Some Frequently Asked Questions

What are pre-owned modular buildings?

Pre-owned modular buildings offer all the advantages of off-site construction with the additional benefit of exceptional value for money because the buildings supplied are recycled and fully refurbished.

Steel-framed modular buildings can be provided in single and multi-storey configurations, and fitted out for a wide range of permanent and temporary uses.

What are the benefits of this approach?

Programme times for high quality accommodation solutions are reduced by up to 70 per cent
Because buildings are constructed from modules that are pre-owned, the Foremans approach is highly cost effective
It can allow customers to benefit from bigger buildings and a higher specification compared to what is achievable with new build for the same budget
The buildings are refurbished off site, improving site safety and significantly reducing disruption to existing operations and the local community
The recycling and refurbishing of modular buildings is a highly sustainable approach to construction.

Who are Foremans?

We offer a nationwide service from our 63,000sqm production centre in East Yorkshire and our southern regional office in Dunstable.

As part of the Shepherd Group, one of the largest privately owned construction companies, we have a strong financial base.

We provide a full range of construction services, including planning, finance, design and space planning, project management, groundworks, fitting out, delivery and site installation, testing and commissioning.

Why should we consider Foremans?

We offer the largest selection of refurbished Portakabin buildings available from stock, and have an experienced team ranging from project managers to highly skilled trades and an established supply chain.

Every aspect of our services for the removal, refurbishment and installation of modular buildings is carried out in full compliance with health and safety regulations, both on site and in the production centre.

Do these buildings comply with Building Regulations?

All refurbished Portakabin buildings supplied by Foremans comply with all current Building Regulations, including 2006 Part L.

What applications are these buildings suitable for?

Foremans' pre-owned modular buildings are suitable for a wide variety of applications, including classrooms, nurseries, ward accommodation and hospital facilities, laboratories, offices and airport buildings.

How sustainable is this approach?

This is one of the most sustainable forms of construction and an environmentally sound alternative to new build, with no compromise on quality.

Pre-owned modular buildings generate less than 10 per cent of the carbon dioxide emissions compared to a newly manufactured building of equivalent size (source: CO₂Emissions from Use, Scrapping and Manufacture of Modular Buildings, Modular and Portable Building Association)
It is a highly sustainable alternative to the demolition and disposal of buildings in landfill sites, which has significant environmental implications
The approach is recognised by the Department for Communities and Local Government as benefiting the environment
Because much of the refurbishment work takes place off site, the approach generates fewer vehicle movements to site than traditional new build, leading to less congestion and lower carbon emissions.

How long will a Foremans building last?

We offer the reassurance of a three-year product warranty and a ten-year structural warranty on fully refurbished modular buildings using the Portakabin Duplex modular system.

Does this building method offer flexibility in design?

Buildings can be clad if required to meet planning requirements or to complement existing architecture. We can also provide assistance with space planning and interior design to meet a customer's specification and changing future needs.