Refurbished buildings

Wernick Refurbished Buildings specialises in transforming pre-owned modular structures into refurbished buildings that are high quality, fully bespoke and built to meet the latest building regulations. Our expertly refurbished buildings offer an affordable and sustainable alternative to new construction, without compromising on standards. Backed by our decades of experience and precision-led process, every building is delivered with the reliability and finish you expect from the Wernick name.

Image of a University hospital double storey office refurbished modular building with grey cladding

What is a refurbished building?

A refurbished building is a previously owned modular or portable structure that has been thoroughly renewed, modernised and repurposed for a new lease of life. At our state-of-the-art facility in York, we strip back pre-owned modular buildings to their steel frames, completely rebuilding them using brand-new materials. The result? Refurbished buildings that look and function like new, tailored to meet your specific needs.

By choosing a refurbished portable building, you’re not only saving on costs but also contributing to a greener future by reducing waste and embodied carbon emissions.

The refurbished modular building process

Our meticulous refurbishment process ensures that every refurbished building we deliver is finished to the highest standard. Here’s what it involves:

  1. We dismantle pre-owned modular buildings, down to their steel frames.
  2. Using brand-new materials, we reconstruct the modules to create fully bespoke, high-quality structures.
  3. Each building is tailored to suit its intended purpose, whether it’s for education, healthcare, offices or leisure.
  4. All refurbished buildings meet the latest building regulations and are finished to the highest standards.

With a stock of over 300 pre-owned modules at any given time, sourced from reputable manufacturers and within the Wernick Group, we ensure a wide variety of options for our clients.

Image of a factory employee refurbishing a modular building

Benefits of a refurbished modular building

Low cost

Cheaper build alternative that doesn’t compromise on quality.

Sustainable

Waste, and subsequently cost, is minimised. Material supplies are easier to control and virtually all waste is recycled

Fast

Factory manufacture means no delays due to on-site conditions like weather, ensuring a more dependable build programme. Manufacture of the modules can begin while foundations and other preparations are made on site, significantly speeding up the build process.

Quality

Factory conditions ensure a higher quality product; workers operate in a comfortable environment where modules can be closely monitored throughout the construction process.

Flexible

Modular buildings are easier to expand and can be relocated.

Less embodied carbon

Compared to a newly built modular building, a refurbished modular building produces 46% less embodied carbon emissions. This is when comparing an 8-bay modular structure.

A customers guide to Wernick Refurbished Buildings

Visit us at our offices and factory to discover how your refurbished modular building is manufactured.

High quality as standard

Despite the name, our refurbished buildings are anything but second-best. The only reused element is the steel frame, everything else is newly installed and custom-built.

Working in a controlled factory environment ensures a consistently high standard of workmanship, with full quality checks throughout the build. From energy-efficient lighting to modern heating systems, your refurbished building can be equipped with the same technology and features found in new builds.

Image of a refurbished modular school classroom block with wood cladding

Sustainable built in

Environmental responsibility is at the heart of what we do. Each refurbished building saves materials, reduces waste, and contributes to a greener construction industry.

  • We divert over 2,400 tonnes of waste from landfill every year.

  • Our sites operate on a zero-to-landfill basis.

  • Refurbished buildings generate 46% less embodied carbon than new builds.

  • We’ve invested in solar panels, electric forklifts and EV charging across our sites.

  • The Wernick Group is committed to reaching net zero by 2040.

Image of solar panels on Wernick Refurbished Buildings factory in York

Reduced embodied carbon emissions

A recent academic study has evaluated the embodied carbon emissions of modular buildings, comparing newly constructed units with refurbished alternatives.

The results demonstrate a significant environmental benefit—refurbishing a modular building reduces embodied carbon emissions by an impressive 46% compared to building new.

image of worker in the factory refurbishing a modular building

Why choose a refurbished building?

Choosing a refurbished building from Wernick means gaining all the benefits of a modern space, at a lower cost and with a smaller environmental footprint. Here are just a few reasons clients choose refurbished:

  • Refurbished buildings are more affordable than new constructions while maintaining high-quality standards.
  • The refurbishment process is faster than traditional construction, ensuring minimal downtime for your project.
  • Tailored to meet your exact specifications, from layouts to finishes.
  • Reduces waste and embodied carbon, making it a sustainable choice.
  • Each building is thoroughly inspected and refurbished to meet current regulations.
Image of two employees in Wernick Refurbished Buildings yard with modules

Ready to get started?

Explore our available refurbished buildings or get in touch to discuss your project. Whether you’re looking for classrooms, offices or clinical spaces, we’ll help you create a building that works for your needs and reflects your values.

Download our brochure

Our latest brochure is available as pdf.

Modular building at Swansea University
Considered a new building?

Find out about our design and build for new modular buildings.