Educational facilities can expand quickly, and as a faculty leader, it’s essential to accommodate that growth efficiently and accordingly. Modular classrooms offer an excellent and safe solution, and can act as a temporary or permanent on-site classroom space.
However, to stay within budget, it’s also important to be aware of the costs involved in a modular design and build. Here’s everything you need to know about how much educational modular buildings cost in the UK, and the different factors that can influence their price point.
What is the average cost of a modular classroom in the UK?
Currently, modular classroom buildings cost anywhere between £300 and £2,000 per square metre in the UK. As you can probably tell, due to the large variation in these costs, there are quite a few factors that can influence the overall cost of the modular design, build, and installation.
How does the cost of a modular classroom compare to a traditional classroom build?
The price range of a modular classroom build is significantly less than the average cost of traditional buildings, which can range from £1,500 to £3,000 per square metre. This is because of the speed and efficiency of our modular build process, which prioritises off-site construction.
Despite being cheaper than brick-and-mortar structures, we’re proud to say that our modular classrooms can be delivered to your site in as little as eight to twelve weeks from planning. They’ll also be equipped with high-quality insulation and energy-efficient windows to reduce running and maintenance costs where possible. In every way, our modular classrooms are built to last!
What affects the price of modular classrooms?
As we’ve lightly touched upon, there are several key factors that can influence the overall cost of a modular classroom design, build, and installation. Here are the most impactful factors to bear in mind:
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Size and layout
Naturally, the size of your classroom can influence cost. For example, a singular classroom will cost less than a multi-classroom, multi-storey modular school building that’s equipped with corridors, storage facilities, staff break areas, and toilets.
Whether you need a single classroom unit for your primary school or a multi-storey classroom building for a college or university, our team has all the skills and knowledge to make it happen. We’ll deliver your build safely and to an impeccably high standard.
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Design and specifications
As specialists in bespoke modular buildings, we can design and build fit-for-purpose modular buildings that feature IT integration, acoustic panels, insulation, and other custom design features.
Our design and build process is completely tailored to your needs to ensure your modular building meets all safeguarding, accessibility, and learning requirements. We can even design and build modular nursery buildings, canteens, and dining halls. All of our educational modular buildings can be built to suit Early Years settings, SEND classrooms, sixth forms, and more.
With this in mind, the more advanced your building’s specifications, the more you can expect to pay when considering the extra materials, planning, and labour required.
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Site access and ground conditions
With over 40 years of experience in the industry, we know that every site is different. With this comes the risk of uneven ground, complex or limited site access, and the potential for groundworks to prepare the site.
To combat these challenges, we conduct a full site survey as soon as possible after your enquiry. This will provide our modular specialists with insight into your site and allows us to give you an accurate quote based on the preparation and installation work required.
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Permanent vs temporary use
Modular buildings are extremely versatile and can be used as both permanent structures and temporary facilities. Investing in a permanent modular structure comes with a higher initial cost, but can provide better value for money over time.
If your educational facility requires a temporary or short-term solution, we also offer modular building hire and lease options to reduce upfront costs.
At Cotaplan, we’ll always advise you on the most cost-effective option for your needs. Our main goal, above all, is to design and build a modular classroom that you can be proud of — for however long you require it.
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Timescales, planning, and deadlines
We’re lucky to have skilled and experienced modular builders on our team, which means we’re well equipped to undertake urgent, emergency, and last-minute builds. However, it is worth noting that tight turnarounds can incur extra costs.
What is included in the cost of our modular classroom building service?
At Cotaplan, we deliver all-inclusive, turnkey modular building services. We’ll work closely with you from initial enquiry to final handover, equipping your new modular classroom building with:
- Full planning and building regulation compliance
- Groundworks and foundations
- Utilities and internal fit-outs
- Fire safety and safeguarding measures
- Insulation, ventilation, and finishes
- Optional furnishings, equipment sourcing, and tailored interior layouts
We build all of our modular buildings off-site using recycled sub-assemblies. All of this work takes place in our UK-based factory before being transported directly to your site, ready for assembly. This process allows us to speed up our operations while minimising disruption and material waste.
Can the cost of a modular classroom be reduced or spread?
At Cotaplan, we are the UK’s leading supplier of modular buildings, and we provide a range of bespoke modular classroom solutions that are — most importantly — tailored to your school site, budget, and capacity requirements.
We pride ourselves on transparency, and will provide you with a comprehensive quote that includes design, groundwork, installation, and compliance with the current UK Building Regulations for your peace of mind.
To make your modular classroom even more affordable, you can:
- Choose to lease, buy, or hire one of our used or refurbished modular buildings.
- Opt for standardised layouts.
- Phase your project and scale as you go.
To discuss finance options, don’t hesitate to give our friendly team a call on 01942 271 301to discuss your modular classroom needs.
Get a transparent quote for your modular classroom today
Whether your facility is expanding, you’re expecting an influx of admissions, or you need an urgent classroom solution, our team can deliver a reliable, safe, and comfortable modular classroom to suit your needs.
Take a look at our case studies for examples of our previous modular classroom builds, and check out our FAQs for more information.
Fill out our simple enquiry form and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible to help.
