What Is a Modular Office?

A modular office is a building that is constructed to serve as an office, but is not connected to a permanent foundation on the ground. These offices are often used as temporary spaces, but can also be used as overflow areas or even permanent work areas, depending on the need. Typically, they cost less to buy and build than more traditional office buildings. Modular offices can also refer to temporary walls and structures within a more traditional building.

Modular construction is simply a construction type that is based on standardized dimensions or units. As such, construction can be accomplished more quickly and in an assembly line fashion. This is opposed to more traditional construction, which usually takes place on site and is more flexible in nature, with a greater diversity of design. Though some may not believe the aesthetics of a modular office are comparable with a traditional office, they both accomplish the same goal.

A modular office can be both portable and permanent, or at least semi-permanent. Portable modular offices are often seen at construction sites and other locations where temporary events are taking place. More permanent modular offices can be put nearly anywhere, and even constructed in such a way that they attach to permanent structures. The modular office building may include electrical and plumbing hookups for restrooms and even small kitchens.

The lifespan of a modular office varies widely, depending on the use and how often it is moved. They do not tend to last as long as more traditional buildings, but each situation is different. Quality also will play a major factor in the lifespan. Those needing a building for more than a decade or two should plan to invest a little more in it.

A number of advantages and disadvantages go along with the modular office building. A major disadvantage is, other than a few size differences, there may not be many options as far as dimensions and shapes are concerned. Also, they may not provide a safe haven in severe weather. Advantages include the cost and an easier permitting process, in many cases.

Another use of the term modular office is for construction done inside a permanent building. This is usually more extensive than simple modular cubicles. The walls and partitions of a true modular office may reach to the ceiling and will completely close off an area, with access through a door. It could also include windows. This is a cheaper option than dividing a room with traditional construction methods.

Modular Office Furniture - An Affordable Way to Custom-Furnish Your Office

Modular office furniture is made up of standardized furnishing pieces that fit together to make a uniform system. When you purchase modular furniture, you only purchase the pieces you really need for your space. The various items of modular office furniture are cabinets, chests of drawers, racks, desks, chairs, and glass partitions.

Based on your individual requirements, needs, and style preferences, you'll start looking for your furniture pieces to highlight various aspects of your space. Modular office furniture gives you that freedom due to its ability to easily change the interior of any office, merely by combining individual elements of each furniture piece.

Manufacturers of modular office furniture generally use practical and durable materials to build their pieces, such as veneer, solid woods, metal, plastic, and glass. Furniture finishings are usually made of a synthetic laminate, chrome parts, veneer, PVC, etc. These durable materials extend the life of your furniture and allow it to last for many years. Currently, metal and plastic are in style, including stylish designs with aluminum frames and frosted or clear glass. Modern styles often feature chrome-plated metal legs, making the furniture appear to "float" above the floor.

There is also a broad range of colors for your furniture. However, don't forget, that colors have an effect on the mental state of people. A workplace with light shades can calm the staff and boost their work efficiency. Extremely bright-colored furniture may cause unnecessary disturbance in the staff's mind.

Just like computers, TV sets and cars, modular furniture has come a long way in its evolution, from simple small individual items to modern elegant modular sets.

The great thing about this furniture is that it is easy to handle and mobile. Chairs and tables are height adjustable and chairs have wheels and armrests. Some models even allow you to adjust the positioning of the tabletops. Cabinets, shelves and drawers are spacious and within reach of the worker. Round shape furniture is one of the latest innovations in modular furniture, which minimizes injuries.

Modern modular office furniture efficiently organizes your available space, creating healthy working conditions for your team. In addition to your furniture, unique accessories and stylish interior design help create an aesthetically pleasing work environment.

When choosing the size of your office furniture, you'll need to carefully measure your rooms and clearly imagine the possible arrangement of the furniture. For example, large cabinets may look overwhelming or cumbersome in a small room, and they may look great in a spacious room with high ceilings. If you're not sure about the possible arrangement of your furniture, it is best to contact a specialist, who can sketch a computer model of the furniture arrangement for you. You can also ask whether it is possible to change the configuration of the furniture over time, in the event you decide to change the look of your office.

Modular furniture sets are generally cheaper than buying items at retail. However, when placing your order, be sure to ask about who will assemble your furniture. Typically, the payment for the assembly will be an additional 10%-15% of the order amount. If "free" assembly is advertised, it usually means that the assembly cost is included in the price of the furniture items.

Brian helps companies of all sizes purchase modular office furniture and about how to find affordable quality office furniture.

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Area Chair Guest Modular Office

Constructing an office from scratch is a daunting task that brings visions of high costs, weather related delays, and irresponsible contractors. However, alternative construction methods can be employed to lessen this frustration. A modular office, also referred to as a prefabricated construction, is a quicker, and more cost effective method of erecting an office. Basically, modular offices are built in a factory using the same materials utilized for traditional construction. The entire office is not built in one piece; rather it is broken up into individual modules that can be transported to any site. Typically, up to ninety percent of the office is built at the factory; walls, ceilings, carpeting, electric, and HVAC. These modules are then assembled at the site to form a professional looking office that is functional, as well as expandable.    
Each module ranges in size from 10 to 18 feet wide to 36 to 76 feet long, with the module width depending on state shipping regulations.

Unlike conventional offices, modular offices have several design constraints. Since the modular office will be shipped via the road, there are maximum height constraints. Typical ceiling heights are around 8 feet vs. 9 to 10 feet for traditional construction. Further, modular office entrances are usually located up to 30 inches above the ground necessitating the use of ramps and steps to reach the entrance. On the other hand, it is possible to have brick, stucco or another exterior finish to customize the otherwise “sterile” look of a modular office. Additionally, numerous options exist for finishing the interior office as well.

    The most compelling reason why companies turn to modular offices is the speed of construction. A standard modular office can be constructed in significantly less time than it takes for conventional construction. Faster construction translates into quicker cash flow for the business. Modular offices are also less expensive than conventionally built buildings. A typical construction might cost $100 to $130 per square foot, modular pricing can range from $55 to $60 per square foot, including installation. Further, modular offices can be relocated, allowing for expansion, and site relocation without starting construction from scratch. There are also tax savings related to owning a modular office, as opposed to leasing office space.


The primary hurdle to modular offices relates to their look and feel. If a more custom designed office is desired, modular offices are probably not well suited for you. However, it should be noted, that there has been an increasing trend to permanent modular offices where a portion of the construction is done on site. Basic modular building limitations like the elevated entrance and shorter ceilings can make the buildings look less stylish. While there are certainly ways to address these design elements, doing so can increase the overall building expenses.

In spite of the complexity of the final product, buying a modular office is a fairly straightforward process. Contacting a project manager, and discussing all the specifics is the best way to get started. Even though a modular office may be ready for shipping as soon as a week after it is ordered, it can take several weeks for the appropriate permits to be issued.

Careful, and serious consideration should be taken when planning a startup business, or expanding an existing one. After all factors are considered, modular offices are a cost effective, sound means to maintaining a healthy business, and should be inclusive in any business model.

About the Author

Jay B Stockman is a contributing editor for Modular Office Systems Visit http://newmodularoffice.com/ for more information.