Modular homes, also known as prefabricated homes or precision built homes, are made up of separate module sections, which are constructed off-site then delivered to the intended site for use for construction. The building method is often referred to as permanent modular construction and can take anywhere between a few hours to a few months to complete. Modular homes were popular in 1968 after approximately 450,000 were built in the UK to address the capital’s post-war housing problem. Today, only around 2,000 of these homes are still standing, which has influenced many people to believe modular construction is cheap and of low quality.
But how much of this is actually true? What is the cost of building a modular home? And is it right for your project?
Prefab homes from the 1950s and 60s were known for their poor quality. As a result, prefabrication has become a dirty word for some, which is why other terms have emerged, such as MMC and offsite construction manufacturing. However, it’s important to remember that technology has moved on since then. The industry’s understanding of materials has evolved, as well as building regulations. One way to overcome this major misconception is to show people the actual product to display in person.
Many people are still associating modular housing with blocky, uniformed buildings, which can be immediately detected as modular buildings. Experts in the modular industry are working harder to dispel those myths and prove that high-quality architectural products can be made through a manufacturing process. Digitally-led manufacturing is the future, as opposed to building in construction sheds.
Contrary to popular belief, modular homes are worthwhile investments, as they possess structural integrity and modular home building materials are often of high quality. Strict measures are in place to reduce manufacturing defects and prevent damages. Modular homes undergo structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing assessments to ensure durability and functionality.
This is wrong. By itself, the modular housing industry won’t solve the country’s lack of housing. There are many other contributing factors that need to be addressed first, such as planning permission and availability of land. What is promising to see, however, is that the government are taking this seriously, with Theresa May implementing changes last month to increase the number of homes being built.
To conclude, there are many misconceptions relating to modular homes, however, they truly do provide a cost-effective alternative to building homes manually. By having prefabricated sections delivered on-site ready for construction, so much time is saved. The modular industry definitely has some hurdles to overcome, as a result of the bad reputation that was established in the 1960s, however, we believe the future is bright for prefab homes.