Kit houses, also known as prefabricated and modular homes, are eco-friendly, affordable, and customizable accommodation arrangements that have been around for years. However, the country’s housing crisis has increased the demand for kit homes. Those who want affordable kit homes, such as those that cost under $30,000, can invest in one if they have land available at their disposal. These housing options offer various benefits to its occupants and the environment.
1. More affordable
Some kit homes can cost half as much as traditional homes, mostly because factories bulk purchase supplies for kit homes. Another key benefit of opting for kit homes is the shorter timeline to complete the property construction. Additionally, the regulated factory environment and the streamlined production process help cut down material waste and the cost of labor.
2. Reduced wastage
The construction of a traditional home can generate a lot of waste, and so can its demolition. If one calculates the number of houses that are built, renovated, extended, or demolished each year, one will realize that the waste produced is massive.
When such waste materials are collected from their site, they are later dumped in landfills. On the contrary, building kit homes in controlled factory environments ensures less waste. Also, the waste generated is often recycled in-house and used in the construction of new homes.
Companies that manufacture kit houses and modular homes can increase the efficiency and utilization of materials, as all these products are available at the same location. For instance, an unused wood or steel beam panel can be used for another project rather than disposed of or left unattended at a construction site. So, when one compares traditional construction processes, modular construction methods produce up to 70% less waste.
3. Increased durability
Traditional homes are perceived to be less durable than modern kit homes. This might be because of the fact that these houses are designed to withstand transport and installation after construction. Generally, kit homes come with reinforced frames, which ensure the house can withstand issues when being loaded in the truck, transported, hoisted by a crane, and any other hardships it has to face. A major advantage of prefabricated homes is that they have a far lower possibility of growing mold. Their factory construction exposes them to a controlled environment and helps maintain structural integrity.
4. Higher energy efficiency
Kit homes are constructed indoors in controlled spaces. Constructing the property in factories ensures a higher level of precision. The lack of changing environmental conditions allows the sealants or adhesives to dry properly. Additionally, the joints made are tighter, and the construction’s overall quality is standardized and safer. The resultant home made from this process is sturdier, better insulated, and more efficient.
5. Quicker construction process
Constructing a home from the ground up can take more than a few months. The time taken to complete a prefabricated home is comparatively less, whether it costs $10,000 or $200,000. Based on one’s requirements, kit homes can sometimes be completed in just a few months. This means that modular kit homes can be completed in half the time it takes to build a similar-sized traditional home. A major reason for this time-saving is because kit homes are innovative and pre-planned. Plus, changing weather constructions, material transport, or subcontractors’ schedules do not affect their construction. Additionally, buying a modern modular home for sale can mean multiple parts of the house come pre-assembled.
6. Safer making
The materials and tools required for prefabricated or kit homes are made in factories. The construction of sub-assemblies in a controlled factory environment reduces the risk of on-site hazards. When constructing these sub-assemblies, workers do not have to worry about external factors like dust, moisture, weather-related damages, and winds. By ensuring protection from such factors, workers can rest assured knowing they work in a safer environment where there is a lower chance of health risks.
7. Reduced on-site disruption
Many components for kit homes arrive pre-made. This implies a reduced workload on the construction site. Since these components are manufactured in the factory, disruptions are less likely to occur. This will mean fewer construction materials will be delivered, and trucks will crowd the place. Getting modern modular homes that can reduce pollution, distractions, and clutter on site can result in more efficient buildings and faster project completion by the workers.
Interested buyers can invest in frame-of-kit homes for as low as $30,000 and build the interior as per their liking. Contrary to beliefs, prefabricated homes are not all the same. They are available in varying shapes and sizes. For example, one can order to build anything from a work studio to a multiple-bedroom home that can cost anywhere between $10,000 and $200,000. One should talk to their contractor or any skilled professional before finalizing a house kit. This can help one get a more realistic estimate and compare different houses.
Additionally, individuals can also opt for certain customizations. Those who are interested in modular home kits can look for sales or contact constructors with their requirements. Kit homes are available in the form of structured insulated panels, panelized construction, modular construction, and manufactured homes.