Frequently Asked Questions

The difference is mainly how the building is intended to be used, how long it needs to remain in place and how much future flexibility is required. Temporary buildings are usually chosen where speed, hire options or future relocation matter. Semi-permanent buildings are designed for longer-term operational use while retaining flexibility to extend, alter or relocate where the selected system allows. Permanent buildings are generally founded structural-steel buildings designed around an established long-term requirement. We recommend the system after reviewing your site, intended use, timescale and budget.

Yes. Noah Building Systems can specify steel or aluminium building systems depending on the size, intended use, required lifespan, site conditions and commercial route. Lightweight aluminium systems can be particularly useful where speed and relocatability matter, while galvanised or structural-steel systems can suit larger, heavier-duty or longer-term requirements. The most appropriate system is confirmed against the project brief rather than applying one construction method to every job.

We can supply buildings across a wide range of widths, lengths and heights. The available clear span and eaves height depend on the selected structural system, site-specific engineering and intended use. Length is generally modular and can be extended across many systems. Tell us the approximate width, length, height and what needs to happen inside the building and we will identify the suitable options.

A clear-span building has no intermediate structural columns within the usable floor area across the available span of the selected system. This is useful for racking, vehicle movements, production lines, sports courts and other applications where internal columns would restrict the operation.

Yes. Insulated and non-insulated specifications are available. Non-insulated buildings can provide cost-effective weather protection for robust stock, plant and sheltered operations. Insulated buildings are more suitable where people work regularly inside, temperature control matters or the contents are sensitive to changing conditions. Heating, cooling, ventilation and condensation control should be considered alongside the insulation specification.

A temporary or semi-permanent building is not necessarily a short-life product. Service life depends on the selected system, specification, environment, maintenance and how the building is used. Some relocatable structures remain in operational use for many years. The expected design life, maintenance requirements and warranty for the proposed system are confirmed as part of the project specification.

Often, yes. Many modular temporary and semi-permanent systems can be extended, altered or relocated, subject to the original design, selected system and the conditions at the new or extended site. We recommend discussing likely future expansion at the design stage so the building can be specified with that flexibility in mind.

Often, yes. A new structure can potentially be positioned against or connected to an existing building, but the junction needs to be designed carefully. We review the existing structure, levels, drainage, weathering, fire requirements, access and how people or vehicles will move between the two buildings before confirming the connection detail.

Cost depends on the building size, structural system, height, insulation, doors, cladding, services, ground conditions, site location and whether the requirement is hire or purchase. The quickest way to obtain useful budget pricing is to send us the approximate dimensions, site postcode, intended use and required timescale. We can then compare suitable systems before the final site-specific quotation is prepared.

The most useful starting information is the site postcode, approximate width and length, required clear or eaves height, intended use, whether the building needs insulation, the required timescale and whether you are considering hire or purchase. Site photographs, drawings, plans and details of doors, racking, plant or vehicle access can improve the accuracy of the initial proposal.

Your quotation sets out the agreed building system, dimensions, structural specification, cladding, doors, insulation, delivery, installation and project-management scope. Where applicable, it also identifies services, foundations, groundworks, planning support, Building Control support and other project elements. Anything outside the quoted scope is clearly identified so you can see what Noah is responsible for and what remains with the client or another contractor.

Our aim is to make the project scope clear before order. Site conditions, foundations, planning requirements, services or access constraints can affect the final cost, which is why we offer a technical site survey before the final specification is agreed. The quotation should identify the included scope, known exclusions and any items that remain subject to survey, engineering or third-party approval.

Yes. For suitable projects, Noah can arrange a free technical site survey to review the available space, access, ground conditions, levels, operational constraints and other factors that may affect the building or installation. The survey helps us refine the specification and reduce surprises later in the project.

Yes, and we encourage it. A site plan, general arrangement drawing, planning drawing, aerial image or clear photographs can help us understand the site before the survey. If you already have racking layouts, equipment drawings or required door positions, send those too so the building can be considered around the operation from the outset.

Programme depends on whether a suitable building is available from stock or needs to be manufactured, together with planning, engineering, foundations and site readiness. Noah currently uses indicative starting points of within 14 days for suitable stock buildings, around 4-6 weeks for many bespoke systems and up to 5 days for the on-site building installation on suitable projects once the required base is ready. Your quotation confirms the programme for your specific project.

Many rapid-build structures can be erected in a matter of days once the site and required base are ready. Larger, more complex or permanent buildings will take longer. Installation time is influenced by building size, specification, access, weather, services and the amount of associated work. We provide a project-specific installation programme before work starts.

Rapid-build systems are designed to reduce time on site, but every live site is different. During the survey and planning stage we review vehicle routes, working areas, delivery sequencing, exclusion zones, operating hours and interaction with staff or customers. The installation plan is then developed to minimise disruption while maintaining a safe working area.

Access requirements depend on the building size and installation method. We may need space for delivery vehicles, lifting equipment, telehandlers or other plant, together with a safe working zone around the building footprint. Gate widths, height restrictions, overhead cables, gradients and live traffic routes are checked during the site review before the installation plan is confirmed.

Noah manages the project and remains the customer's point of accountability. Installation is carried out by approved specialist installation teams or partners appropriate to the selected system, working to the agreed specification, programme, risk assessments and health and safety requirements. The installation route for your project is confirmed before order.

Some temporary building systems can be installed onto suitable existing concrete, asphalt or other firm hardstanding, subject to level, condition, anchoring requirements and structural review. Other sites or applications require local pads, foundations or a new slab. The correct base solution is confirmed after reviewing the ground conditions, building loads and intended use.

Potentially, yes, but suitability cannot be confirmed from the surface description alone. We need to consider the condition and depth of the existing construction, level changes, drainage, anchoring method, structural loads and what will happen inside the building. A technical site survey is the best way to confirm whether the existing surface can be retained or needs improvement.

Not always. Lightweight systems may be capable of being anchored to suitable existing hardstanding, while larger, more highly loaded, occupied or permanent buildings may require engineered foundations or a concrete slab. Foundations are therefore project-specific rather than determined only by whether a building is described as temporary.

Not automatically. In many industrial applications the existing concrete slab or suitable hardstanding becomes the working floor. Other projects require a new concrete slab, raised floor or another engineered solution. The quotation states whether a floor or slab is included and what base condition is required before installation.

This depends on the agreed project scope. Noah can identify the required base or foundation solution and, where agreed, can coordinate the associated groundworks through the project. In other cases the client may provide the slab or foundations to an agreed design before the building installation starts. Responsibility is made clear in the quotation and pre-installation information.

We assess levels and visible ground conditions during the site survey and identify whether local adjustment, levelling, pads, foundations or a new slab may be required. Where ground conditions create structural uncertainty, further investigation or engineering information may be needed before the final base design can be confirmed.

Temporary does not automatically mean planning permission is unnecessary. The planning position depends on the site, proposed use, size, location, how long the building will remain and any existing planning conditions or permitted development rights. Planning rules also differ across the UK. We can help identify the likely route, but the planning position should be confirmed for the specific site before installation.

No blanket 28-day exemption should be assumed for a commercial building. In England, the commonly quoted 28-day permitted development right relates to certain temporary uses of land and associated moveable structures, subject to conditions; it is not a universal permission to place any industrial building on a site for 28 days. The planning circumstances should therefore be checked for the proposed site and use.

Yes. Planning permission and Building Regulations are separate regimes and a project may need one, both or neither depending on the circumstances. Building Regulations deal with matters such as structural safety, fire safety, accessibility and energy performance. The required route depends on the building, use, specification and location, so the position should be reviewed early in the project.

Where Building Regulations apply, the building and associated works need to be specified to meet the relevant requirements for the project. Noah can coordinate the structural and building information required within the agreed scope, but the exact compliance route depends on the selected system, intended use, site and Building Control requirements. The quotation and project documentation set out what compliance support is included.

The documentation supplied depends on the building system and project requirements. Where required, this can include structural calculations, drawings, design information, load criteria, installation documentation and manufacturer or product information. We agree the required technical package before order so it is suitable for the project, Building Control, insurer or other stakeholders as applicable.

The structural design needs to take account of the building location, geometry and applicable design loads. Where site-specific engineering is required, the structure is checked for the relevant wind, snow and other design actions before the final specification is released. Any operational requirements, such as large doors or unusual exposure, should be identified at the start of the project.

Fire performance is project-specific rather than a single yes-or-no rating for the whole building range. Different roof and wall systems provide different fire characteristics, and the correct specification depends on the building use, occupancy, stored materials, proximity to boundaries and the project fire strategy or Building Regulations requirements. We can specify appropriate construction options once those requirements are understood.

Yes, subject to the building being specified for occupied use. Insulation, ventilation, heating or cooling, lighting, fire safety, welfare, accessibility and other Building Regulations requirements may need to be considered depending on the activity and occupancy. Tell us how the building will be used so these requirements can be designed in from the outset.

Yes. Hire and purchase options are available across selected temporary and semi-permanent systems, while permanent structural-steel projects are normally structured around purchase or an appropriate finance route. Availability depends on the selected system, specification and project duration, so we compare the commercial options against the same brief where possible.

Our standard minimum hire period is six months. After the minimum period, the hire continues on a rolling monthly basis and may be terminated by giving at least three months' written notice. The notice cannot expire before the end of the initial six-month period. Different terms may apply to specialist or project-specific buildings and will be confirmed in the quotation.

Yes. After the six-month minimum period, the hire normally continues on a rolling monthly basis unless another arrangement is stated in the agreement. Either party may end the hire by giving at least three months' written notice. If your requirements change, we can also review relocation, alteration or a purchase option where available.

A purchase option may be available where it is expressly included in the original quotation or subsequently agreed by Noah. Rental payments are not automatically deducted from the purchase price. If future ownership is important, tell us at quotation stage so the available commercial route can be considered from the outset.

At the end of the hire, Noah will arrange dismantling and collection where this is included in the agreement. The customer must empty and clean the building, disconnect its services and equipment, remove any additions and provide safe access for dismantling. Removal, transport and any agreed reinstatement charges are set out before the contract begins. Hire charges and the customer's responsibility for the building continue if collection is delayed because the site is not ready or access is unavailable.

The customer is responsible for routine inspection, cleaning, security and day-to-day maintenance throughout the hire. This includes keeping gutters and drainage clear, operating doors correctly, protecting the structure from vehicle impact and reporting damage promptly. The customer must insure the hired building and all hired equipment for the full sale value stated in the agreement, with Noah's interest noted on the policy. The customer must separately insure its stock, contents, equipment and business interruption risks.

Commercial finance may be available through an independent third-party finance broker. Options can include unsecured and secured business lending, subject to status, affordability, lender criteria and approval. Noah does not provide finance or make lending decisions. If spreading the capital cost is important, tell us at enquiry stage and we can introduce you to the broker to discuss the available options alongside outright purchase.

Yes, these items can be considered as part of the project where required. Depending on the building and use, this may include lighting, power, heating, cooling, ventilation, extraction, doors, glazing, drainage and other internal or external works. The services are specified around the activity inside the building and are included only where stated in the quotation.

Yes. Door and glazing options can be incorporated around the operation, including roller shutters, sectional or other industrial doors, personnel access and glazed elements where compatible with the selected system. Sizes and positions should be considered early because they can affect structure, traffic flow and internal layouts.

Unless the quotation states otherwise, Noah provides a 12-month defects notification period from handover. Individual components may have separate manufacturer warranties. Warranty cover does not include fair wear and tear, accidental damage, unauthorised alterations, inadequate maintenance, ground movement, blocked drainage, abnormal weather beyond the stated design criteria or use outside the agreed specification. The quotation confirms the cover applicable to the selected system. 10 year frame warranty as standard.

Noah remains available after handover for maintenance, repairs, alterations and future changes to the building. For suitable projects we can also offer planned inspection or service support. If the building needs to be extended, relocated or its doors, cladding or services altered later, contact us so the existing structure can be reviewed before work is undertaken.

Potentially. We first need to identify the existing system, available technical information, condition and compatibility of components. Some third-party structures can be repaired, altered or extended, while others may require manufacturer-specific parts or engineering. Send us photographs, drawings and any original documentation and we can review what is practical.

Yes. Noah Building Systems supplies and manages installations across the UK, subject to the selected building system, site access and project requirements. The delivery and installation scope is confirmed in the quotation.

Where a suitable reference project is available and the existing customer permits a visit, we will try to arrange one. As the Noah Building Systems project portfolio grows, we also publish case studies, photographs and technical details so customers can see how comparable buildings perform in real operational settings.

Yes, subject to an agreed installation plan and safe working arrangements. We review delivery routes, exclusion zones, working hours, interaction with staff and vehicles, and any site-specific permit or induction requirements before installation. The aim is to keep your operation running while creating a controlled and safe installation area.

You do not need a finished specification. Start with the problem you need to solve: what the space is for, approximate dimensions, where it will sit, when you need it and whether the requirement is temporary or long term. If available, send photographs, a site plan and any details of racking, machinery, vehicles, sports clearances or other operational requirements. We can then help define the building system around the brief.

Our initial site survey reviews visible conditions, access, available space, levels and operational constraints. It is not a structural, geotechnical, drainage, contamination or underground-services investigation. Where ground suitability is uncertain, additional surveys, service scans or engineering information may be required before the foundation or anchoring solution can be confirmed.

The customer must provide safe and suitable access, a prepared installation area, accurate information about underground and overhead services, the required permissions, suitable welfare and utilities, and sufficient clear working space for delivery vehicles and installation equipment. Project-specific requirements are confirmed following the site review and before delivery.

The customer is responsible for maintaining the surrounding ground, gutters, downpipes and drainage so water is directed away from the building. The building must be operated within its stated wind and snow design criteria. Doors and openings must be secured during adverse weather, and any damage, movement or unusual roof loading must be reported immediately.

If the site, access, foundations, information or required permissions are not ready by the agreed date, the programme may need to be revised. Additional transport, storage, standing time, remobilisation or subcontractor costs caused by the delay may be chargeable. The project team will explain the effect before work restarts wherever practicable.

Yes. The selected structure is specified using the applicable project design criteria, including site location, building geometry and relevant wind and snow actions. Site-specific requirements and any operational conditions are confirmed in the structural information and project specification.