When it comes to containment during healthcare facility upgrades, many managers fall into the same trap: opting for what seems easy or cheap in the moment, like plastic sheeting or temporary drywall, only to discover down the road that those “quick fixes” carry long-term costs.
Dust, labor, compliance violations, missed deadlines — they all start stacking up. But there’s a better way.
Reusable temporary wall systems are proving to be one of the most cost-effective, regulation-ready, and environmentally responsible alternatives for healthcare, education, and other large facilities. If you’re looking to reduce your temporary wall cost while improving efficiency and patient experience, it’s time to take a closer look at the real ROI of modular containment.
Drywall and plastic may be familiar, but they aren’t future-friendly. They’re single-use, labor-intensive, and prone to compliance issues.
You don’t need to be renovating a full hospital wing to feel the impact, either. Even smaller projects like a utility upgrade or ceiling tile replacement in a patient zone can stir up dust and debris, meaning your facility is faced with safety risks and potential inspection headaches.
So if you’re still relying on drywall to manage infection control or containment during renovations, ask yourself three questions:
The price tag on plastic or drywall is deceiving. The true temporary wall cost goes far beyond materials:
All of this adds up quickly, especially if your team handles frequent maintenance or renovations throughout the year.
At first glance, drywall and plastic sheeting might seem like the cheaper way to go. However, when you factor in labor, cleanup, and how often you're redoing the same work, the real costs start to add up.
Drywall might seem budget-friendly on the surface, but let’s look at the full picture. A typical drywall containment setup can run about $2,280 per installation: broken down into 25 labor hours at $75/hour ($1,875), $360 in materials, and $45 in disposal fees. Since it’s single-use and generates waste each time, the cost per use is the full amount. You’re paying $2,280 for every project, no matter how often they happen.
This option is cheaper but still adds up. A poly barrier installation will typically run around $884, including 11 labor hours ($825), $49 for materials, and $10 for disposal. Though their initial cost is lower, they’re still single-use, meaning each use costs you nearly $900, and you’re still not getting the full protection that modular wall barriers or more robust containment option might afford your facility.
Modular wall systems strike the perfect balance between cost, compliance, and convenience. While the upfront investment is higher, they deliver serious returns over time. The recurring cost per use is just $225, including 3 labor hours at $75/hour and zero disposal fees since every panel can be used again and again. Even with a higher purchase price compared to lower-end options (e.g., $5,225), your cost per use drops significantly each time you’re able to use the same equipment without repurchasing materials.
With drywall or plastic, the lifecycle ends the moment it comes down. The materials get discarded, the team moves on, and the costs are locked in. But modular wall systems offer a whole new level of functionality.
These systems are designed for reuse, not replacement. Once a project is complete, the panels can be easily cleaned, stored, and reused, whether it’s in another wing, on another floor, or during the next project phase. For facilities managing frequent renovations or emergency maintenance, this flexibility is invaluable.
Compared to drywall builds that might stretch over several days, modular systems can be fully installed in under an hour. A crew of two can assemble 100 feet of wall with minimal tools and disruption. This speed means patient rooms and workspaces return to service faster, and fewer delays ripple through your schedule.
Plus, these systems reduce noise and dust during setup. That means less interference with clinical workflows, fewer complaints from staff, and a much smoother renovation experience overall. STARC® Systems reports that their modular barriers are up to 80% faster to install than drywall, which means more efficiency at every stage.
Most modular panels include integrated pass-throughs for medical equipment, airtight seals for negative air machines, and construction-grade finishes that hold up to repeated use. They’re engineered to meet ICRA Class IV containment standards and help you stay ready for inspections and protect your patients in high-risk zones.
And when your inspectors see a clean, sealed, and professional-grade barrier in place, it sends a message: your team takes safety and compliance seriously.
Cutting corners might save money now, but can cost you dearly later.
When containment fails, your entire operation feels it. Temporary wall systems give you a way to protect your facility, budget, and reputation all at once.
With healthcare construction only becoming more regulated and sustainability expectations rising, facilities that stick with drywall or plastic are locking themselves into higher costs and compliance risks.
Modular wall systems offer consistent, professional-grade containment that you can count on job after job. With fewer delays, lower cleanup costs, and higher compliance, the long-term savings stack up quickly.
Whether you're managing phased renovations, emergency repairs, or routine upgrades, modular barriers support your staff and protect your patients, all while keeping your projects on track and on budget.
Are you ready to take on healthcare construction or renovation the smart way? Download the HEPA vs. ULPA Guide to learn how containment and air filtration strategies go hand-in-hand for safer renovations.