Modular buildings - FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about modular buildings
and Pac-Van services. If your question is not answered,
please let us know. We'll get right back to you.

Can I expand or move my Pac-Van modular building later?
What is the square foot cost of a Pac-Van modular buildings?
Is there a size limitation with modular buildings?
What is a Pac-Van's typical delivery turnaround?
How long does it take to install a Pac-Van modular building?
Will Pac-Van design customized work areas?
Will Pac-Van conduct/oversee on-site installation and commissioning?
Does installation require skilled labor?
What are a Pac-Van modular building's financial advantages?
Do Pac-Van modular buildings carry a warranty?
Is noise-reduction insulation available?
What fire protection options are available?
What equipment options does Pac-Van offer?
How will Pac-Van work with me to determine custom requirements?
What building standards do Pac-Van modular buildings meet?
What materials are used in Pac-Van modular buildings?
Do modular buildings get moldy?
Am I limited to "box" design?
What sort of energy efficiency can I expect?
What's the difference between modulars and prefab buildings?

Can I expand or move my Pac-Van modular building later?

Yes. Your Pac-Van modular building is extendable and relocatable. If you anticipate future expansion, or possibly moving to a new site, both tasks can be further accommodated by our design team if you discuss this with us at the outset. Virtually all modular buildings can be relocated. Some installation methods are more suitable for disassembly and relocation. If you know that the building will be relocated, work with your Pac-Van representative to choose the best installation method.

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What is the square foot cost of a Pac-Van modular building?

Many variables contribute to the cost of a modular building. As the customer, you will choose from numerous options of building finishes and components. Your choices will reflect a balance between function and aesthetics. Local building code, type of installation, and the site services we provide are also considerations in the overall square foot cost. An exact cost cannot be offered without a full estimate.

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Is there a size limitation with modular buildings?

No. We can build you a 25 sq.ft. kiosk or a 35,000 sq.ft. complex.
The size and configuration of modern modular buildings is virtually unlimited.

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What is typical delivery turn-around for a Pac-Van modular building?

Typically, your Pac-Van modular building can be up and open weeks or even months ahead of the time required for traditional construction. The chart below illustrates where the time savings accrue - in site preparation and building construction.

Your prefabricated building is created to uncompromising quality standards in one of our assigned manufacturers' facilities. Compared to "stick-built" construction, the process is inherently faster - and free from the delays due to weather or other causes that typically plague traditional construction methods.

Actual turn-around times will vary, depending on factors such as seasonality, complexity of custom design, engineering, State plan approvals and factory backlog; however, many small to mid-size projects can be delivered in as little as 5 weeks. Typically, you can anticipate time savings of between 30 and 50%.

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How long does it take to install a Pac-Van modular building?

Simple installations may take as little as 2 days. Large projects may take several weeks depending upon site work and coordination with specialized trades.

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Will Pac-Van design customized work areas?

Yes. Simply tell us what you need. We'll work with you to create it.

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Will Pac-Van conduct/oversee on-site installation and commissioning?

Your Pac-Van representative knows your project the best and will work diligently to coordinate with the installation team leader. We will assist in gaining occupancy permits by providing plans and specifications for your submittal to the permitting authority. Site and foundation plans may also be required. Pac-Van can provide those services through a network of design professionals.

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Does installation require skilled labor?

Yes, but Pac-Van can coordinate this process for you, if you wish. We have numerous trained employees, as well as a tested network of experienced vendors that perform safe and dependable quality installations. If preferred, we can assume full turnkey responsibility.

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What are the financial advantages of a Pac-Van modular office?

Please visit our Financing page for details of programs and advantages.

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Do Pac-Van modular buildings carry a warranty?

All Pac-Van products carry a manufacturer's one year warranty from the date of manufacture that is transferred to the customer.

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Is noise-reduction insulation available?

Yes. We are experienced in providing modular building solutions for high-noise industrial settings and educational facilities.

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What fire protection options are available?

Non-combustible construction is available for specialized or high-security applications. Sprinkler systems are available for all Pac-Van modular buildings.

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What equipment options does Pac-Van offer?

We can equip your modular building, inside and out. Ramps, steps, safety rails, decks, building services, security systems-even furniture and fixtures. Just let us know what you require. As a single-source supplier, our experience has been that significant economies in time, money and administration accrue to our clients.

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How will Pac-Van work with me to determine custom requirements?

Your Pac-Van representative will work with you to understand the specific purpose, size, design and budgetary requirements for your project, and then help you select the facility layout and design that will best serve you. Our professionals are equally comfortable handling your project end to end, from site selection to utility tie-in, or working with other contractors as part of a project team.

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What building standards do Pac-Van modular buildings meet?

A Pac-Van modular building will meet or exceed all applicable State and local codes. Every Pac-Van modular building is engineered to meet the appropriate State Building codes. All plans are approved by the State or their third party representative prior to construction. Most Counties accept the State approval without any further requirements. There are, however, some Counties and municipalities that have additional building, installation and permit requirements. Your Pac-Van representative can assist you with identifying additional local requirements and work with you to gain acceptance.

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What building materials are used in Pac-Van modular buildings?

All Pac-Van modular buildings are constructed on a frame of steel. Depending on your requirements, approved thermal and sound insulation materials are used. Interior and exterior finishes can be virtually any choice available to traditional construction, including matching the finish of an existing building on your site. The following lists many of the options available; however, some options are not recommended and/or are unavailable in certain areas.

Floor coverings: tile, carpet, linoleum, wood, laminated wood, ceramic, light weight concrete, rubber,

Exterior: aluminum, smart-panel, T1-11 wood siding, cement panel, stone aggregate, brick veneer, stone veneer, vinyl siding (vertical or horizontal), cedar, limestone, pre-cast, stucco, concrete block.

Roofing: shingle, rubber, PTO (poly vinyl), metal

Wall coverings: vinyl wall covering / wall paper, paneling, dry-wall, fabric, glass, glass block, stained glass.

Ceiling: drywall, pre-finished textured drywall, suspended acoustical 2' x 4' or 2' x 2'.

Doors: Insulated hollow metal, aluminum glass storefront, solid core wood, vinyl clad, aluminum, French, hollow core wood

Window types: vertical slide or double hung, horizontal slide, awning, crank-out, fixed, glass block, single pane or double insulated.

Window material: aluminum, vinyl, wood, steel.

Lighting: Fluorescent surface mount or recessed, track, incandescent, quartz, low sodium, mercury, motion and delay

Heating and air conditioning: wall mount, pad mount, roof top, heat pump, window, through wall, baseboard, electric or gas.

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Do modular buildings get moldy?

Air quality was a concern years ago in some modular structures. Reasons? Air change units too small to renew the air properly. Carpeting allowed to get damp and become moldy. Even some wall coverings were a problem. And, overall, materials standards were well below today's. Today, we pay close attention to matching materials with their environment and usage, and much enhanced standard specifications of modular buildings have resulted.

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Am I limited to "box" designs?

Only if a box is exactly what you want or need. A modern Pac-Van modular building can form any configuration of space, and have virtually any design and exterior or interior finish, that bricks and mortar can achieve. Even our most standard facilities can be transformed with custom facades or entrances. We can also build a modular building to match seamlessly with existing buildings' appearance.

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What sort of energy efficiency can I expect?

A Pac-Van modular building meets or exceeds the same State and local building codes as traditional construction. That said, approved materials or fixtures range from top of the line to cost-effective. The type of lighting fixture selected, or the chosen rating of insulation, can make some small difference, but long experience has shown that the real culprit is neglect.

We know that modular buildings are often treated like second-class components of a project. Filters aren't changed on time, or as often as they should be. Heaters, a/c units or lights are left on over night or weekends. Windows or doors left open. And maintenance in general is haphazard. Any perception that modular buildings are energy-wasteful probably originates from these kinds of abuses.

Any problems with modular buildings come, typically, from lack of commitment. If a purchasing agent is unwilling to specify standards suited to the planned lifespan of a modular building, or underestimates how long a facility will serve, the problems are built in and waiting to show a few years on.

A realistic estimate of service life for relocatable modular buildings, and consideration of desired appearance, durability and maintenance, should factor into the specification process.

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What's the difference between modulars and prefab buildings?

None. Modular buildings, prefabricated buildings, pre-engineered buildings, prefab buildings-all refer to buildings that have their components manufactured off-site to be installed on site on a steel frame.