Modular homes, sometimes known as prefabricated prefinished volumetric construction, is a growing phenomenon. As per data published on Reuters, there was 7% increase in the adoption of this forward looking project in 2023. But before going even deeper into designs, what exactly is a modular home?
A modular home is a type of prefabricated house built in sections, or “modules,” at a factory and then assembled on-site. Unlike the normal prefabs, though, each room is almost entirely done before the move to the installation site. Sometimes, modules even arrive with wiring and plumbing pre-installed.
As a result of these modifications, it’s possible for home builders to accelerate their project timelines by anywhere between 20% and 50%, while saving costs by up to 20%.
Like every growing industry, the modular home environment is growing constantly, and new innovations happen all the time. Below are a few that you can keep up with.
Modular homes are now being built with smart tech baked right in. Think of your lights turning on as you walk in, or your thermostat adjusting based on the weather forecast. Many tech companies already offer systems that work seamlessly with modular designs, and not as add-ons but rather part of the initial blueprint.
Why is this a huge deal? Because convenience isn’t the only benefit. Smart tech can save you money, too. A smart thermostat might cut your heating bill while smart window shades lower during summer afternoons to block out heat or raise in the morning to let in natural light.
Eco-friendly materials are becoming a huge focus in modular construction. Think bamboo flooring, recycled steel beams, and non-toxic paint. Some builders even use cross-laminated timber (CLT). It’s stronger than concrete, lighter, and gives your walls a natural warmth.
Why is all this important, you may wonder? Traditional building often wastes tons of material. Modular homes reduce waste because they’re built in factories where staff can put scraps to good use. Also, studies show that modular structures can reduce emissions by about 22% compared to traditional construction methods.
If sustainability matters to you, ask your builder about these options upfront. Chances are, they’ll have plenty of ideas to match your style and values.
There were days when modular homes felt cookie-cutter. Now, you can design almost anything you want. If it’s a second-floor you want, you can add one. If it’s a larger living room, you can combine two smaller units. The possibilities are expanding every year.
But those aren’t the only things you can customize. You can work on your interior too and get the feel and texture you’re after. For instance, if it’s an Italian vibe you’re after, you can bring in elements like terracotta tiles, warm earth tones, and so on, all seamlessly integrated into your modular home.
Working with experts in Italian interior design can help you realize this aesthetic without constraints. This is because prefab modules are designed to adapt effortlessly to your vision. Need extra wall space for your velvet curtains? The module layout can accommodate it. Want large windows to bring in natural light, just like an Italian villa?
Your modular builder can plan for them during the design phase. This approach saves time and money compared to traditional renovations. Plus, you avoid the headaches of on-site construction delays while still achieving a luxurious aesthetic.
If you’ve ever lived in a drafty house, you know how frustrating (and expensive) it can be. Modular homes are changing that with their stellar insulation.
For example, walls filled with spray foam or aerogel can trap heat in winter and keep the house cool in summer. And note that better insulation often translates to lower energy bills. Some builders today even use phase-change materials (PCMs). These store heat during the day and release it at night.
Solar panels used to be an extra feature. Now, many modular home companies include them as part of the package because solar energy makes sense.
Think about it: If your home generates its own electricity, you’re less dependent on power grids. In some cases, you might even sell excess energy back to the utility company.
Some modular homes also come with battery storage systems that save solar energy for cloudy days or nighttime use. Best of all, federal tax credits and local incentives can make solar affordable. In some states, you might save thousands on installation costs.
Modular homes aren’t stuck in rigid layouts anymore. Take sliding walls, for instance. They let you reconfigure spaces without tearing down drywall. There are also pocket doors. They bring on added functionality while saving on space.
Open-concept designs are big, too, in modular homes. Removing interior walls creates a spacious feel. Great if you entertain often or want natural light flowing through. Add in multi-functional furniture, and you have a complete setting of a house that works for you.
Did you know that the average American family uses about 300 gallons of water per day? Modular homes are helping rethink water usage. For starters, low-flow faucets and toilets are becoming standard. These use significantly less water but perform just as well.
Rainwater harvesting is another possibility with modular homes. Some come equipped with systems to collect and store rainwater for irrigation or even indoor use. Another revolutionary innovation you may find here is graywater recycling. This reuses water from sinks and showers for flushing toilets or watering plants.
You’ll spend a lot of your time indoors. That said, clean air is something you must give top priority to. Modular homes may come with built-in solutions.
One example is HEPA filtration systems. These trap tiny particles like dust, pollen, and allergens. If you or someone in your family has allergies, you may find this system quite handy.
Then there’s ventilation. Modern modular homes often include heat recovery ventilators (HRVs). These bring in fresh air while keeping energy costs low. Bring in plants, too, if you have the time to cater to them. Some modular builders incorporate green walls or living spaces designed to improve air quality naturally.
What happens if your needs change over time? Modular homes now offer easy ways to expand. Say you have a comfortable two-bedroom home today. Years later, when the kids grow up and you need more room, you can simply add a separate studio or granny flat.
Some companies even design modules specifically for expansion. This flexibility saves money and hassle. Instead of moving or renovating, you just snap on what you need.
Climate change is making extreme weather more common. Modular homes are responding with designs built to withstand hurricanes, floods, and wildfires.
For example, some modules use hurricane-proof windows and reinforced roofs. Others sit on elevated foundations to protect against flooding. The best part about all this is that these resilient features often blend into the design without making your house look like a tank on its way to battle.
Modular homes aren’t for everyone. But if you tick the following boxes, they may be exactly what you need:
Modular homes are built faster than traditional ones, sometimes in half the time. If you’re tired of renting or living with family while waiting for a house, this could be perfect.
Modular homes left the cookie-cutter days way behind. You can choose layouts, finishes, and even smart tech features to match your lifestyle.
If reducing your carbon footprint matters, modular homes are worth your time and attention. They often make use of eco-friendly materials and produce less waste during construction.
Modular homes often cost less than stick-built houses because factory production reduces labor and material waste. This doesn’t mean that you compromise on quality, though.
Building on-site in hard-to-reach places can cause headaches you don’t want to deal with. Modular homes solve this by arriving fully assembled or partially completed.
Modular homes are built tighter and more efficiently than many site-built houses. This means better insulation, smarter heating, and lower utility bills.
For instance, if you live in a cold climate, advanced insulation keeps drafts out. Combine that with a heat recovery ventilator, and you’ll barely notice winter’s chill.
Smart home systems come standard in many modular designs. From voice-controlled lighting to app-managed security, everything works like clockwork.
Life changes pretty fast. Kids grow up, careers shift, and hobbies evolve. Modular homes adapt easily. Add a room, expand the kitchen, or even relocate the whole house.
A modular home design comes with perks, and given that the sector is constantly innovating, it’ll only get better. If, after this guide, you feel convinced it’s the right solution for you, don’t hesitate. Look into what’s available on the market and see whether it fits what you’re looking for.
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