The need for practical and efficient housing is increasing with time. This encourages various innovations in construction, one of which is modular homes.
Modular houses are houses that are built in prefabricated modules or sections produced in a factory. These modules are unique and innovative because they can be assembled at the construction site. With this method, the construction can accelerate. It's more time-efficient compared to constructing a conventional home in red bricks.
This modular home trend is gaining popularity in various countries, including Indonesia. To find out more about this, check out the following explanation.
What Is a Modular Home?
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A modular home, also known as a prefab home, is a type of housing with relatively fast construction as it mainly uses industrial fabrication. This model helps housing construction on a large scale in a limited time.
The quick construction method requires various readily used structural components. Once shipped to the site, construction workers can assemble these modules, making the process more efficient than conventional construction.
Modular Home Advantages
As a practical housing option, modular buildings certainly have several advantages. Here are some of the factors that make them valuable:
1. Earthquake Resistant
Modular homes have a lightweight structure that fits the Indonesian environment because it's located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area often affected by earthquakes. The roofs and walls of modular homes are made with a foundation that can resist extreme vibrations and shocks, such as earthquakes.
2. Environmentally Friendly
Modular homes are made of environmentally friendly materials, resulting in less waste. Additionally, modular homes are equipped with insulation. It can maintain the room temperature and withstand extreme temperature changes.
Read also: 5 Earthquake Proof Building Material for Construction
3. Fast Construction
Building a modular home is faster than a regular home because it only requires combining modules. Therefore, homeowners can occupy their living space without waiting months or even years.
4. Cheap and Economical
Modular homes are known for their affordable price. The process does not require a lot of labor, which lowers the production costs. There are also fewer materials used to build modular homes than conventional homes.
Modular Home Disadvantages
Although quickly-assembled homes offer several advantages, they also have disadvantages that you need to consider, such as:
1. Low Sale Value
Modal homes tend to have lower sale values than other types of housing or property. Before deciding to build or buy them, check their quality carefully. Ensure that the house is feasible and at the best price.
2. Limited Delivery
While only requiring flexible assembling, modules or sections are sometimes stuck in the delivery. Keep in mind that not many delivery services are capable of handling modular home packages in some countries. Limited access to land and large roads to load the modules' design adequately can hinder the process. As a result, module delivery cannot reach some areas.
3. Building Permit Constraints
In some regions, building modular homes requires a convoluted process as it needs a particular permit. Local regulations may require special certification for modular homeowners to obtain a construction permit.
Read also: 3 Recycled Material Applications for Construction
Modular Home Types
In Canada and America, modular homes are known as manufactured houses because they are based on steel structures. However, the countries that first popularized the model were Japan and Europe.
Modular homes are divided into several types, namely:
- Mobile home: all parts of the structure of this type of modular home are made in a factory and shipped to the site.
- Kit home: only some of the building components are made in a factory, which are then assembled on-site.
- Modular home: the structural components are combined into panels and then combined on-site to become a livable home.
Modular Home Construction Process
Modular homes can be built on-site, separate from the project site. After the materials are ready, the factory will transport the building structure to the site. At the site, the workers can finish the final work that requires the readily-assembled components from the factory.
Tips for Building a Modular Home
Building a modular home suits those who want quick, practical, and efficient construction. Before finalizing your decision, there are some tips for building modular homes that you need to pay attention to:
1. Understand the Concept
Learn about the concept of modular homes, including its advantages and disadvantages. Understand the construction process and what distinguishes the building from conventional housing.
2. Set a Budget
Although cheap, the module shipping cost is generally expensive. Therefore, make sure you have enough budget. Building a modular home requires you to pay the cost of design, materials, transportation, assembly, and permits. Also, prepare a budget for additional requirements, like utilities, interiors, and landscaping.
3. Pick the Right Design
Pick a design that suits your needs and preferences. Also, consider the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms, and other areas. Pay attention to the aesthetics of the design so the building can blend in with the surrounding environment.
4. Choose a Trusted Manufacturer
Choose a manufacturer with a good reputation. Check the manufacturer's previous work to see if they have the required capabilities to build modular homes using high-quality materials.
5. Consult an Expert
If you still have doubts or questions, consult experts in architecture, civil engineering, or other professionals with experience in modular home construction. They can provide advice and guidance to help you make the right decision.
That's the information about modular homes, their advantages, disadvantages, types, and construction process. Modular homes can be the solution for practical, modern, and efficient housing.
Modular homes use quality cement boards on the outside and a light steel frame, so they are sturdy and light when distributed. If you are a construction worker or developer of modular homes, use high-quality cement from Semen Merah Putih.
Semen Merah Putih’s Bulk Product produces high final compressive strength and has met the Indonesian quality standard SNI: 7064: 201 for construction needs. We provide various cement products based on bulk specifications for general and particular constructions, ranging from ULTRAMIX, SUPERMIX, and DURAPRO.
If you have further questions about our products, contact us now!
