Affordable housing has always been a problem, even before the pandemic. With rental prices rising and the average salary barely keeping up, a house that fits your needs and budget seems like a dream. In addition to that, the pandemic has caused unemployment rates to skyrocket, making already barely affordable houses even more so. But can modular homes change this trend?
What Is Modular Housing?
Some owners dream of building a custom-made home. However, hiring the contractor, engineer, architect, and workers needed to make this happen could cost you way more than an arm and a leg. With modular homes, on the other hand, homeowners can turn that dream into a reality. They’re more cost-effective than traditional homes and will spare you the stress and headache that comes with building a new home.
Modular homes are often confused with mobile homes, but a few key differences make these two types of homes unique. Mobile homes refer to factory-built homes built before June 15, 1976. Homes built after that are called manufactured homes. Modular homes, while also factory-built, are instead built piece by piece in a climate-controlled environment. This helps avoid any weather-related issues or delays. These types of homes are also built in accordance with local building codes.
Once all the pieces of a modular home have been built, they’re then brought to their new location (or the location of your choice) and put together by a professional builder. With all parts assembled, the home is then hooked to utilities then fitted with fixtures, appliances, etc.
In some cases, modular homes are also called prefabricated or prefab homes.
Benefits of a Modular Home
Modular homes come with a lot of benefits, making them a great choice for housing.
Built Quickly
Compared to traditional homes, modular homes are normally built in less than two months. The indoor construction and foundations are usually built simultaneously, and since the pieces are made indoors, you won’t have to worry about any weather-related delays.
Cheaper to Build
Depending on the requirements, materials, and design, modular homes are generally more cost-efficient than traditional houses. Design costs are also usually included in modular home prices, so you can take your mind off having to hire an architect.
Fewer Disruptions
Since modular homes are normally built in a factory, you’ll spend less time bothering your neighbors with the sounds of construction. Aside from that, the building takes place inside the factory, so any disruptions caused by weather or any other external factors are
More Durable
Modular homes are usually constructed using durable materials that ensure your home’s long lifespan. This is because they are built not only to meet your design requirements and local building codes, but they also need to be able to withstand transport loads so that nothing gets damaged during transit. They’re also separately constructed by module, and once the module For aspiring homeowners who like peace and quiet at home, modular homes are built separately by module. Think of it like building a dollhouse- once they’re put together, the walls will become thicker, suppressing any noise from other rooms.
Eco-friendly
Modular homes are a great choice for the environmentally conscious who want a new house but don’t want to create a large carbon footprint. Because they’re built based on your exact requirements, you produce less waste and reduce the amount of energy used to build your home. They’re also well-insulated and airtight, meaning you won’t have to worry about any drafts getting in. Proper insulation makes for an energy-efficient home, as it allows you to reduce the amount of extra heating and cooling you use during extreme weather conditions.
In most cases, materials used to build modular homes are recyclable. So even if you’re weatherproofing your home, you won’t have to worry about your carbon footprint, as even the sidings you have installed to protect your home are eco-friendly.
Are Modular Homes the Future?
The future is bright for modular homes. The modular home market is expected to reach $141.4 billion by 2027, despite the pandemic’s delays. As the country continues to face the effects of both the pandemic and the environmental crisis, we need a better solution for aspiring homeowners who want to own an affordable home that fits both design and physical needs, all while reducing their carbon footprint. And with the way the rising demand for affordable housing and the benefits that modular homes provide, this might be the answer they’ve been waiting for.
