and have you locked into paying per month what you could’ve owned outright. Here’s how owning a relocatable modular office compares to renting.
Cost
If you need a building fast, you might think the best way to achieve that is through renting. But if you’re not sure how long exactly you need it, you may end up paying monthly for years, and in the end paying as much or more than it would’ve cost to own your modular office, which you could after move around as needed.
Buying a relocatable modular building is a one-time investment that can last for 30 or more years. The building becomes a company asset rather than a recurring cost.
Customization
Rental buildings are often similar or generic. You take what’s available, and it certainly is not customized to your team or work.
With Allied Modular’s relocatable buildings, you can create custom layouts, sizes, finishes, colors, and even branding, all from the beginning.
Timelines
Rentals can be fast if they have the units you need available. (If not, though, you’ll wait.) But designing a modular building is fast, too, and much faster than traditional construction.
Allied Modular designs, builds, and installs with a consistent timeline, and we work with you on scheduling from the first call.
Flexibility
Finally, relocatable modular offices are made to be relocated. If your business needs to move to a new city, or even a new state, you can take it with you. Rentals will of course stay behind, and you’ll have to start all over in the next place.
Features of (Modular) Temporary Office Buildings
Rental and relocatable office buildings often have similar features, the difference between the two being only that if you purchase the building, you can customize it uniquely for your operation.
Some common features/customization choices of temporary office buildings include:
- Flexible Layouts: Every space will be different, and with modular the layout can be too. With modular buildings you can divide the space as needed, whether that is for secluded office spaces, break rooms, or even meeting rooms.
- Panelized Wall Systems: Prefabricated panels connect with H-posts, which creates the main part of the walls. The materials they’re made from can vary a lot, but often include anodized aluminum, vinyl-covered gypsum, fiberglass-reinforced plastic, and others.
- Integrated Electrical: In between the panels, there are raceways for wiring and cabling. Power outlets and data ports can be placed where you need them.
- HVAC Systems: Temporary office buildings can have either ducted and ductless HVAC systems.
- Sound Dampening: If you’re creating an office in a warehouse, shop, or other loud space, you’ll most likely want to create a quiet atmosphere. With modular, you can create focused environments for employees.
- Fire-Rated Materials: The walls can be fire-rated as well, and can even help you meet local codes.
- Custom Doors and Windows: Doors can come in many colors and materials, including steel and vinyl. Windows of different styles can also be added to the space to increase natural light or transparency.
- Flooring: Flooring can be installed over concrete, tile, and other materials. Some options include vinyl-wood-plank flooring, carpet squares, and more.
The Bottom Line
Temporary office buildings can help you get the space you need fast. Rentals might seem like the best option at first, but they also have a lot of downsides. Relocatable modular buildings are much more flexible. Not only can they be installed quickly, but they also can be customized for your business, and what’s more, can move with you wherever you go.
Interested in adding temporary office buildings to your location? Reach out to the experts at Allied Modular today for a quote on new customized spaces:
FAQs About Temporary Office Buildings
1. How long can a temporary office building be used?
Though often used as “temporary” spaces, many modular office buildings can last 20 to 30 years or more with the right maintenance. The longevity of these buildings depends on the materials used and what type of environment they’re placed in.
2 Are permits required for installing a modular office building?
In most places, you will likely be required to get a permit. The requirements will vary by municipality, but your manufacturer can help you handle it.
3. How are temporary modular office buildings delivered/installed?
Most modular buildings are delivered “modules,” or pre-built sections that are then assembled together on the site. The process is very clean, and does not require advanced machinery or loud work.
