Question 1

What exterior finishes can Fullerton Building Systems (FBS) install in the factory?

Accepted Answer

FBS can factory-install a variety of exterior cladding and façade systems to meet project requirements. This can include weather barriers, EIFS, thin brick veneer, cultured stone veneer, and siding products such as James Hardie® panels and Nichiha fiber-cement board.

Factory-installed exterior finishes can help improve quality control, reduce on-site labor, and accelerate project schedules.

Question 2

How is prefabricated construction different than traditional stick build?

Accepted Answer

One of the biggest differences between prefabricated construction and traditional stick-built construction is that prefabricated buildings are designed, engineered, and manufactured with efficiency in mind from the very beginning. Instead of constructing the building entirely on-site, major building components are produced in a controlled facility and then assembled at the job site.

During the design phase, Fullerton's team of designers and construction managers works closely with the architect and project team to identify and resolve potential issues before production begins. This early coordination often uncovers design and constructability challenges that might otherwise not be discovered until construction is already underway.

For owners, developers, and general contractors, the benefit is a more predictable project with fewer delays, less rework, and a faster path to completion. By shifting a significant portion of the construction process off-site and addressing challenges early, projects can stay on schedule and often reach occupancy sooner. In fact, Fullerton customers open their doors an average of 60 days sooner, allowing businesses to begin serving customers, generating revenue, and realizing a return on investment faster.

Question 3

Can Fullerton adapt our current prototype to prefab?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Fullerton designs prefabricated buildings to align with your brand’s standards, from layout and functionality to exterior finishes and interior details. We work closely with your team, architects, and brand guidelines to ensure the final building reflects your intended look, feel, and customer experience.

Prefabrication allows us to deliver that consistency across locations while maintaining speed, quality, and efficiency.

Question 4

Do Fullerton’s prefabricated buildings include a warranty?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Fullerton Building Systems provides a one-year craftsmanship warranty on every building package.

In addition, exterior finish materials such as EIFS, thin brick, siding, and other cladding products are covered by their respective manufacturer's warranties.

To make warranty information easy to access, FBS provides a complete warranty package with every project, giving owners and operators all the documentation they need for future reference.

Question 5

Are prefabricated buildings as durable as traditional stick frame buildings?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Some engineers and industry professionals would argue that prefabricated buildings can be even more durable than traditional stick-frame construction due to the quality of materials used, including dimensional lumber and structural CDX plywood sheathing, as well as the controlled manufacturing environment in which they are built.

At Fullerton Building Systems, every building is manufactured by the same experienced workforce using the same proven process, regardless of whether the project is in Minnesota, Utah, Texas, Florida, New Jersey, or anywhere in between. This level of consistency helps ensure a repeatable, high-quality building package from project to project, giving owners, developers, and contractors confidence in what will be delivered every time.

Question 6

How long does it take to install a prefabricated restaurant building?

Accepted Answer

Most prefabricated restaurant buildings are installed in just 3–7 days, with many projects completed in as little as 4 days.

Because the building shell is manufactured off-site while site work is happening, installation moves quickly once the foundation is ready. In many cases, the building can be erected and dried-in within two weeks, helping keep your project on schedule and your restaurant on a faster path to opening.

Want to see the process in action? Check out our time-lapse videos to see how quickly a restaurant building comes together.

Question 7

What is the typical timeline from design kickoff to stamped structural plans?

Accepted Answer

Project timelines vary based on building size, complexity, and coordination speed, but FBS is structured to move efficiently from the design kickoff through engineering to final stamped structural plans.

In most cases, the process takes approximately 3–5 weeks and includes completed structural drawings, engineering calculations, and final stamped documents ready for permitting and construction coordination.

Question 8

When choosing prefabricated construction do I still need a general contractor?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your prefabricated construction project will still require a general contractor. While prefab shifts a large portion of the work off-site, a GC is responsible for managing everything that happens on-site, including site preparation, foundations, utility connections, installation coordination, and final build-out.

We work with several preferred general contractors who are familiar with the Fullerton prefab process and can help ensure a smooth, efficient project from start to finish. We’re happy to provide recommendations based on your location and project needs.

Question 9

How much of the interior build-out is included in the prefabricated building package?

Accepted Answer

Our primary focus is the building shell. FBS exterior wall panels will be open-stud, allowing other subcontractors to seamlessly complete their scope of work.

If requested, FBS can include wood-framed interior walls within our scope of work.

Question 10

Are Fullerton Building Systems (FBS) buildings considered modular? How are they different?

Accepted Answer

No. Our system is panelized, not modular.

Traditional modular construction typically involves transporting large, fully finished building sections or “boxes” to the jobsite. In contrast, FBS manufactures prefabricated structural wall panels and roof components that are built off-site and assembled into a permanent building structure on-site.

This panelized prefabrication approach provides many of the speed, quality, and schedule advantages associated with modular construction while allowing for greater architectural flexibility, easier transportation, and a more traditional site-built appearance and construction process.

Question 11

Which finishes or scopes are not provided by Fullerton Building Systems (FBS)?

Accepted Answer

FBS primarily provides the prefabricated structural building shell and select factory-installed exterior finishes. Certain specialized finishes, trade scopes, or site-specific elements are typically supplied and installed by others.

Items commonly excluded from the FBS scope include:
Roof membrane systems
Canopies
Signage
Gutters and downspouts
Freezer/cooler packages
Tenant improvement (TI) work
Storefront and glazing packages

While glazing packages are not included in the FBS scope, general contractors can order storefront and glazing systems in advance by coordinating with the FBS Rough Openings Schedule provided within the structural design drawings.

All project scopes and responsibilities are clearly defined early in the design and coordination process to help avoid surprises during construction.

Frequently Asked Questions

General

What exterior finishes can Fullerton Building Systems (FBS) install in the factory?

How is prefabricated construction different than traditional stick build?

Can Fullerton adapt our current prototype to prefab?

Do Fullerton’s prefabricated buildings include a warranty?

Are prefabricated buildings as durable as traditional stick frame buildings?

How long does it take to install a prefabricated restaurant building?

What is the typical timeline from design kickoff to stamped structural plans?

When choosing prefabricated construction do I still need a general contractor?

How much of the interior build-out is included in the prefabricated building package?

Are Fullerton Building Systems (FBS) buildings considered modular? How are they different?

Which finishes or scopes are not provided by Fullerton Building Systems (FBS)?

Architect & Design Team

What does Fullerton Building Systems (FBS) need from the architect to begin structural design?

At what stage should Fullerton be engaged in the design process?

How are FBS designs incorporated into the architect’s drawing set?

What does the collaboration process look like between the architect, GC, and FBS?

What detailing does FBS provide within the structural set?

What is the extent of the building scope Fullerton delivers?

Does Fullerton Building Systems (FBS) supply structural steel?

Can Fullerton Building Systems (FBS) provide integrated blocking for signage, canopies, and ladders?

Are there dimensional or design constraints architects should be aware of?

General Contractor & Installation

What site prep is required before installation?

What equipment is needed for installation?

What scopes remain with the general contractor?

What inspections are required?