Also called modular houses, prefab homes are buildings constructed using off-the-rack materials. The building components are pre-manufactured in a factory and transported to the construction site for assembly. The case for modular homes has been argued on many grounds, claiming that it will offer a lasting solution to the housing crisis. In this article, Elite Systems shares some of the pros and cons of prefab housing.
Main benefits of modular homes
Much of the prefab material is made using eco-friendly materials. Since the building components will be prefabricated, the construction site can be kept cleaner and free from hazardous waste. The homes can be designed to lower their negative impact on the environment. In modular homes UK, the offcuts can be sent back to the factory for recycling.
Prefab technology is great for constructing temporary buildings since they are much easier to take down. Ideally, we should see the technology being used at large events like the Olympics. After all, it is on record that construction is one of the reasons why the games leave a huge carbon footprint in the environment.
Modular homes can be assembled within a few days once you get the materials. At the factories, standardised production ensures that the prefab components are made within the shortest timelines. Even when you choose to modify in the middle of construction, the changes can easily be incorporated without a huge shift in the timelines.
Prefabricated houses are usually built from a strong metal chassis. Ideally, using metal in construction should be cheaper than wood. Aside from the cost savings, the houses tend to be much more durable. They can be a great housing solution in areas that are always hit by hurricanes and tornadoes.
Despite being made from mass-produced material, prefab homes can be customised to different designs. Nearly all house plans can be turned into prefab houses. You can go for any look, whether contemporary or Mediterranean. Indeed, you can only be limited by your creativity. It is also possible to expand the building according to the changing needs of a growing family.
Arguments against prefab housing
A lot of zoning regulations are still playing catch up with prefab technology. Some local building codes enforce hefty licenses on modular homes UK. In a few of them, you may be blocked from constructing any form of prefab building. Sometimes the approvals may take longer than usual, dragging the construction timelines.
Proximity to the source is a huge factor that will determine the cost of materials and the entire project. Prefab construction involves moving massive objects from factory to site. If the site is a long distance from the factory, then you have to incur expensive shipping costs. You may also encounter regulations prohibiting the movement of large objects.
Even though they allow for customisation, there is a limit to how much it can be done. More so, repair and maintenance can be a huge challenge if some of the standardised materials cannot be found at your local hardware.
Ultimately though, prefab homes hold the key to solving the housing crisis in the United Kingdom, since they are cheaper, easy to construct, and eco-friendly.
