Jumbo Shrimp. Military Intelligence. A Little Pregnant. Permanent Modular. Which one of those terms is NOT an oxymoron? The term “Permanent Modular” is not the oxymoron some might believe it to be. Many people associate “temporary” with “modular building.” That’s just not correct.
Although modular buildings are often used to satisfy temporary needs and can be quickly installed in a temporary location, today’s modern commercial modular building can be considered “permanent” construction in every way. These buildings are constructed to the same national building codes (such as the International Building Code) as any building built on-site. The argument can be made that modular buildings are better built than site-built buildings because modular buildings must be constructed well enough to withstand the considerable rigors associated with transporting the sections over long distances. Stick-built buildings are not designed to endure those transportation stresses and typically won’t survive them; modular buildings, on the other hand, do with no trouble.
The confusion between “permanent” and “temporary” arises from how the building is installed. To clarify, an Industrialized Building (a commercial modular building) may be placed on either a temporary or permanent foundation. That’s the difference in a nutshell. If the building is to be relocated later or if the governing authorities (such as municipal codes) permit a temporary foundation installation, the building is typically installed in this manner. It’s faster, somewhat easier, and usually less expensive, but not always.
If required by a municipality, a financing authority, or the client, the same building can be installed on a permanent foundation, typically a concrete slab, a poured perimeter, or a poured pier-and-beam foundation. By definition, the modular building is permanently attached to the site. A licensed engineer or architect must approve and seal permanent foundation designs. That is often the responsibility of the modular builder; in the case of Palomar, we have qualified and certified personnel on staff. A permanent foundation must also be inspected at several phases. Modular building installers are responsible for those inspections, as required, and for providing inspectors with proper documentation during the process.
The bottom line is that modular buildings can be considered either temporary or permanent, depending on the installation foundation. Otherwise, the buildings are identical.
