With the summer holidays now behind us, plans for 2023 and beyond may seem a long way off, but it pays to be ahead of the game when considering your construction method for a new school building.
Modular building is fast becoming the construction method of choice for educational establishments for 3 main reasons.
1. The build process is fast and efficient.
2. A fixed cost turnkey solution is preferable for budget purposes
3. There is minimal disruption to site, construction teams are in and out in half the time of traditional built projects. 
The key for a successful modular project is to plan and engage early with specialist modular construction professionals. Even if you are at concept stage, the advice that modular construction and modular design professionals will give you, can be the most valuable and fun part of the build project.
Not only will they be able to guide you with your thought process, but an experienced modular construction professional will also be able to understand the future needs of your school and accommodate these within the design. Having your ideas come to life visually is an important part of the concept design stage, allowing you to see how different layouts work and how different finishes look.
By engaging early, it gives you the time to discuss design concepts and consider different options. Looking at different layouts for your new modular building allows you to accommodate space for the best teaching facilities and equipment and how to connect with existing school buildings or utilise space to the outdoors.
Interaction with a construction company who specialise in educational modular building design is an exciting part of the process. They will be able to wow you with their ideas and bring to life your vision. They can also bring to the table other ideas and alternative options which you may not have considered.
Get ahead of the crowd
Whilst modular construction means buildings can be built in any weather, in purpose-built manufacturing facilities, it is still preferred to have good weather, for on-site foundation work. This in turns results in a gold-mine style rush for those in the construction industry, resulting in the summer months being exceptionally busy. This also ties in with the summer holidays being the best time to build whilst pupils are on holidays.
Both these combined, result in the summer months being very busy for modular building contractors. It is worth considering starting construction in the early Spring, half term holidays are an ideal time to commence groundworks and Easter allows time for delivery of the building without causing disruption to everyday school. It also means you can avoid competition from other schools!
Get your modular contractor of choice
Planning your build well in advance also gives you ample time to obtain and compare quotes and have the time to find the modular contractor that is the best fit for you and your school. Fixed cost projects within the traditional build market are becoming harder to secure due to rising material and labour costs. There have been instances where a project cost has risen by 20% from the initial quote stage to the final order being ready to submit.
Keeping to your budget is a very important part of the process and one of the major modular building advantages and early discussions with your modular contractor will allow time for the design to fit within your budget. It is far easier to secure a fixed turnkey project cost with a modular contractor due to the whole offsite build process being more efficient and the timeline between initial enquiry, ordering, delivery, and installation is half the time of a traditional build project. They say that the early bird catches the worm, and by starting to plan early, you will be able to reach key project personnel before they get booked up by everyone else.
Modular construction is a fast and efficient way to build, but early engagement is still crucial so that you have the opportunity to take advantage of the concept design stage. It also gives the opportunity for the modular construction professional to provide you with undivided personal attention, site meetings and engage with other key stakeholders who might be involved in the project, resulting in a smoother construction process overall.
Get Planning In
Construction companies who specialise in modular educational buildings will also be able to advise and complete the planning process on your behalf. They will be able to guide you through the regulations and ensure that the final design will have the best chance of approval and not be subject to any delays or having to resubmit.
Give yourself time to get those classrooms ready
The most common reason for new educational buildings is to accommodate expanding pupil numbers. This means that you need your modular school building ready to hit the ground running and welcome in pupils and teachers as soon as possible. A fixed price turnkey solution from your chosen modular contractor will provide this for you. From design to planning, delivery and installation, interior fit out and landscaping, all can also be incorporated within a fixed price, giving you peace of mind and financial security for the project cost.
James Allen – Beech Hall School said: “The single most important thing that impressed me about my experience with Modulek was the personal attention to detail.”
To view the full case study go to: https://modulek.co.uk/case-studies/beech-hall-school/ 
Charlie Little – Bloxham School, said: “Our school is growing and we needed to look at our capacity and how to accommodate a new Science and Geography block. We are in the middle of a Conservation Area, surrounded by Listed Buildings and it was very difficult, especially in a tight time frame to be able to put in a planning application for a new build and everything that goes with a traditional build.
“I put my faith into Dan and his team at Modulek and I was proved correct to do so.
“All delivered on time and on budget with no disruptions. It was built before our very eyes.”
To view the full case study: https://modulek.co.uk/case-studies/bloxham-school/
Modulek are specialists in educational modular design and building. They use a unique hybrid construction method that is built offsite, delivered, and installed on site. With over 50 years of modular build experience and numerous school building projects in their portfolio they are the leading industry experts in the educational building market.
For more information and to see completed projects visit www.modulek.co.uk or call 01202 813121 to speak to a Director.
