How long does it take to install a modular building? Factors, examples, and real calculation

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The installation time of a modular building depends on factors such as the size of the structure, the level of customization, weather conditions, and the characteristics of the site. Proper planning of each stage of the project helps optimize the installation schedule and minimize potential delays or unforeseen issues.

In this article, we explain clearly and practically the factors that influence installation times, real examples of projects, and a simple formula so you can calculate the estimated deadline yourself.
Everything you need to know to plan your modular installation efficiently and without surprises.

In a competitive environment, time is essential to ensure business efficiency.

That’s why today we are going to talk about the installation time of modular buildings, and to do so, we will review all the key points of assembly: from understanding the installation process to giving real examples.

Discover how our buildings are designed to offer maximum functionality, efficiency, and customization in each assembly.

What will you find in this article about “the assembly time of a modular building”?

  1. Installation process of a modular building
  2. Factors that influence the installation of a prefabricated building
  3. Examples of completed projects and the time they took
  4. Calculator to estimate the installation time
  5. Conclusions on the installation time of a prefabricated roof

The installation time of a modular building can be up to 5 times faster than a conventional building.

Factors That Affect the Installation Time of a Modular Industrial Building

There are many variables that can affect the assembly time of a modular building. Before estimating the installation time of a modular industrial building, it is important to consider all of these factors, as each project has its own specific requirements. That’s why, in addition to good planning, it’s important to have the right team and experience to avoid or solve them in the most efficient way.

Let’s review some of these factors to keep in mind:

Weather conditions during assembly: Stable and mild weather favors the proper progress of the installation. That’s why it’s advisable to plan assemblies well and avoid risk factors such as heavy rain, strong winds, or extreme temperatures.

Dimensions and customization of the building: At Okatent, we manufacture fully customized buildings, so we are aware that the design of the building directly affects assembly time. Large buildings with special shapes and a high number of accessories usually increase assembly time.

Ease of site access: Although it may seem unusual, if the installation site is close to main roads, transport and logistics are easier.

Use of appropriate machinery: Choosing the right technology for each task optimizes assembly time.

Experience of the team: Having an experienced team that is also the direct manufacturer can save you a lot of time during assembly. At Okatent, we have over 20 years of experience installing modular buildings worldwide, which makes us more efficient.

Planning Mistakes That Can Delay Installation

In addition to the external factors that can influence the installation time, there are planning mistakes that can delay the assembly of a modular industrial building. Identifying and preventing them from the beginning of the project is essential to meet the expected deadlines and optimize the entire installation process.

Not preparing the site in advance:
One of the most common mistakes is starting the assembly process before the site is fully prepared. Issues such as an uneven surface, drainage problems, or the lack of suitable foundations for the project can stop the work or delay the entire project until these issues are resolved.

Proper site preparation before installing the structure allows the installation process to be carried out continuously, safely, and efficiently.

Delaying permit management:
Although the assembly of a modular industrial building is fast, administrative procedures such as:

  • Permits
  • Licenses
  • Authorizations
  • Approvals
  • Contracts

can become one of the main causes of project delays. Having all the necessary licenses and authorizations ready before starting installation prevents interruptions and ensures that the planned schedule can be followed without delays.

Making design changes during assembly:
Modifying dimensions, enclosures, access points, or equipment once the assembly process has started can lead to unnecessary delays. Defining all project requirements from the beginning allows components to be manufactured to measure and speeds up both production and installation.

Choosing an inexperienced company:
Working with an experienced team that is also the direct manufacturer can save a significant amount of time during the assembly process. At Okatent, we have more than 20 years of experience installing modular buildings around the world, which allows us to work more efficiently.

Therefore, good planning, coordination, and an experienced team are key factors for installing a modular industrial building in the shortest possible time while avoiding unnecessary mistakes.

How Long Does a Modular Industrial Building Take Compared to a Traditional Construction Building?

One of the main advantages of modular industrial buildings is the reduction in execution times compared to traditional construction methods. Since a large part of the structure is manufactured beforehand and the assembly process is carried out using industrialized methods, project timelines can be significantly reduced.

Although each project has its own specific characteristics, a modular industrial building can be installed up to five times faster than a conventional construction building, allowing the project to start sooner and reducing the company’s downtime.

FactorsModular industrial buildingTraditional construction building
Installation timeWeeksSeveral months
ManufacturingTakes place in parallel with site preparationMost of the work is carried out directly on-site
Dependence on weather conditionsLowerHigher
Start of operationsFasterSlower
Flexibility for future expansionsHighLimited

In addition to saving time, a faster installation process provides other benefits for companies, including:

  • Reduction of indirect costs associated with construction.
  • Less impact on the company’s daily operations.
  • Faster start of production or service delivery.
  • Better logistical and operational planning.
  • Greater control over project completion deadlines.

Examples of completed projects and their installation times

Here are three projects of different sizes so we can see the differences in assembly times. These examples show how the installation time of a modular industrial building can vary depending on its dimensions, design, and the required equipment.

You may also be interested in our article on types of removable modular buildings, where we explain what type of structure to choose depending on the use and ground conditions.

Roof for a padel club

This roof was designed to cover a space of 2,800 m², covering twelve padel courts.

Assembly time: 7 weeks.

This project corresponds to La Vida Pádel, a facility located in Alcobendas (Madrid) where competition and community come together.

The building stands out for its large size, the connection of three roofs into one structure, its OKCAS anti-condensation thermal insulation system, and solutions to improve visibility and ventilation, such as roll-up curtains and skirts that prevent sun glare.

If you want to know more about this project, you can read the full article: We covered 12 sports courts for La Vida Pádel.

Building for a sports complex

Roof installed in Milan for a large sports club.
Assembly time: 5 weeks.

This vaulted building, designed to meet international padel standards, was installed for a sports club in Milan, Italy. It features interior lighting, external drainage channels, and branding with the club’s name and sponsor Cupra.

This project demonstrates how the installation time of a modular industrial building can remain reduced, even in large-scale sports facilities.

More details here: Building for padel championships.

Maintenance building for trains

Gable-roof building of 16×60 meters assembled at railway facilities.
Assembly time: 3 weeks.

This building was manufactured for Talgo, a railway company that needed a space for train assembly and maintenance. It has a 16-meter frame, sandwich panel skirts, and enclosures suitable for protecting the carriages.

Read more about this project: Building for train manufacturing.

Do you want a custom modular building for your business?

Contact our team and we’ll advise you with no obligation.

Calculator to estimate the installation time of a prefabricated building

Once we have defined the assembly steps, the external factors that can influence installation time, and reviewed some examples of assemblies carried out by Okatent, here is a simple and realistic calculation so that anyone can estimate the assembly time of their modular building:

With this formula, you will be able to obtain an approximate estimate of the installation time of a modular industrial building, although the final timeframe will depend on the specific characteristics of each project.

Total time (hours) = (Total area in m² / Output per hour) + Extras

Average output: 10 m²/h per 3-person team (structure and basic enclosures).

Extras: Add 10% of the time if there are custom accessories.

Calculation example

For a 500 m² building:

  • Base time = 500 / 10 = 50 hours.
  • Extras (10%): 50 × 0.1 = 5 hours.
  • Total estimated time: 55 hours (approx. 7 working days with an 8-hour/day team).

How to Reduce the Installation Time of a Modular Industrial Building?

"It is very important that projects are planned as far in advance as possible to anticipate external factors."

Assembly time is variable, and without the right professional team, it can take longer.

We can conclude that each assembly will vary depending on the design you choose, so it is advisable to prepare your project in advance and turn to an expert team with many years of experience.

Ultimately, the installation time of a modular industrial building will depend on several factors, such as:

  • The size of the structure
  • The level of customization
  • The preparation of the site
  • The experience of the installation team

Proper planning helps reduce project timelines and ensures a safe and efficient assembly process.

Our team can provide a personalized estimate of the installation time for a modular industrial building based on the specific needs of your project, with no obligation.

If you would like us to help you calculate the installation time required for your building, please contact our team.

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