Updated October 2, 2025
Choosing prefabricated modular walls starts with understanding your project’s goals. Are you looking for speed, flexibility, or long-term performance? The modular wall market has grown rapidly in recent years, with solutions designed for permanent installations as well as temporary containment. Knowing how to frame your decision up front will save time, protect budgets, and ensure you select a system that actually delivers what your project requires.
Step 1: Define Your Project Timeline
- Permanent modular walls become part of the built environment. They’re ideal for office space subdivision or long-term use cases.
- Temporary modular walls are engineered for speed and reconfiguration. They install in hours, not weeks, and can be reused across multiple projects—making them ideal for occupied renovations in hospitals, airports, and commercial spaces.
Tip: If speed, flexibility, and reusability matter, you’re likely looking for a temporary system.
Step 2: Prioritize Safety and Compliance
Modular walls aren’t just about dividing space — they must also perform under real-world conditions:
- Noise reduction to limit disruption for building occupants
- ICRA and infection control compliance in healthcare settings
- Fire and life safety ratings where required by code
- Physical security to restrict access to sensitive areas
These criteria are essential in today’s regulatory environment, especially in healthcare and data center projects.
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Step 3: Factor in Total Cost of Ownership
Upfront cost is only part of the equation. With drywall, every project generates waste, labor hours, and reinstallation costs. Temporary modular walls may cost more initially, but their reusability and durability drive significant long-term savings.
Consider:
- Installation and removal speed
- Potential for reuse across sites
- Reduced landfill waste and sustainability benefits
Step 4: Align with Stakeholders Early
Facilities managers, infection preventionists, and general contractors each have different priorities. Early collaboration ensures the chosen wall system meets all compliance, safety, and budget expectations.
Tip: In many cases, contractors discover too late that drywall won’t pass infection control standards or creates delays they can’t afford.
Up Next: Drywall vs. Temporary Modular Walls
Prefabricated modular walls give you options — but how do they stack up against drywall? In Part 2, we’ll compare cost, compliance, and performance.
Ready to explore the options?
Learn how STARC’s modular wall systems deliver speed, safety, and savings for your next project. Explore our temporary wall systems.