You may be wondering what on Earth is a modular home? Whilst this may not be your typical house in the UK, it’s certainly one that’s growing in popularity.
A modular home is also referred to as a prefab house, but are they really reliable and are they the answer to the UK’s housing crisis?
This blog is designed to answer all of your questions and by the end of it, will make you an expert in modular homes.
What are modular homes?
Whilst many people may think a modular home is a mobile home, they are in fact very different.
A modular home is a prefabricated home and consists of sections (modules). Once the sections have been delivered to the site, they are installed to create the home.
They are made in a factory and delivered to a location and remain permanently in place, making them perfect for those who have bought land and wish to craft their own home.
Unlike new-built houses, modular homes can be tailor-made. New builds are the government’s way of trying to solve the housing crisis, but they can feel like builders have copied and pasted homes in a row and are often criticised for being devoid of any personality. The same can’t be said for their counterparts.
Modular homes are cheaper to construct, are time efficient and, unlike what some may tell you at the pub, still have concrete permanent foundations and building codes.
Construction is often quicker as they only require around half the amount of time as building a house from scratch.
This type of construction became popular after the second world war as they were cheaper to build and create housing after the Blitz.
How are modular homes built?
Whilst they are mostly built in a factory, they’re not delivered fully complete at the site. A lot of the work is actually done at the final site before they are rolled out of the factory.
Contractors still have to prep where the home will sit, doing jobs such as levelling the area, digging the ground for permanent foundations, installing pilings and laying the concrete and sill plate.
Every site is different, so the specifics differ, too, but in essence modular homes are like a series of boxes that are put together.
Once the boxes that make up the home are placed together, the plumbing and electricity will be hooked up.
The last steps include the crane operator and set crew putting on the roof (which comes on hinges) and the final waterproofing.
How are modular homes built in a factory?
They are built in smaller connectable pieces, or modules if you will, in factories and taken to site. Each segment is built to the appropriate size and then integrated into their slots once they arrive on site.
Modular homes are usually around three-quarters complete when they leave the factory. The completion level depends on how bespoke and the designs the homeowner has asked for.
Because the homes are built inside a factory, a major upside is the builds are not dictated to by weather conditions which can slow the process down.
How long do modular homes take to build?
Modular homes are crafted in a third of the time taken to construct a normal new-build or bespoke design.
This is because the home is being made on an assembly line, with all the various construction trades being located in one spot, whilst the landscaping and foundation work can be done at the same time on site, in turn saving you months.
Most modular builds won’t take longer than six months, which is great news for anyone in a hurry to move into their brand-new home. The longest part of the process is deciding exactly what you want your layout to look like.
Are modular homes cheaper to build?
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the cost of your new modular home will largely depend on the size and intricacies of your build. However, thanks to how quickly these structures can be built, you might find yourself making some considerable savings in labour costs compared to traditional constructions.
Furthermore, modular home construction companies can often negotiate with suppliers to secure discounts on appliances, fixtures and fittings. Which (hopefully) could be passed onto you as a buyer, saving you money in the long run.
You can also save money on architect fees. This is because all they will have to do is draw the size of the rooms and the elevations.
Thinking long-term after your home is complete, you can save a lot of money through energy bills, which leads us onto our next point.
Are modular homes more energy efficient?
Because they’re mostly built inside in controlled environments, modular homes are usually more energy-efficient than comparable homes built entirely on-site.
Construction takes place inside a building factory, which means the materials of your home are not subjected to weather degradation. The tight fittings also mean the walls are enveloped closer which will stop excess cold creeping in.
With optimum insulation, it can save you from expensive heating bills or you can use solar panels to conserve energy in the design process.
Manufacturers also routinely use or offer energy-efficient appliances, fixtures, and other features meant to drive down energy bills.
Will my modular home increase in value?
Whilst it’s pretty difficult to comment on the value retention of any home in the current climate, experts suggest that modular homes are likely to follow the same upward trajectory as standard construction properties, which is great news for anyone thinking about a new pre-fab home.
Of course, the condition and location of your modular home will play a part in its future value, the same as any other home.
This is no different than standard brick homes, meaning you should not be put off a modular home for fear that the price will not rise over the coming years.
What are the drawbacks to owning a modular home?
Whilst there are many pros to owning a modular home, there are also some cons to consider. Here we’ll examine a few.
Rather obviously, you will need to own a patch of land for your home to be built on. If you purchase afterwards, you will not be able to save any time through the landscaping process. On top of this, you may also need a construction loan first.
As with many building projects, modular homes can, on occasions, also end up being more expensive than originally thought.
Remember that on top of paying for the structure, you will also need to budget for plumbing and electrical services.
Given the portable nature of these constructions, you will also need to think about the travel costs of getting your home delivered to its final site – not to mention the logistics of safely transporting your brand new home on various roads and / or terrains. Whilst on the topic of sites, you should also know that modular homes can’t be built on subdivisions and you will need to gain permission for your design if you have customised your house.
Can I get insurance on a modular home?
No matter what home you have, whether it’s modular or a standard, or if it has any other special quality, Adrian Flux is on hand to help with specialist household insurance.
We offer competitive rates and can tailor an insurance policy to your exact needs. For our best rates, call 0800 369 8590 or book a callback at a time that works for you.
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