Three Funding Options Precast Modular Classroom School Buildings
When considering the cost of modular classrooms, it’s important to weigh all the options. Whether you're looking at on-site construction, precast concrete modular classrooms, or portable trailers, each comes with its own set of expenses. To make an educated decision and stay within budget, it’s crucial to understand the cost implications of modular school buildings and the funding available for each option.
School Funding for Precast Modular Classrooms:
Depending on the district, school funding dollars are designated as new construction, maintenance and facilities, or other. Of course, the amount of money available also depends on the district's finances, and school officials may have to turn to other forms of funding to add structures to a campus.
An advantage of considering a precast concrete modular classroom is its durability and lifespan, which can significantly reduce the ongoing maintenance costs after installation. Compared to portable trailers, which often require frequent and costly upkeep, modular classrooms built with precast concrete offer a long-term solution that maximizes your budget over time.
Funding for Type IIB Portable or Construction Projects:
Funding for the site-built construction of schools is often based on current population figures, not forecasted growth. This limitation means that schools cannot use construction funding to build in preparation for growing class sizes, often resulting in overcrowded conditions by the time site-built construction is completed.
However, schools may have access to Type IIB portable funding, which can be used for modular school buildings such as portable trailers or precast concrete modular classrooms. The advantage of precast concrete modular buildings lies in their durability, aesthetic appeal, and the financial flexibility they offer by qualifying for either construction or Type IIB portable funding. Additionally, federal grants for precast concrete modular classrooms might soon be available, as the USDOE has previously funded construction in response to weather emergencies.
Extra Costs to Consider with Precast Modular Classrooms:
Choosing a precast concrete modular classroom offers a variety of time- and money-saving procedures. You deal only with the manufacturer, meaning third-party inspections are conducted before materials ever leave the plant, and classrooms arrive at your campus with DBPR and ASCE 7-10 approval already in place. There are no added architectural or engineering fees—all costs are included in your initial estimate. Setup is quick and done by the same company that manufactures your structure.
Traditional site-built construction comes with a host of "soft costs," including architectural/design fees, inspection fees, land/real estate costs, environmental studies, taxes, and construction insurance. Time is often not considered as a cost, meanwhile, school districts' staff time is taken up by extended projects. All of these expenses may not be anticipated or included in an original estimate, which can prove problematic for a budget.
In addition, site-built projects can get political, with designers, contractors, and the School Board all competing for the same pot of money. This can make it difficult to secure the necessary funding to get site-built projects completed.
Portable trailers are often the choice of the budget-conscious, but their need for frequent maintenance can eat into a budget. They're intended to be short-term solutions, so the moment you need to replace one (or more), your bottom line takes a major hit. This can be avoided by choosing a more lasting, permanent solution up front.
Conclusion:
Being informed about modular classroom costs and the potential expenses associated with campus expansion allows you to use all the funds at your disposal to the maximum benefit of your student body. Whether you choose traditional site-built construction, portable trailers, or precast concrete modular classrooms, understanding the cost of modular school buildings will help you make the best decision for your school’s future.