What is a modular pharmacy?

A modular pharmacy is a pharmacy, convenience store, or drug store built using modular (aka prefabricated) construction. Modular pharmacies are built using pre-fabricated parts or modules that are built off-site in a controlled environment and constructed in person at your location. As opposed to traditional construction, modular is the perfect choice for pharmacies of all types because of its high-quality, cost-efficient building materials and quick construction time. Additionally, modular pharmacies are extremely versatile structures and can be customized to fit your pharmacy’s exact business needs.

What are the benefits?

Choosing modular construction for your pharmacy comes with tons of advantages.

Quick construction

Modular construction is much faster compared to traditional construction. This can be very beneficial to pharmacy owners in a number of ways. Firstly, your pharmacy will be up and running in no time when choosing modular. Secondly, modular buildings help you save tons of money on construction and labor costs involved with traditional construction.

Cost-effective

Modular construction can save business owners up to half of the overall cost of their building project. Plus, you don’t worry about having to compromise quality. Modular construction is a winning choice for business owners of all types due to high-quality parts.

Code compliance 

Suppliers are very sensitive to laws, codes, and guidelines that each industry needs to follow. Modular construction makes sure that your building will be up to code to make sure you adhere to your specific compliance laws.

Attractive, customizable exterior

Did you know that you can choose what the exterior of your modular building will look like? If you are trying to match your modular pharmacy to a pre-existing exterior, your supplier can work with you to choose a design that best works for you.

“Cleanroom” friendly

If you have specific requirements for your pharmacy to keep medications and prescriptions in a temperature-controlled, well-ventilated environment, modular solutions are one of the best choices for your needs.

Why is modular the best choice for pharmacies?

Oftentimes, pharmacies have to create clean, temperature-controlled spaces (aka “cleanrooms”) to make sure medications and drugs are being stored properly. Modular is one of the most customizable, controlled choices in terms of construction. When you work with a modular supplier, you can add customizations and features that assure your modular pharmacy will adhere to your climate-control and ventilation requirements. For instance, you can make sure your pharmacy has a ventilation system that closely monitors temperature, humidity, and pressure.

How long does it take to build a modular pharmacy?

One of modular construction’s biggest benefits is its quick turnaround time. Once speaking with a modular supplier and setting up a plan, your modular pharmacy can be built in as few as 2-3 days, depending on the size and scope of your building. It is estimated that modular buildings take half the time to construct compared to traditional construction. This is great news for pharmacy owners who want to save money on labor and get their business up and running as soon as possible.

What sizes and layouts are available?

Luckily, modular suppliers are capable of helping you create many different sizes and layouts for your modular pharmacy. Essentially, the supplier takes standard sized modules (between 12’-16’) and uses them to create ideal space for your pharmacy.

When speaking with the supplier about sizes and layouts, you will want to fill them in on:

• How many rooms/spaces you want
• Overall square footage

Most pharmacies look for a mostly open floor plan where they plan to put lots of shelving, plus a smaller “cleanroom” or pharmacist area where medications and drugs are kept. You may also consider adding:

• Breakrooms
• Bathrooms
• Storage or stock rooms
• and more

To help you determine the ideal square footage for your pharmacy as well as smaller spaces, take a look at our modular office building guide.

Which add-on features are ideal for a modular pharmacy?

Luckily, there are tons of features you can add to your modular pharmacy to customize it the way you want. When adding features to your building, you can create a space that looks no different from a traditionally constructed pharmacy. Consider these features for your modular pharmacy:

• Electricity (energy-efficient is ideal)
• Recess lighting
• Security cameras
• Access control
• Custom flooring
• Shelving
• HVAC systems
• Insulation
• Glass walls for pharmacy unit
• Wait area for pharmacy unit
• Filing cabinets
• Bathrooms
• Time and attendance systems
• And much more

Also remember when considering add-on features that you will want to take physical security measures seriously for your pharmacy. Read these 6 ways to improve your physical security and this access control checklist.

How much do they cost?

Modular buildings normally cost between $35-$200 per square foot, depending on your location, your supplier, the overall size of your pharmacy, delivery costs, and add-on features. To learn more about pricing for your pharmacy, take a look at our modular building buyer’s guide or get a custom quote using our free quote service!