What are modular homes?

The modular house is made in the factory in parts, after which the sections are delivered to the site and connected. Previously, industrial facilities (construction trailers, warehouses, shopping malls) were produced this way, but over time, the technology has penetrated into individual construction.

The modules are installed using cranes on a pre-prepared foundation, fastened together, after which specialists certified by the manufacturing plant lay electrical wiring and water supply.

Often, these buildings have an unassuming design and look like two mobile homes placed side by side – so you might think that a modular home is the same as a mobile home. In fact, these are two different things. After installation on the foundation, a modular house is very difficult to move anywhere.

Modular house design

A modular home can be anything: the fact that it is produced somewhere outside of your site does not mean that its design is somehow limited. Similar to traditional houses, modular buildings can be both large and small, moreover, a factory can even make a house according to your design.

When ordering such a house, you are as if setting up an application on your phone, adapting it for yourself. Solid surface countertops? Check the box. Ceramic floors, oak cabinets, an Italian toilet? Do not. High-tech architecture? Perhaps yes.

Each modular home manufacturer will have different options available, and there are usually hundreds of them.

How much is it?

Modular homes can vary in price just like traditional homes, depending on the options you choose, materials and design complexity. By the way, electrical, plumbing and ventilation equipment is usually not included in the cost of building a modular house, so the final price can be about 20% higher than indicated in the price list of the factory. The premiums for modular homes are exactly the same as for regular homes, and you can get a standard mortgage on them.

Pluses of modular houses

Cost: a modular house costs from 10,000 rubles per 1m2. Modules in the workshop are produced quickly, and the more time it takes to build a house, the more expensive it comes out. The production of a modular home is not affected by the weather, and workers do not need to hide from rain, snow or frost.

• If desired, the modular house can be disassembled and transported to another location. It will be harder than moving a mobile home, but in principle possible. But moving an ordinary house will not work.

• A modular home can have a basement. True, this will increase the number of outdoor work, so that such a house will be much more expensive.

• Unlike mobile, modular houses can be made to order and have any design: even Empire, even neoclassic, even fusion.

• Most modular homes are built to be energy efficient with quality windows and thermal insulation. This reduces heating costs, which ultimately requires less energy consumption. It’s better for your wallet and the environment.

Cons of modular houses

• Payment in advance is required. A modular home requires full payment before construction is completed. You need to either immediately have a large amount on hand, or take out a loan.

• If the plant for the production of sections is far away, then their delivery can cost a pretty penny and negate all the advantages of this design.

• Modular walls do not breathe: they are generally impervious to air. Therefore, it is critically important to make an active ventilation system for all rooms.

• The spread of quality. As is the case with construction in general, there is a wide range of modular home suppliers on the market, and the quality is different for everyone. You have to do some research to make sure you’re going to a decent firm. However, it is the same with conventional construction.

• It is impossible to create an original layout – the size of the sections imposes restrictions on what kind of interior you can create.

• You will not be able to move into a separate section – therefore you will not be able to live in a partially built house. You can start living in a modular house only when it is already fully completed. However, for many, this will be an advantage, not a disadvantage.

• Unlike a mobile one, you cannot put a modular house anywhere: the land on which it is located must belong to you. And all documents for a modular house are exactly the same as for an ordinary one. From the point of view of the law, there are no “modular houses”.

Conclusion

A modular home is an excellent choice for those who do not want to dive too deeply into a design project and want to move into a new home as quickly as possible.