With each construction job lasting from several weeks to several months (sometimes longer), your crew is constantly moving to new job sites. This means moving and starting fresh time and time again. The new area must be prepped and ready for the crew to move in and get to work. And that means bringing along the crew’s structure that will serve as the office, meeting spot, break area, storage area, and so forth for the duration of the construction project. During each of these moves, however, it is not uncommon for a debate to arise on whether or not you should opt for a permanent structure vs temporary structure.
Let’s take a look at both so you can make the best decision for your construction crew.
Construction Time
When you take on a new construction project, you need to get moving on it as soon as possible so that you can remain within the project timeline. With all the logistics involved in pulling them off, one small slip can throw everything off.
So, between a permanent structure vs temporary structure, which one will get you up and going in the shortest amount of time?
On average, it may take anywhere from a day to a little less than a week for a temporary structure to be constructed whereas a permanent structure may take at least a couple of months. One thing that makes this so effective when it comes to time is that it can be constructed anywhere – without the need for a concrete base.
What’s more, taking the temporary structure apart when you are finished takes even less time. This is something you can really appreciate as you rush off to the next project.
Your Future Plans
Will your future plans involve relocating to a new spot? Does your crew move from location to location? If so, then you are going to want a temporary structure. These will give you all the benefits of a permanent structure, without permanency. And it will not change the landscape.
Permanent structures are for those who are looking for something that will not be moved. These will change the landscape and will require a bit more in the approval process to have them constructed.
The Cost of the Building
Cost is always a factor when investing in something for your crew. It is important that you can justify the expenditure and that it will be a wise choice. Perhaps that is how you have found yourself here.
There is a significant cost difference between a permanent structure vs temporary structure, with the latter being the most economical choice.
Temporary structures can be purchased or leased – and having options like this is always a good thing. You don’t have to worry about investing in expensive materials or labor costs to get the building up and running.
On the flip side, permanent structures tend to cost more because you are buying the materials to create the permanent structure. And, further, you are responsible for paying the labor costs of creating the building.
Again, deciding whether or not to spend the money is something that is going to have to involve a lot of different factors.
Length of Use
How long do you intend to use your new structure? Are you hoping that it will be permanent? Are you looking for something that can give you nearly everything a permanent structure can – without being permanent?
How long you plan on keeping your structure is something to consider. Permanent structures are just that – permanent. They are conventional structures that are around for the long haul.
Yet, it is worth noting that temporary structures aren’t just here today, gone tomorrow-type of structures. With very little maintenance, a temporary structure can give you a working building space for several years.
They can be constructed, deconstructed, moved, reconstructed, and so forth – year after year. Or, they can remain constructed in the same location for years, too, providing you with a structure much like a permanent one.
Both are made for long-term use, but one is more permanent than the other. When choosing the right option for your construction needs, this length of use is something you will want to ponder.
Building Materials
There are a few big differences in the materials that will be used between a permanent vs temporary structure. For those that are not going anywhere, steel, wood, and concrete are often used so that they will be able to handle outdoor elements for years.
Temporary structures, such as a clearspan tent, are made of an aluminum frame and a vinyl covering. This allows them to also withstand the outdoor elements, including all types of inclement weather.
Both permanent and temporary structures are designed to meet snow load and wind load requirements – and hold up all against both.
Do You Really Need a Structure?
Trying to cut costs by not investing in a structure for your construction site is just not an option. While cushioning your bottom line is always tempting, making the decision to forego both a permanent and a temporary structure may not be a wise idea.
Depending on the type of structure you choose, it can be used for so many things, including:
- Storing documents, such as plans and permits
- Give site visitors a place to check-in
- Health and safety policies as well as accident logs
- Break room areas for the crew to escape extreme weather
- Storage of work materials and equipment
- Storage of machinery
- Storage of raw materials
Some temporary structures are large enough to cover the entire workspace, shielding it from outdoor elements so that work can continue without delay – and deadlines can be kept with ease.
It’s pretty evident that you need a structure that will allow you to efficiently get through your project without fail. And, the only way to make that happen is to invest in a temporary structure that can be custom-designed to fit your needs specifically.