Expandable Modular Homes — The Solution to Limited Space
New housing starts are at an all-time low, and the future does not look much brighter. The average home size has grown by more than 400 square feet since 1980, and the trend shows no sign of abating. It’s no wonder that small homes are a hot topic among urban planners, developers, and architects. If you think about it, downsizing to a smaller home is not realistic for many of us. Many couples may have to downsize when they retire or if they care for an elderly parent. But most people cannot afford to buy or build a smaller home as their family grows. Even those who can afford to build a smaller space probably won’t — because of the cost of land, construction, and planning approvals. There are plenty of ways to make your current house more efficient and liveable without spending tens of thousands on renovations. However, if you want to move into a smaller place with minimal renovation costs — modular homes just might be the perfect solution for you!
Modular Homes: The Smart Solution for Limited Space
Traditional site-built homes are fully constructed in a factory, then transported to their final location. On the other hand, modular homes are built in sections on a factory floor and then transported to the construction site — where they are pieced together like giant Lego sets. Modular homes offer many advantages, including quick delivery and lower construction costs compared to site-built construction. Due to the efficiencies of modular construction, they can also be built in a shorter period — sometimes less than half the time required for site-built construction. Modular homes usually offer the same quality and features as conventional site-built homes. And their inherent flexibility makes it easy to customize the layout and design of your home, to suit your needs and tastes.
A Growing Need
Home sizes have increased by more than 400 square feet since the ’80s, causing a shortage in the size of lots for single-family homes. Many buyers, especially young people, wish to move into walkable, dense downtown areas and smaller homes to save on living expenses. Modular construction is a logical solution for meeting the needs of today’s buyers. For example, a builder might create 10 lots in a suburban development, with nine of the lots designed for traditional construction and one designed for modular construction. The nine traditional lots will sell quickly, while the lot designed for modular construction might sit unsold for months.
What Exactly is a Modular Home?
A modular home is constructed in a controlled factory environment, usually off-site, as a series of pre-designed units or panels. The pieces are put together using cranes, forklifts and special lifting devices. Once the home is completed, it is transported to the home site where it is set on a temporary foundation or slab, then hooked up to the utilities and wired for electricity. After a few days, the home is ready for the owner to move in. Modular homes generally come in two types — panelized and stacked. They share many of the same advantages, but there are some key differences.
Pros of Modular Homes
Faster construction: A modular home can take as little as one-third the time to build compared to a conventionally built home. Plus, the construction is continuous, so there are no long gaps between workdays. Less disruption: Because work on a modular home is done inside a controlled environment, there are minimal disruptions for the neighbours. Less site disruption: A modular home usually has only a small foundation and no basement, so the construction does not require digging deep footings. Low-impact transportation: Due to careful planning and preparation, the transportation of a modular home is generally a low-impact event. Ease and flexibility of design: A modular home’s ease of design and changeability are two of its greatest advantages. You can make changes to your floor plan at any time, without needing to break drywall or rip out cabinets.
Conclusion
Expandable modular homes are the smart solution for people who live in areas with limited space but want all the comforts of a larger house. They are quick and easy to build, and they can be delivered fully constructed on a truck or trailer. Modular homes are a good option even for people who don’t plan to expand in the future because they can be designed to be expandable right from the start. Whether you choose a fully modular home or a hybrid that combines modular and conventional construction, these homes can be a smart solution for limited space.