How to choose a commercial modular manufacturer
Choose a commercial modular manufacturer in Western Canada on ten things: the standard the building is built to (CSA A277 and the National Building Code), the climate zone its envelope is designed for, whether it builds in its own plants, whether it has delivered to sites like yours, foundation or steel skid, a schedule that runs site work alongside the build, a written split of scope, delivered projects and signed references, published floor plans, and procurement readiness. The table below gives the question to ask for each, why it matters, and how Herauf Modular answers it.
Updated .
| Ask | Why it matters | Herauf Modular |
|---|---|---|
| What standard is the building built to? | In Canada, factory-built buildings are built to CSA A277 and the National Building Code. Ask for it in writing, and ask who inspects the plant. | Every Herauf building meets or exceeds CSA A277 and the National Building Code. Company facts |
| Which climate is the envelope designed for? | Western Canada spans National Building Code climate zones 6 to 8. A building designed for a milder zone costs more to heat and can fail early. | Designed for climate zones 6 through 8, with a continuously insulated, airtight envelope. Why modular |
| Do they build in their own plants? | A manufacturer that owns its plants controls quality and schedule; a broker passes your order to someone else's line. | Built indoors at Herauf's own plants in Zehner, Saskatchewan (60,000 sq ft) and Enderby, British Columbia. Where we build and deliver |
| Can they deliver to your site? | Remote, northern and fly-in sites need a manufacturer that has planned winter roads, escorts and staging before, not one learning on your project. | Herauf has delivered over the winter road to St. Theresa Point First Nation and to a remote bush campus for NAIT. Delivered projects |
| Permanent foundation or steel skid? | A skid lets a building set down without a poured foundation and move again later; a foundation suits permanent buildings. The right answer depends on your site and term. | Both. Skids are welded in Herauf's own shop; foundations are prepared while the building is made. Skid-mounted buildings |
| What is the schedule, and what runs in parallel? | Modular saves time because site work and the build happen at the same time. Ask for a schedule that shows both tracks. | About 16 weeks from order to delivery is typical, with your site prepared during the build. Cost and schedule guide |
| Who is responsible for each part of the scope? | Site work, foundations, transport, set, connections and permits are where budgets slip. Get each one assigned to a named party in writing. | Design-build contracts put design, manufacturing, site work, foundations, delivery and set under one accountable team. Design-build contracts |
| Can you see delivered projects and speak to clients? | Photographs of finished buildings and signed letters from clients are harder to fake than a brochure. | Delivered projects are published with their locations, and five signed reference letters are published in full. Signed references |
| Are floor plans and specifications published? | Published plans let you compare proposals against the same building instead of a sales description. | Commercial floor plans and model specifications are published, with a free project brief workbook. Commercial floor plans |
| Are they ready for public procurement? | Government, First Nations and institutional buyers need supplier details, past performance and a capability statement. | Supplier details, past performance and a printable capability statement are on the procurement page. Procurement information |
Put it in writing.
The free project brief workbook turns these questions into one document you can send to every manufacturer you are comparing, so the proposals answer the same brief.
Common questions
What should I ask a commercial modular manufacturer first?
Ask what standard the building is built to and who inspects the plant. In Canada that is CSA A277 and the National Building Code. Then ask which climate zone the envelope is designed for, whether they build in their own plants, and who is responsible for site work, foundations, transport and set.
How do I compare two modular proposals fairly?
Compare them against the same written brief: the same building program, the same scope split between buyer and manufacturer, and the same site assumptions. A price that excludes foundations, delivery or set is not comparable with one that includes them.
Is a steel skid or a permanent foundation better for a commercial modular building?
It depends on how long the building stays and whether it will move. A steel skid lets a building set down without a poured foundation and be relocated later, which suits camps and temporary sites. A permanent foundation suits buildings that stay.
Who builds commercial modular buildings in Western Canada?
Herauf Modular builds commercial modular buildings indoors at its own plants in Zehner, Saskatchewan and Enderby, British Columbia, to meet or exceed CSA A277 and the National Building Code for climate zones 6 to 8, and delivers across Western Canada, including over winter roads to northern communities.