Buying a modular building can be a long and tedious process. You'll have to work with engineers, installation contractors, utility workers, and your own internal staff to get the building properly spec'd, delivered, installed, and finished. To make the process as pain-free as possible, make you start by choosing the best modular building dealer for your project.

Dealer or manufacturer?
In the modular buildings business, you'll find both dealers, who can either sell pre-constructed buildings or place orders with manufacturers, and dealer-manufacturers, who produce and sell the buildings directly. When you first start researching modular buildings, it may be difficult to tell which you're dealing with, so ask specific questions about where your building will be manufactured and by whom.

Neither type is inherently better than the other – it's only important that you know exactly who you're dealing with. Manufacturers may be able to do more customization of your building, while dealers may be able to give you a better deal if they already have a building in stock that meets your needs.

Characteristics of the best modular building companies
Here are a few things to look for when choosing the best modular building dealers.

• References – get references to other customers and ask detailed questions about the installation, the dealer's communication, and their overall satisfaction with the project.
• Reputation – instead of solely trusting the hand-picked references they'll give you, ask around your contacts to find others who are familiar with the modular building dealers you're considering.
• Technical assistance – the best modular building dealers will provide engineering assistance in locating, specifying, and getting required permits for your modular building.
• Trustworthy – one sign that shows the dealers you're working with are committed to fair business dealings is membership in the Modular Building Institute – it's not mandatory in the industry, but can help provide some peace of mind as you're choosing a dealer.

Finally, make sure that the dealers you talk to give you complete estimates. The prices you're quoted should include delivery, installation, build-out, utility work, and any other services you're likely to need. The best modular building dealers will provide comprehensive estimates: watch out for any dealers that submit incomplete quotes.

Locate leading modular building dealers in your area
Whether you use BuyerZone's free request for quotes service or do your own research online, make sure you talk to at least four dealers. You'll become familiar with the types of questions they should ask and you'll be able to see which companies are interested in selling you the best modular building for your business, and which just want to sell you the biggest building they can.

Ultimately, the best modular building company is one who treats your business like a partner, taking the time to understand your needs so they can offer a solution that you'll be happy with for many years to come. And the first step in finding the best modular building company is using BuyerZone's free modular building quote request service to get connected to qualified suppliers in your area.