The Hidden Cost of Going Cheap on Your Modular Building

A “bargain” modular building can be one of the most expensive mistakes you’ll ever make.
If the price feels too good to be true, it usually is.

And the numbers back it up:

• 85% of construction projects go over budget (McKinsey Global Institute, 2023).

• 9 out of 10 modular builds face delivery delays when the supplier is selected on cost alone (Modular Building Institute).

• In the UK, poor workmanship and non-compliance add an average of 28% to project costs (Chartered Institute of Building).

The Real Price of “Cheap”

Cheap contractors, poor subcontractors, and budget manufacturers have one thing in common:
They cut corners to win your business. And those corners cost you — in money, time, and stress.

Here’s what happens most often:

• Planning failures → Project paused until compliance is fixed (weeks or months lost).

• Hidden extras → That “fixed” price suddenly grows with delivery fees, install charges, or “mandatory” upgrades.

• Delays → Every extra week can mean thousands lost in rent or lost sales.

• Shortcuts → Poor insulation, substandard electrics, or leaks that require expensive repairs.

📊 Stat: According to Federation of Master Builders, unexpected repairs can eat up to 5% of annual turnover for small businesses relying on poor contractors.

The Day-to-Day Impact on Business Owners

If you’ve been in business, you’ve probably experienced one (or all) of these:

• Waiting all day for contractors who never show up.

• Losing clients because your workspace isn’t ready.

• Paying rent and overheads for a temporary space while your “finished” build sits incomplete.

• Sleepless nights wondering if your investment will ever pay off.

These aren’t just inconveniences — they directly affect your bottom line.
Every day of delay is lost revenue, lost opportunities, and lost trust with your customers.

Real-Life Example

A local business owner in South Wales was quoted £18,000 for a modular building from a budget supplier — £4,000 less than other quotes.

Here’s what happened:

• Promised 8-week turnaround.

• Actual delivery after 14 weeks.

• Building failed compliance check — required £3,800 in remedial work.

• Lost 12 weeks of trading time = approx. £9,600 in missed revenue.

That “cheaper” option ended up costing £13,400 more than a proper, compliant build from day one.

How to Avoid the “Cheap Trap”

1️⃣ Always check for compliance before you sign.
Ask if the supplier handles planning applications and knows local building regs.

2️⃣ Compare more than just price.
Look at warranty length, aftercare, and what’s included in the base cost.

3️⃣ Ask for proof.
Can they show photos, references, and site visits of completed builds?

4️⃣ Factor in the cost of delays.
If your business makes £2,000/week, a 4-week delay is already an £8,000 hit.

5️⃣ Choose a partner, not just a supplier.
The right provider will support you before, during, and after your build.

Why We’re the Safer Choice

We’re a local, family-run Welsh business — and the only provider in our area that:
✅ Handles planning start to finish.
✅ Checks for grant funding eligibility.
✅ Offers finance options via trusted partners.
✅ Delivers fully compliant, ready-to-use buildings.
✅ Stays on call for support long after install.

We finance it. We plan it. We build it. We deliver it. We support it.
From start to finish, we’ve got you covered.

Final Thought

Cheap isn’t cheap.
It’s a gamble that most business owners can’t afford to lose.
Choose the option that protects your time, money, and peace of mind — and get your project done right, the first time.