Can I buy a used 24′ x 40′ DSA portable classroom directly from a California Public School?
Yes, you can buy a used Portable Classroom from a California school district or possibly have one donated, but finding the right facility management person in charge of selling used assets is sometimes tricky. Call the district and begin your search with the Facility Management Department.
Nearly every California public school district has used Portable Classrooms throughout its network of campuses. Eventually, when these prefabricated school buildings are no longer needed, the district will sell or donate them. The trick is having a person to contact specializing in Portable Classroom brokering or knowing who to call at each district’s central office.
Key Questions to Ask When Contacting Local Schools About Portable Classrooms
- What size portable classrooms are available, and how many?
Determine exactly what size portable classrooms you need and how many units you plan to install. Also, consider where they will be placed on your property. If you’re unsure about sizing, placement, or permitting, consulting a modular building architect or planner can be a smart move. The Modular Building Help Line can connect you with a qualified California architect who is experienced in obtaining permits for portable classrooms. - When will the portable classrooms be available for removal and relocation?
Knowing the availability timeline is crucial for coordinating logistics. Ask for a clear timeframe to plan transportation, site preparation, and permitting. - When can a site visit and inspection be scheduled?
Always inspect the portable classrooms before committing to a purchase or accepting a donation. Schedule a site visit to assess the unit’s condition, check for structural or mechanical issues, and verify that it meets your needs.
If you’re unfamiliar with what to look for, bring along an expert who understands modular buildings. Key factors to inspect include:
Structural integrity (roof, walls, and flooring)
Electrical and HVAC systems
Plumbing (if applicable)
Condition of doors, windows, and ramps
Any potential environmental concerns (mold, asbestos, lead paint, etc.)
Feasibility of relocation (ease of disassembly, transport, and reinstallation)
When the school system no longer needs the space, used California Portable Classrooms can be purchased directly from school district offices.
Here are some of the job titles of the contacts we find to be most helpful when searching for a used portable classroom in public and private school systems:
| Facilities Administrator | Facilities Supervisor | Manager of Real Estate |
| Facilities Planner | Physical Plant Manager | Facility Coordinator |
| Purchasing Manager | Contract Manager | Procurement Officer |
Here is a helpful list of California Public School District Offices, complete with addresses and phone numbers. Greatschools.org California School District Directory.
As you make your “cold calls” to schools, consider the distance a school site with Portables is to the site where you have space to install the structures. The longer the distance, the more expensive the transportation costs will be. If a school is going to donate one or more portables, this cost may be worth the long haul, but it’s always better to shop close by your site.
When you finally reach a person with a lead on one or more used Portables, make sure you move quickly. Have your “Action Items” in order and schedule a site visit as soon as possible. Remember to get as much information about the Portable as possible, including any paperwork the owner has. The original contract, floor plans, and maintenance records are all important and should be readily available if the school operates an organized facility department. This is particularly true with DSA classrooms in California because they are built to meet specific guidelines for public school construction. Proof of the portables approved for use by the Division of the State Architect should be provided before you purchase or accept any donation.
Remember, an experienced Architect or Portable Classroom supplier should be able to verify any information about a legal Portable and explain the steps required to re-certify the Portable for use in any capacity other than on another California public school campus.
If you have time to find a Portable Classroom for your school, church, or business, it may be well worth the cold calls and internet research. Otherwise, working with an experienced Portable Classroom consultant will likely net you the same results without impacting your schedule. Either way, shopping smart is always the best way to find school space.
Do you have questions? You can call me at (800) 806-7485 in Huntington Beach, California, or email [email protected].
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