The construction industry is constantly evolving, giving rise to new building techniques. As an aspiring homeowner, one of your decisions is choosing between a modular and a traditional house.
When comparing these buildings, you cannot rate one structure as better than the other. How you construct your home depends on individual preferences and circumstances.
Modular Home vs Traditional Home: What’s the Difference?
The construction of modular homes starts off-site, mostly in factories.
The building’s components then come to the location for assembly and placement on the foundation. Not to be confused with manufactured homes.
Though both are built in controlled settings, manufactured homes don’t need a solid foundation because they have frames supporting their entire structure.
On the other hand, all the construction for traditional houses happens on-site.
That means building supplies are transported to your premises before the contractor starts construction from the foundation to the top.
Modern and traditional homes differ in the following ways.
Cost
Modular homes may be less costly because their components are mass-produced. Moreover, you build the home faster, saving you the cost of renting another house.
It’s also cheaper to transport modular structures to rural locations since construction is almost complete when the house reaches the site.
You can slash costs further by taking up some construction duties and replacing expensive fixtures with cheaper ones.
When it comes to traditional homes, catering for your builders’ travel and accommodation can be costly if the site is a remote area.
Additionally, transporting building materials is more expensive since you have to make several trips delivering different supplies.
Construction Time
Thanks to automation and employee teamwork, it only takes a few months to build a modular structure at the factory. Similarly, on-site assembly is complete in several days.
However, stick-built homes can experience delays since the materials come from different suppliers. Another challenge is the weather.
Unlike modular structures that are made in factories, the construction of traditional homes stops when it rains or snows.
Structural Integrity
Modular homes are just as strong as stick-built alternatives. For starters, the manufacturer should follow state and local codes when building each component of the modular house.
That way, parts stay intact during transportation, assembly, and long after the house is complete. Furthermore, modular homes sit on the same foundation as traditional buildings.
Value Preservation
Stick-build homes retain their worth better than prefabricated alternatives since they comprise unique materials.
That’s not the case for modular houses that use similar building techniques owing to their bulk production. Likewise, modular homes have lightweight materials that discourage luxury builds.
Affluent neighborhoods may also prohibit modular structures. Even so, modular houses still preserve their value when properly maintained.
If you want to sell your property, find a skilled realtor and buyers who understand the value of a modular home.
Remember, modular houses in prime areas might have more value than site-built houses in remote locations.
Likewise, custom modular homes can fetch higher prices than stick-built options with standard features.
Custom Designs
Modular homes have standard layouts because of their volume production. However, you can communicate your needs to the manufacturer for a personalized design.
You could also provide architect renderings to the manufacturer for custom conversion.
Stick-built homes may have ready-made floor plans, but they offer more customization options.
You can add custom features to samples provided by the builder or ask an architect to design the entire house from scratch.
Site Visits
Watching your home progress from bare land to a complete building can be exciting. However, there are several procedures to follow before conducting an inspection.
For modular homes, inform the manufacturer in advance before visiting the factory to check your structure’s progress.
Notify the builder before going to the site of your stick-built home. Otherwise, you may cause delays when you show up unannounced.
Sound Propagation
Modular homes have better sound distribution than site-built options because each component is built separately.
The modules are then interconnected to prevent sound transfer from one section to another. You can also improve sound propagation with acoustic mats and bat insulation.
Sustainability
Modular and site-built homes share building materials like steel. However, site-built homes may be more sustainable because of the controlled environments in which they’re built.
First off, factories order only what they need for construction, limiting wastage. What’s more, the manufacturer can store excess materials for future builds.
You can increase your home’s energy efficiency by balancing amenities with space. Small modular homes don’t have high power requirements.
You could also request the manufacturer for custom sustainability features from the manufacturer. For example, you can ask for solar panels and insulation to minimize power bills.
FAQs
Are modular houses worth it?
Yes. These properties are a wise investment.
Modular homes don’t lose their value like mobile structures. With proper maintenance, modular houses command a higher resale value than the purchase price.
Are modular structures as good as site-built?
Yes, both homes observe similar building codes. Modular houses also undergo a thorough inspection at the factory.
How long do modular houses last?
Modular houses have the same lifespan as traditional buildings. You can live in the house for years as long as you maintain it.
Final Thoughts
Both structures have their pros and cons. If you are not sure of your needs, consult a building expert for advice.
Regardless of the build type, you can save time and money by working with an experienced contractor.
