If you have, or may have, a project you wish to develop in the next year or so, and have an interest in the possibilities of using our modular construction system....

HERE ARE SOME FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Southern Structures, Inc. is a privately owned Florida corporation, chartered in 1961. We are now headquartered at our manufacturing plant in Ocala, which was opened in 1978. Until 1978, the company specialized in commercial modular buildings (schools, churches, banks, offices, etc.). In 1981, we began designs for 1- and 2-story multi-family units, and we now offer a full range of efficiency, 1- and 2-story plans along with commercial designs. The company is a licensed contractor in several Southeastern states. Our bank and bonding references are available.

WHY DO BUSINESS WITH SOUTHERN STRUCTURES?

Because doing a project with us is so much easier and problem-free, and probably less costly overall. We are a reputable, established contracting and manufacturing firm with a great desire to grow and, therefore, offer many services not available from others. You get the benefit of our 40 years experience in building all kinds of commercial and residential modular buildings and complexes in many states, working with many different architects and engineers, and different kinds of owners - we are "old hands" at modular construction in the commercial and residential fields. Turning that experience to your benefit is our job. Our major competition is NOT other manufacturers, but rather is the local site building contractor. We are the major manufacturer in Florida; the only one to offer 2-story construction and flexibility of floor plans.

WHAT PLANS ARE OFFERED?

The company has a range of sizes available for either rental or for-sale units. All structures are built in compliance with Florida State Codes in basic wood-frame or steel design. A variety of exterior roof and wall treatments are available including site-applied stucco finishes. There are existing plans from a motel-like efficiency to 2-bedroom garden or townhouse units, ranging in size from about 400 s. f. , to over 1600 s. f. We will assist in development of other plans for qualified buyers.

HOW DO COSTS COMPARE WITH SITE-BUILT STRUCTURES?

If you include ALL costs, such as construction loan interest, loss of income until construction is complete, etc., then modular costs are usually less for the entire project, of whatever size.  Direct building costs are frequently about the same, except in high labor costs areas or low labor availability areas, where our system usually produces a big savings. Our experience indicates that most potential clients have difficulty in making "apples-to-apples" comparisons - but we are glad to help them make the effort. The TRUE test is, of course, the viability of the project in your local marketplace.

ARE SSI UNITS AS GOOD AS SITE-BUILT STRUCTURES?

We think they are considerably better, on average. We can detail the heavier roof/ceiling/floor structures, the doubled walls between modules, the sound resistance from one living area to another, as well as others. The quality control systems within the plant are intended to insure BETTER workmanship on all aspects of assembly, trim, and finish. Every task is supervised, then checked by quality control personel. A big difference: in our plant, every unit is inspected carefully during assembly by an independent third-party engineering firm, for compliance with approved plans and code procedures. Upon completion an insignia, indicating compliance, is affixed to the electrical panel for each module. Further, the quality control procedures include complete TESTING of plumbing supply and drain systems, and all electrical circuits. This just doesn't happen at the job site...but you should visit a finished unit, and see for yourself, after looking at our construction details.

HOW LONG DOES A PROJECT TAKE?

At what point does the clock start ticking? To simplify the answer: from the time we begin production of a project, we can produce 5 to 10 units per week, depending on the plan detail. If we do the erection work, we can complete 8-12 units in about 2 weeks, again depending on plan detail. Most projects are complete in less than 90 days after production begins.

CAN SSI UNITS BE INSTALLED IN SOUTH FLORIDA?

Yes -- because the Florida Manufactured Building Act, with which we comply in all respects, sets up procedures to be followed so that manufactured buildings, commercial or residential occupancies, are required to comply with the STANDARD BUILDING CODE OF THE STATE, and the law REQUIRES that buildings which are built under the law's procedures, be permitted in ANY area of Florida. Similar laws prevail in other states. Local codes or variations of FBC are not recognized under state law. Local building department activities are governed by this state law. We sometimes have to make some special efforts to acquaint local officials with the law, its effects, and our company operations, but this is done as a public relations effort on a continuing basis. We have had nothing but good relations with local building officials where we have operated. Also, as South Florida (Dade , Broward and Monroe) have high velocity hurricane requirements, we offer options to meet them.

HOW DO YOU KNOW YOU HAVE THE BEST POSSIBLE ESTIMATE?

Because we help ensure it! We will quote your project on 1) delivered basis only; 2) delivered and erected; and 3) turn-key, with itemized quotations for all work items. If you wish, we will accept your order on #1, and then help you solicit local contractors for all other work items, and if our quote is the best, we'll undertake to work; but if local contractors will do it for less, we'll assist you in coordination of other contractors. You can't pay too much!

CAN THESE UNITS BE INSTALLED IN FLOOD PLAIN ZONES?

Yes, usually on pilings, or some form of elevated foundation. We can arrange this, or the buyer can contract for it.

HOW DO YOU BECOME BETTER ACQUAINTED WITH SOUTHERN STRUCTURES' BUILDINGS?

Call our plant, and arrange a visit. Bring your site plan and other site information and a complete review of your project. This will enable us to provide you with preliminary costs on our computerized cost estimate program, in a relatively short time.