Seattle Fire Department

The first phase consists of identifying what the client needs and wants. Information is gathered and then Modern’s professional team of designers creates a modular building design that is ideal for the client. Some questions that will be asked:

Each building design goes through Modern's Engineering Department for an in-depth engineering review. Like site-built structures, modular buildings are subject to a series of national, state and local building codes that ensure the building meets a set of standards for safety and performance. During the building review process, the Engineering Department’s staff will confirm that the design proposal meets all applicable building codes as recommended by the state where the building will be placed.

Most all jurisdictions require construction and building permits for new construction or major renovations. These permits may take anywhere between several weeks to several months to be approved (depending on season and size of project). Obtaining the correct permits is vital for the project to progress as scheduled. Failure to obtain the proper permits can result in significant fines, penalties, and even demolition of unauthorized construction. The following are some of the tasks that take part in this stage:

The most considerable benefit to modular construction happens during this stage of the process. The site is developed and building foundation is set while modules are concurrently fabricated in the manufacturing facility. Due to this simultaneous construction technique, a substantial amount of time is reduced from the construction schedule. This is excellent for businesses who want to break out of the outdated sequential timeline found in traditional site built construction and get their building up and running more quickly.

Module sections are constructed in a controlled factory setting where materials are kept indoors and away from potential moisture. Modules move through a production line where specialized professionals utilize exact materials and third party inspections occur at each process phase. Construction begins with framing the floor and wall sections of the modules. At a separate station, roof construction occurs at ground level before it is hoisted up and connected to the wall and floor assembly. As the module moves down the line, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical components are installed. The module then passes through the interior finish station where insulation, drywall, paint, flooring, and cabinets are done. The final stop of the module construction process is applying the exterior. The lap siding, roof panels, and painting are applied before final inspection is conducted and the modules are prepared for shipping.

Before the modules can officially ship out, special road permits are obtained by the Transportation Department and final building approvals must be given by third party inspectors. Modules are then set on top of mod-trailers and prepared to ship out to site. Depending on the size of the module, front and back pilot drivers will guide each truck carrying a module to its destination. Pilots are responsible for guiding trucks through turns and checking for blind spots. Once the modules reach their destination, the buildings are delivered in sequential order according to how the buildings will be set in place.

The final stage of the module construction process is the installation of the modules. An on-site crew will install the modules and complete any finishes on the exterior or interior of the building. Depending on the size of the project, cranes and crawlers may be recommended to assist in placing the modules on the foundation. Subcontractors may be brought in to install utility connections and complete other miscellaneous work. On average, installation of modular buildings takes about 4-6 weeks to complete, but varies by project.