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Considerations for Purchasing a Portable Classroom
More often than not, the portable classroom you receive is a result of an innovative and educated approach. As a guide, here are five suggestions to help you maximize your opportunity to obtain a portable classroom that exceeds your expectations.
1. Communicate and Research Your Options
Ask questions, meet with potential suppliers to discuss your program in depth, and, if you have not already done so, research your options. Look at all the materials, features, and finishes available today that are being incorporated into portable classrooms to create a healthy, comfortable learning environment and consider how they might work for your school.
2. Set Your Expectations High
As the buyer, you are in control. You can set the specifications, you can set the standards, and you can drive the results. So, set your expectations high! There is no reason to receive “second best” in any learning environment, including portable classrooms. In order to ensure that your classrooms meet or exceed your expectations, communicate your needs clearly to your potential suppliers. There should be no misunderstanding.
3. Outline Your Buying Criteria
This ties in a little with communication. Modular construction offers a multitude of features and benefits. Knowing them and using them to your advantage will assist you in attaining your desired objectives.
Financing options, building features, relocatability, speed of construction, and minimized site disruption are just a few of the motivators that prompt school administrators to look to portable classrooms for accommodation.
Letting your suppliers know what particular motivators are driving your purchase will help them prioritize, make recommendations, and respond with your specific needs in mind.
4. Establish Your Base, Then Look for More
You may have specified your classrooms right down to the fasteners, and, unquestionably, this is the best way of evaluating your package on an “apples to apples” basis. But, consider going a step further. Ask for recommendations.
5. Go for the “Valley” Whenever You Can
Understandably, there are external environmental forces at work that can prevent a school board from going out for proposals whenever they choose. Funding is usually at the top of the list.
However, wherever possible, try to get a jumpstart on the process so that you can be assured of securing regular production time.
Modular building companies look favorably on a steady diet of year-round production, as opposed to the peaks and valleys that tend to be more characteristic of the industry. Find out when the industry slows down in your region. It will vary between locations. Make an effort to slot your requirements into those “valley” timeframes. It could be a win-win for you and your provider.
6. Match the Product with the Need
If you only need “swing space” for a few years, consider leasing relocatable space. If you have longer term needs, three to five years before new construction occurs, consider modular additions or complexes with more permanent features such as foundations. For new construction, permanent modular construction offers schools the same or higher quality classrooms in a much faster timeline—in many cases, 50 percent faster.
How to Choose the Right Vendor
The right vendor can make all the difference between the right and wrong experience. So, it is critical to do research and choose wisely.
Here are six factors you should consider:
1. Referrals
Ask colleagues who have been through the process for their recommendations. Visit other schools where potential vendors have provided portables.
2. Experience
How long has the company you are thinking about working with been in business? How knowledgeable are they on local and state codes?
3. Reputation
What is the supplier’s reputation? You should not work with anyone that is not considered reliable, trustworthy, knowledgeable, and timely. Does the vendor subscribe to the industry code of ethics?
4. Turn-Key Solutions
Is the vendor flexible and able to provide additional services that you may need, such as relocation, parts, and refurbishment?
5. Proposal
This is the most critical portion of the process. You must review every single detail of the proposal to ensure that all specific services are clearly outlined before entering the contract.
6. References
It goes without saying that any reputable provider can provide you with a list of past customers. It is critical to take the time to actually call these references to see what other schools’ experiences have been.
Proper Operation and Maintenance
Below are several actionable items that will improve the performance of portables. Although these measures add to the upfront cost of the portable, those extra dollars will quickly provide results in the form of energy savings, increased student and teacher morale, and improved student performance.
Protect Indoor Air Quality
First, specify no- and low-emitting building materials and furnishings to reduce airborne contaminants.
Second, install proper drainage systems and control measures to prevent mold. Some areas to consider are landscaping systems that prohibit water from hitting the actual structure and draining off. Also important is providing the proper grading and drainage systems along with mitigation procedures for water leaks.
Support Gains in Energy Efficiency
Portable classrooms built today are much more energy-efficient than ones built a generation ago. The Northwest Portable Classroom Project conducted by Washington State University in 2003 found that portables built to the 1993 code were 44 percent more energy-efficient than models built 25 years prior. Further, portables built to 2000 codes are 20 percent more energy-efficient than the 1993 models. And, there are additional measures you can take to improve on this energy efficiency increase.
First, consider installing programmable thermostats in all existing portables and require programmable thermostats for any new portables. Second, choose site placement of portables to maximize the benefits of day lighting. This measure will not only improve the energy efficiency of the portable, but could lead to improved student performance. Finally, for any portables that utilize a “wall-mount” HVAC system, specify an Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of 13. The higher the ratio, the more efficient your unit is and the lower your energy bills.
Improve Room Acoustics
It is important to note that acoustics are problematic in traditional classrooms, as well as portables. Here are several suggestions on how to provide the best acoustics (measures equally positive for traditional classrooms):
* Assure seating away from highways and busy roads where possible.
* When possible, do not locate a classroom where the outdoor noise level exceeds 55dBA.
* Reduce outside noise levels during instruction periods when possible.
* Use wireless microphone systems for cost-effective resonance.
* Consider “acoustical upgrades” to base models. Common upgrades include quieter HVAC systems, windows, doors, acoustical ceiling tiles, and carpeting.
Although some teachers turn off the HVAC unit in an attempt to reduce noise, studies have shown that student comfort and indoor air quality contribute more to a positive learning environment than acoustics. When you turn off the HVAC system, you are actually diminishing the learning environment.
Activate Proper Maintenance and Timely Replacement
There are two points that go farther than any of those already mentioned to ensure a positive learning environment in portable classrooms. Retire older portables when they become unserviceable or do not provide an adequate learning environment and properly maintain the portables currently in use.
Today’s portable classrooms are designed to last up to 20 years. However, the length of this timeline is completely dependent on the proper maintenance of the portable in every year of its life. It goes without saying that portables should never be used beyond the recommended life of the unit.
This information is courtesy of the Modular Building Institute, www.modular.org.
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