SchoolFacilities.com is an independent resource on portable classrooms and modular school construction, online since 1999. It is written by Matt Banes, who has spent 38 years in the commercial modular building industry. We solve school space needs by giving facilities directors, business officials, private school and church leaders, and childcare operators straight answers on cost, code, site work, safety and upkeep, with the sources to check them.
What we cover
School space problems usually have one of two modular answers, and the site is organized around both:
| Portable classrooms | Modular school construction | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Relocatable buildings set on temporary or semi-permanent foundations | Permanent buildings built in a factory and set on permanent foundations |
| Typical use | Enrollment growth, interim or swing space during construction, quick added capacity | New classroom wings, gyms, offices and whole campuses meant to last decades |
| Rent or own | Rent, lease or buy, new or used | Usually purchased and financed like any capital project |
| Start here | Portable Classrooms: The Complete Guide | Modular School Construction: The Complete Guide |
Within those two areas we publish detailed guides on costs and funding, site preparation and permits, accessibility, safety and security, facility planning, maintenance and operations, and modular buildings for churches and childcare.
Who writes SchoolFacilities.com?
Every article is written by Matt Banes. Matt has worked in the commercial modular building industry for 38 years. He spent more than a decade in sales and marketing at Williams Scotsman, one of the largest modular leasing companies in North America, before co-founding iModular.com, a modular building marketplace and brokerage that has operated since 1998.
As president of iModular.com, Matt handles valuations and field inspections of modular buildings across California.
That is the point of view this site is written from: practical knowledge of how modular buildings are bought, valued, inspected and reused, backed by the published sources linked in each article.
"After 38 years in this business, I see schools make the same costly mistakes with portables and modular buildings. I relaunched SchoolFacilities.com to put straight answers in one place." Matt Banes
How we research and write
- Primary sources first. Building and fire codes (ICC, NFPA), the 2010 ADA Standards, federal and state agencies (U.S. Access Board, EPA, FEMA, California DSA and HCD, Texas Education Agency), the Modular Building Institute's annual industry reports, and public school district board documents. Sources are linked where they are used, with the year.
- Real numbers only. Prices come from published sources such as district bids and board agendas, or from Matt's own price guide, and are labeled that way. We do not publish made-up averages.
- Clear about what varies. Codes, permits and licensing differ by state and city. Each guide says what the model codes require, where states commonly differ, and which official makes the final call.
- Kept current. Every article shows the date it was last updated. We review articles when codes, laws or prices change.
- Corrections. If you find an error, tell us and we will fix it and update the date.
Independence and disclosure
SchoolFacilities.com does not accept paid placements, sponsored articles or manufacturer payments for coverage, and articles do not rank or endorse specific dealers.
In the interest of full disclosure: Matt Banes is president of iModular.com, a modular building marketplace and brokerage. Where an iModular.com resource, such as its published portable classroom price guide, is the best available source for a point, we link to it and say so.
Contact
Questions, corrections or a school space problem you want covered: call toll-free nationwide (888) 998-8367 or use our contact page.
FAQ
Who is behind SchoolFacilities.com?
SchoolFacilities.com is written by Matt Banes, who has 38 years in the commercial modular building industry, including more than a decade at Williams Scotsman, and is president of iModular.com, a modular building marketplace and brokerage operating since 1998.
How long has SchoolFacilities.com been online?
Since 1999. It was relaunched in 2026 as a dedicated resource on portable classrooms and modular school construction.
What is the difference between a portable classroom and modular school construction?
A portable classroom is a relocatable building that can be moved and reused, often rented or bought used for added or interim space. Modular school construction produces permanent buildings, built in a factory and set on permanent foundations, that are meant to last as long as a site-built school.
Is SchoolFacilities.com paid by manufacturers or dealers?
No. We do not accept paid placements or sponsored articles. Matt Banes is president of iModular.com, a modular brokerage, and we disclose that wherever it is relevant.