What You Should Know About Temporary Buildings

Temporary buildings have been around for a while, and they can be customized to be used as residential buildings. These buildings have plenty of benefits over brick-and-mortar houses. Temporary structures are easy to set up. They are also cheap and easy to maintain in the long term.

For some time, there has been a demand for buildings that are easy to set up, maintain, and cost less. Construction companies now offer a plethora of options when it comes to temporary structure solutions. The buildings can be customized to meet various needs and can also be used for residential needs.

If you’re planning to invest in a temporary structure, then this article will be of great benefit. Here, we will discuss the benefits of temporary structures. The guide will also highlight some of the most common types of temporary buildings.

Benefits of Temporary Structures  

Temporary structures are easy to set up. Most of the materials used to build temporary structures are prefabricated. Some temporary structures such as industrial tents can also be set up on any type of surface. Overall, the time needed to set up a temporary structure is quite short and reduces costs related to labor.

Most temporary buildings are fitted with clear PVC roofing. This allows enough light to flow into the building during the day. Some temporary structures may also have large windows to help improve aeration and keep the building at room temperature.

Temporary structures are often built with energy-saving features. The doors and windows are well fit to avoid heat loss during the cold days. This way, your furnace doesn’t get overworked during the cold season. You can also have insulation material added to the walls to make the room warmer during cold periods of the day. Some construction firms such as Smart-Space offer warranties on their temporary structures.

Temporary buildings have adequate floor space and head room. Most structures don’t have supporting columns running through the middle of the building. This provides adequate floor space that vehicles and other machines such as forklifts can move through freely. The buildings can be up to almost 40 feet high. Overall, with temporary structures, you get enough space, which makes them great for use as warehouses or factories.

Types of Temporary Buildings

Temporary structures are usually split into four major groups: industrial tents, clear span buildings, semi-permanent buildings, and steel-framed buildings. You can get the buildings customized to match your needs.

Industrial tents are the cheaper option and are often used to set up structures for short-term use. These structures often have clear PVC roofing and large windows. Industrial tents are often used in cases where the building doesn’t need any cooling or heating features.

Clear-span buildings are often great for those looking for plenty of space. These buildings can be up to 200 feet wide. The buildings can be up to 40 feet tall. Clear-span buildings are often used for setting up factories, greenhouses, barns, or warehouses.

Steel-framed buildings are often used for residential needs. The structure can be customized to be used as offices or classrooms. These buildings often have insulated walls, washrooms, and other amenities found in regular brick-and-mortar houses.

Factors to Consider Before Setting Up a Temporary Building

The rules of setting up temporary structures may vary in different states or towns. In most cases, if the building is being used for emergency purposes, you may not need to apply for planning permissions. However, if you’re using it for other purposes extending more than four weeks, you will need to apply for planning permissions.

It is always a good idea to consult with the local authority in your region beforehand. Failure to get a permit or approval from the local authority can have some dire consequences. You might be asked to pull the building down or get fined for ignoring the laws.

Applying for planning permissions can be quite challenging for newbies. In such cases, it is always a wise idea to consult with a construction expert. Ideally, they will help you carry out the required steps including making follow-ups on the progress of the approval. Approval of the planning permission can take anywhere between 8 to 12 weeks.

Use Cases of Temporary Buildings

Thanks to their flexibility, temporary buildings can be used for various needs. You can have the building customized to add extra features. Temporary structures can be used as warehouses thanks to the large floor space and headroom. This ensures that you get plenty of storage space.

Temporary buildings can also be used to set up classrooms or offices. In most cases, the steel-framed buildings are used for this purpose. The structures are fitted with insulated walls, AC, and other amenities that may be required.

Most people use temporary structures to set up barns and garages. Using industrial tents, you can set up a barn or garage cheaply because they can be built on any type of surface. The structures are also very easy to clean and maintain and may be extended if more space is required.

Temporary buildings can also be used to set up fully-featured greenhouses. The greenhouses are fitted with automated temperature control and water systems. Temporary buildings can also be used as indoor arenas. In such cases, most event organizers use industrial tents supported with steel beams.

Buying a Temporary Structures

You can choose whether to buy or lease a temporary structure. If you’re only planning to use it for a short period, leasing is always an excellent choice because it is cheaper. However, if you’re planning to use it for a long period, then buying one is the best choice.

Whenever you’re planning to set up a temporary structure, it is best to involve a construction expert. They will guide you on any requirements needed beforehand. This will include building permits and planning permissions. You can also hire an architect if you’re planning on getting a custom building.

You also need to plan ahead in terms of budgeting. The cost of setting up a temporary structure may vary depending on the type of building, design, and size. Bigger structures will require extra material and workmanship. As such, they will often be more expensive.

Extra features added to the building will also require more money. Temporary steel structures may require a concrete surface as they will require excellent and stable support. Other structures such as industrial tents can be set up on any type of surface.

Bottom Line

If you’re planning to set up a temporary structure, you need to be aware of the building and construction laws in your region. You might be required to get planning permission from your local authority before setting up the structure. Approval of the planning permission can take anywhere between 8-12 weeks.

If the building will be used for emergency needs, you should communicate this to the local authorities. In most cases, if the reasons are valid, you may not require a planning permission for the structure.

You can also involve an architect if you want your structure designed in a special way. Most construction companies that build temporary structures can develop customized structures. However, the costs may increase depending on the complexity of the project.