FAQ

A modular building is a pre-fabricated, transportable building that consists of any number of different ‘modules’ (or sections). These modules are manufactured off site in factory conditions. Once completed the modules are transported to site and fitted together to create the overall building structure.

Modular buildings can built to any design, can be single storey or multi storey structures to meet with each customers unique requirements.

The term portable building is fairly ambiguous.

Strictly, it should be used to describe self-contained jackleg cabins, however some people refer to modular buildings as portable buildings.

A jackleg cabin is a self-contained, transportable building that comes in a variety of sizes, from 8′ x 4′ to 60′ x 13′. They get their name from the ‘jacklegs’ that feature on the sides of the building.

Jacklegs a telescopic adjustable supports that enable the building to be positioned on uneven ground.

The phrase ‘self-contained’ means that the single building has its own standalone electrics, plumbing and heating. Once connected to the mains services the building is fully operational.

'Used' or 'Pre-owned' modular buildings are buildings that have been previously utilised by another customer for a period of time.

These buildings come in various sizes and configurations having been built specifically for an individual company or school.

We hold a stock of quality pre-owned / used modular buildings that we can either supply as a fully refurbished building or as a trade sale in its existing condition.

Yes.

We are based just outside of Hull in East Yorkshire. We deliver and install our buildings throughout mainland UK. Our buildings have also been delivered to Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Shetland Islands in the past.

Yes.

We can provide you with a full, end-to-end service, from planning right through to the final installation, including the creation of any foundations and ground works.

Yes.

All our buildings can be designed to suit your requirements. This means you have control over the colours of the building, locations of windows and doors, as well as the internal layout.

Modular and portable buildings/cabins are flexible in their design and can feature a wide range of facilities. This can include but not limited to the following:

• Office space
• Meeting rooms
• Classroom space
• Kitchens
• Cellular offices
• Break out rooms
• Canteen space
• Reception areas
• Toilet facilities
• Shower cubicles
• Shower areas
• Changing spaces
• Locker rooms

Yes, absolutely.

All our buildings, both new and used are supplied with a warranty. We are committed to providing a first class after sales service to all our customers.

Why are there so many terms to describe modular and portable buildings?

We don’t know, but we do understand that it can all get a bit confusing! Here is a list of some common industry terminology:

Modular building

A modular building is a pre-fabricated building that is constructed off site and consists of any number of different ‘modules’ (or sections). These modules are transported to site and fitted together to create the overall building structure. Simply it is a real life application of logo.

Modular buildings can be single storey or multi storey structures.

Portable Building

The term portable building is fairly ambiguous. Strictly, it should be used to describe self-contained jackleg cabins, but some people refer to modular buildings as portable buildings.

Jackleg Cabins

A jackleg cabin is a self-contained, transportable building that comes in sizes from 6′ x 4′ to 60′ x 13′. It gets its name from the ‘jacklegs’ - adjustable supports on either side of the cabin that enable the building to be positioned on uneven ground.

The phrase ‘self-contained’ means that the single building module has its own electrics and doesn’t rely on other modules. Once connected to the mains services the building is fully operational.

Relocatable Building

A relocatable building can be used to describe both a modular and portable building. It is a term used to describe any pre-fabricated building that can be transported.

Temporary Building

Temporary building(s) is a description used for both cabins and modular buildings that are to be used on a temporary basis. Many hire fleet providers describe their buildings as temporary.

Volumetric Building

A volumetric building is another name for a pre-fabricated modular building.

Prefabricated Building

A prefabricated building is one that is manufactured in a factory and then transported to the customer’s site. Portable buildings and modular buildings are both prefabricated buildings.

Mobiles

‘Mobile’ and ‘mobile classroom‘ are terms used by the Education sector to describe a wide range of different portable buildings and modular classroom buildings.

Portakabin Building

Many people use the word 'Portakabin' to describe any building. However, the word 'Portakabin' is a registered trademark and the name of the York based company that manufactures Portakabin products. These include the previously manufactured Portakabin Duplex building, the Portakabin Ultima range, the Portakabin Pacemaker and Portakabin Pullman buildings.

Although we sometimes have pre-owned Portakabin products in stock, only Portakabin provide new manufactured Portakabin products.

If you require a newly manufactured, genuine Portakabin product, then you should contact Portakabin.

1. Get in touch

First, you’ll need to get in touch to discuss your requirements, by calling 01482 656590. Before you call, ask yourself the following:

• What will you be using the building for?
• Where will you be positioning the building?
• How many people do you need to accommodate?
• Which facilities do you need in the building?
• When do you need the building?
• What kinds of foundations and groundwork are required?
• Are you looking to buy or hire?

2. Specification and quotation

Once we’ve discussed your requirements, you’ll receive a free, no obligation proposal, including:

• A layout drawing to illustrate a building that meets with the requirements we discussed.
• An elevation drawing to show you what the building will look like
• A full specification of the building
• A fixed-price quotation

3. Confirmation and site survey

If you’re happy with our proposal, we will arrange for a free site survey to assess the location and examine the access to ensure that the installation can go ahead.

As part of this survey, we’ll also explain the installation process, go through all our health & safety procedures, before answering any questions you might have.

4. Delivery and installation

Once we’ve agreed a date, you can leave the rest to us. We will:

• Manage the transportation, delivery and installation
• Supply all the cranes and installation equipment
• Provide expert installation teams
• Deliver and install your building professionally, safely, on time and to the agreed costs

Temporary building(s) is a description used to describe jackleg cabins, portable buildings and modular buildings that are to be used on a temporary basis.

Many hire fleet providers describe their buildings as temporary.

By planning definition a temporary building is one that is on site for less than 28 days.

Absolutely.

We are happy to buy back any modular or portable building we supply, as long as it has been well maintained and is in good working order.

We supply a comprehensive range of new modular and portable buildings which come in a large range of sizes, configurations and designs.

We also hold a selected stock of used modular and portable buildings as alternatives to new buildings.

Yes.

Modular buildings require foundational support in order to be installed on site. Traditional concrete foundations are the most common route. Taking the form of either standard 600 mm x 600 mm pads or strip foundations. The final size and scale of the foundations varies depending on the size of the building, whether is is single or multi-storey and the imposed loadings.

If you have a hard standing site, it maybe possible to utilise a portable foundation system called Jackpads. Jackpads can be installed by our site teams to fully support your building on site. They provide a more cost effective, time efficient alternative to concrete foundations.

Jackpads are a reusable portable foundation system. Created from recycled plastic they have the ability to support modular and portable buildings of all sizes and shapes in various single and multi storey configurations.

Designed to be used in both temporary and permanent situations. They provide a cost effective and time efficient alternative to concrete foundations.

Incorporating incremental packers, the system can be used on hard standing sites with a slight slope. Jackpads are designed to fully support a building for its duration on site.

In general, yes.

Many people see modular and portable buildings as 'temporary buildings' and therefore don't believe planning is required.

The ruling is that you need to obtain planning permission for any building that is to be on site for longer than 28 days.

We advise that you speak to your local planning department to discuss your project and obtain their feedback.

We will help you to apply for planning by providing:

• All drawings and building specifications free of charge
• Advice on building regulation issues to support your application
• Contact details for an expert planning consultant company

The planning permission application process typically takes between 10 and 12 weeks from submission.

Yes.

All our new modular buildings comply with the latest Building Regulations as detailed in Approved Documents provided by the UK Government.