FAQ`s

General FAQs

Is Modular Spaces a South African company?

Modular Spaces Pty Ltd is a South Africa-based company, operating from its head office near Stowmarket in England. It specialises in providing modular accommodation and storage delivered within the South Africa by self-loading lorries, including portable cabins, shipping containers, container conversions, flat pack units and modular buildings for various applications, homeowners and industry sectors.

Shipping containers and in-gauge converted containers can also be delivered worldwide using the global container network. Units are available for both hire and sale and can be specified to meet the exact requirements of customers.

For further information about the company including VAT number and full address please view our contact details. We are aware that there are some scam operations that aim to defraud buyers of shipping containers by imitating existing companies.

Why use Modular Spaces?

Since we were established in 2016, we have been offering affordable and reliable portable accommodation and storage solutions. Please see about us for further information. We have excellent review ratings and as a family-owned and operated business, we pride ourselves on our high standards of personal customer service. Our track record means you can rely on us to deliver your products on-time and in excellent condition, and in the unlikely event we make a mistake, we will make sure that we put it right.

Can I come and see your products?

By appointment, you are welcome to come along to our headquarters in Suffolk, to meet our knowledgeable team and discuss your accommodation and storage requirements face to face. One of the benefits of dealing with Modular Spaces is that unlike most companies, we hold large stocks of both hire and sales cabins, containers and flat packs. We are not based at a port, so as long as it’s safe to do so, we can even let you select your own cabins and containers from our stock. If you would like to physically view the containers, please make sure that you wear strong walking-type boots to comply with health and safety requirements.

How can I ensure my container is secure?

Our ‘one trip’ containers come complete with a factory-fitted lockbox and we can supply a padlock to fit inside. If you are buying a used container, we can fit lockboxes as an optional extra.

Are the doors easy to open?

Some people find this more difficult than others, but please ask about our easy-opening doors which are usually available from stock.

Do shipping containers smell?

‘One trip’ containers normally smell like new, just like walking into a timber yard. Used containers which have carried many different items in their life can have a slight nose. If a smell is likely to cause a problem please let us know when you place your order and we will select a suitable container.

How long will a used container last?

The life expectancy of a container will depend on its condition at the point of sale. A a ‘one trip’ container with careful use and regular maintenance, such as painting and servicing, can provide 20-25 years of service. A used container is sold wind and watertight and would have a much lower life expectancy which is also affected by local climatic conditions.

What is a ‘One Trip’ container?

‘One trip’ containers are manufactured in China and have been used to bring cargo into the country on a single journey from China to Europe, i.e. ‘one trip’. These containers are built to exacting ISO standards but are much cheaper than a container built in Europe. ‘One trip’ containers are the standard ‘new’ container supplied in the South Africa and Europe.

Ordering & Payment FAQs

How can I trust you are a legitimate supplier?

We are aware that in our industry there are a number of scam websites that will take your payment but have no intention of supplying any containers or cabins.

Checking out Modular Spaces

Modular Spaces Ltd was registered in May 2016 (company number +27 (0) 84 962 3984. The registered office is 1st Floor, Port Elizabeth, Harbour View Building, Oakworth Rd, South End, Gqeberha, 6001
Modular Spaces are members of industry bodies including the Modular & Portable Building Association (MPBA) – c
Modular Spaces holds a number of industry accreditations. View all our accreditations and up to date certificates.
Modular Spaces has hundreds of independently verified customer reviews.
Our website domain portablespace.co.uk has been registered since our incorporation in May 2016.
Call our team. You are welcome to call our team on a local South Africa landline number +27 (0) 84 962 3984. Many scammers will only provide you with a mobile phone number.
We do not sell any products on Facebook Marketplace. We are aware of some scammers operating on this platform.
All emails from us will be from an email address that ends in @modularspaces.co.za. If you receive an email that you believe is from us but does not end with @modularspaces.co.za it is likely someone who is pretending to be associated with us.
All quotes from us will include our ZA landline number +27 (0) 84 962 3984. Our quotes will never ask you to call a mobile number.

How can I pay?

We accept payment by bank transfer payments methods. . For security and data protection reasons we do not take payment by credit card over the telephone. Credit accounts must be paid within 30 days and we can accept bank transfer, debit or credit card or cheque.

How do I place an order?

We require a written order for both hire and sales purchases, usually by email and if you have already received a quotation, please use the reference when ordering (it usually normally begins with the letter ‘MS’). The quickest way is to purchase directly is through the website (24/7), where you can add items to your shopping basket in the usual way and check out. We can also take your order verbally as long as you follow this up straightaway with email confirmation. For orders involving detailed conversion work, we will require you to send back a signed copy of the agreed CAD drawing detailing all the planned works.

Delivery, Installation & Planning FAQs

Do we need foundations?

Most of our units are designed to be supported on the four corners; hire units do not come with jacklegs as standard (although we can fit these to hire steel cabins for a small weekly charge). We normally level up units on the corners by using pre-cut wooden shims that our drivers keep in stock on the lorry. For individual units hard standing is usually sufficient and our drivers carry enough wood to level up a cabin with a 150mm fall over its whole length for example over a kerbside. We can double stack units on smooth level concrete or tarmac. For units placed on soft surfaces and especially for double stacked units you will need to provide additional purpose-built foundation pads. Requirements vary significantly between sites, products and uses, so please be sure to discuss this with our Business Development team who will arrange a site visit to advise if necessary.

Do we need planning permission?

If the unit is being used as part of a construction project on a temporary basis then it is not normally necessary to have planning permission. However if you have any doubt, it’s your responsibility to check with the relevant planning authorities (usually your local council) which is responsible for your area. Regional rules vary so please do not assume that because the container is portable, that you do not require planning permission.

Do we need to apply for building regulations?

All our hire units fall outside building regulations, as they are below the required size. However some of the larger units and most of the modular buildings that we sell require building regulations and although we can provide basic information, you will need to check with your local planning authority as it’s a complex area with rules varying from site to site and what the building is being used for.

We need health and safety information before delivery, what can you offer?

Our drivers carry all health and safety, training and inspection certificates with them in the lorry and they also have a generic risk assessment suitable for most standard delivery operations. Please let our Business Development Advisor know beforehand if you know of any site restrictions or special requirements such as traffic plans, weak or low bridges or obstructions so that we can manage these. Unless otherwise instructed, our drivers will report to the Site Manager on arrival to agree a plan before starting work. Modular Spaces is ISO 9001:2015 and CHAS and Safe Contractor accredited so you can be confident that you are dealing with a responsible and careful business. For more information please refer to health and safety or discuss this with us to avoid unnecessary delays or costs on arrival.

Can you drive across a grass paddock with a lorry?

We are not normally able to leave made-up ground, tracks or roads, as our lorries have a very high front axle weight as a result of the heavy crane just behind the cab. Please contact us to discuss your requirements so that we can find a solution.

How much does delivery cost?

Delivery cost is affected by the size and number of units being delivered to a single location, how quickly you need the units and if you are flexible with the delivery date and time. Basically the more time and notice you give us, the greater the chance that you will receive your delivery exactly when you need it at the best possible delivery rate. We are usually booking transport at least three to five days ahead, but at peak times this can be longer.