Modular Construction to help with Charter School Expansion

As state governments nationwide continue to struggle balancing their budgets, conventional school system administrators across the country are feeling the pinch. Many have been forced to scrap plans for expansion and improvements. Charter schools, however, are facing a completely different challenge. The development and expansion of charter facilities is expected to increase substantially across the nation this year, according to a study conducted by ENR California, a leading construction industry publication. To keep up with continued growth, many schools are turning to modular construction for solutions.

In a small North Carolina town, modular buildings provided a would-be charter facility with the structures that they needed to make their dream of a local school a reality. As the city had no school of its own, children were required to take 30-mile bus trips to schools in neighboring cities. Once the charter was approved, administrators had to hustle to get the school up and running before the fall semester. Existing modular buildings that could be installed quickly became the answer. The school opened on time and within budget with the help of pre-leased modular classrooms.

Not every manufacturer has the inventory and experience to respond quickly to the immediate and changing needs of charter schools. To ensure a cohesive architectural style across the campus, buildings can be designed or refinished to match existing structures.

Modular providers often offer a number of financing options, including various lease types and sales. As enrollment in charter schools increased nationally over the last year by 12.5 percent to over 2 million students, the demand for modular construction is likely to continue, providing a practical solution for school expansion.

Permanent Modular Projects

Modular buildings have advanced tremendously over the years since the first pre-fabricated buildings were sold in the early 1900’s. In the beginning modular building were primarily used as temporary structures to quickly provide space. Now, much has changed, with modular construction serving as a plausible and reasonable option for many different sectors.

In today's world, modular buildings are becoming an increasingly more prevalent option in construction. The flexibility of modular construction has even grown to include high rise construction projects. For example, a university in Wolver Hampton, England is home to the tallest modular high rise on record- a twenty-four story dormitory. On a smaller scale, local schools are another area to benefit from the inclusion of pre-fabricated structures on their sites. Sherman Elementary School in Connecticut is one such location. By working closely with the school district, builders designed a modular addition that would blend in with the existing school while proving to be strong and noncombustible. By choosing the matching brick exterior and using concrete ramps and stairs with galvanized metal railings, the builders offered a permanent modular solution that was easily accessible as well as durable.

So much has changed over the past century, with the improvements in the modular and pre-fabricated building field; Modular solutions are now available without sacrificing design or building longevity. Many modular structures look no different from conventional ones, with modular designs in commercial and office buildings blending in effortlessly with existing structures. As the future approaches, modular structures will only continue to flourish, offering permanent modular solutions to various different sectors.  

Wildfire Season Approaching

Summer is the season for wildfires, and the National Association of State Foresters estimates that approximately 70,000 homes and businesses are at risk for being damaged or destroyed by fire this year. Not only are wildfires a danger to the communities in their direct paths, but their roaring flames may also spark new fires and cause additional devastation to surrounding areas. After the flames have been extinguished, the recoveryprocess begins, but it may take years for the areas to be completely rebuilt.

For people who have lost their homes or business, the wait to rebuild their lives can seem endless. Areas that are remotely located make it difficult for onsite construction, adding to recovery time. Typically, it can take several months and sometimes years to construct a conventional building, with larger projects requiring much longer time to build. In some cases, people may have to scramble to find temporary housing. The loss of commercial space has a negative impact on the local community making it important to help business owners get back up and running again.

For those affected by wildfires and other natural disasters, modular construction can provide a much-needed alternative to conventional building methods. Modular buildings often serve as temporary recovery housing immediately following a disaster, but they can also be used as permanent structures. Because factory construction and site preparation occur concurrently, modular construction is a faster alternative to conventional methods. Modular buildings can be constructed 40 percent faster than conventional construction resulting in earlier occupancy and significant savings. In an emergency, pre-leased modular buildings can be brought in immediately for use as recovery housing for individuals or as commercial housing.

Because modular buildings are more cost effective to construct, they can also help speed the economic recovery of the communities that have been affected by natural disasters. In addition to residential and commercial housing, the buildings are often used as schools, medical centers and offices. Using modular construction to rebuild a community hastens the recovery process and allows people to get their lives back to normal as soon as possible. 

North Dakota Focuses on Housing

The state of North Dakota has experienced a significant increase in oil production recently. The Midwestern state ranks as the 2^nd largest producer of oil in the country. Advancements in drilling methods have brought on the changes in North Dakota’s oil yields. Because of the increase, western North Dakota is undergoing major transformations in economic growth.

One of the most notable changes occurring in the western portion of the state is housing development. The substantial oil production of the Bakken shale field and the Williston Basin has prompted the expansion of housing in the surrounding areas. North Dakota authorities are now focusing on construction and development in order to sustain the momentum in the state’s economy.

In an effort to bring in new construction to western North Dakota, government officials, investors, lenders and developers assembled at the Bakken Housing Summit in May. The goal of constructing 5,000 houses in two years was set into motion. Due to the encouraging response from the community and Bakken Housing Summit attendees, the housing and construction market in and around the Williston area is set to expand.

The overall reaction to the summit was positive, and attendance was impressive. Numerous deals were made between investors, builders and lenders. Connections within the community stimulated the housing market in a significant way. Companies providing modular construction have begun building in a variety of areas. This focus on rapid development will bring continued support for the growth of the community.

Modular building is a key factor in the expansion of western North Dakota and productive shale oil fields are the basis for success, but efficient and cost-effective construction is essential. Residential andcommercial housing has been scarce in the Williston area. Companies buildingmodular structures are generating a substantial change in the overall stability of the community.

Construction projects that may provide the greatest advancement in economic growth include subdivision, apartment and condominium development. As the state of North Dakota focuses on housing, its economical ranking rises. The goal of building 5,000 homes in a two-year time frame is likely to be met if oil production and community involvement continue to move forward. 

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