When we think of industry
evolution, we often think of technology (and the latest iPhone), or medicine
(and the latest wonder drug) – but what about construction? The world is
constantly finding new, smarter ways of doing things – and the same goes for
building houses, with one of the greatest advancements in precision
construction over the years undoubtedly being the modular home! Not schooled on
the trend? Well, sit down because class is in session...
WHAT ARE MODULAR HOMES?
Conventional builds take place on-site, with a structure
being erected, from foundations to fixtures, all in its final and permanent
location/position. Throwing convention out the window, modular homes are built
indoors in a factory-like setting and then transported to site to be assembled
by a builder. The versatility and speed of the process means that modular homes
can be used as long-term, temporary or permanent facilities. Modular homes,
which can also be referred to as factory-built, system-built or prefab (short
for prefabricated), are fully customizable, varying in style and size. While differing in many aspects from traditional
builds, modular homes are value-appraised the same way as their built on-site
counterparts, have the same insurance premiums and taxes, and qualify for the
same home loans.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
Modular homes can be more affordable than site-built
homes, not only in terms of production and building costs, but also in the long
term as their energy-efficiency means that monthly bills/expenses are
substantially less. Homeowners can also save money through a shorter build time
with some modular homes having the ability to be completed on a construction
schedule almost 50% of that of a traditional build. Since most of the building process
happens within a factory setting, when it might be -30C outdoors and
traditional sites are shut down, pending homeowners can have peace of mind that
a team of skilled labourers are still busy constructing their home with no fear
of delay or materials being compromised by the elements. Modular homes are also considered a form of green
building, so a perfect alternative for the
environmentally conscience.
THINGS TO KNOW WHEN
BUILDING A MODULAR HOME
To create a
truly seamless build, modular home companies, like MOVE HOME Modules incorporate other smart technologies to complete the
turnkey solution boasted by a modular build. For plumbing, innovative products
like SANIFLO®’s Sanicompact®, a toilet which does not require breaking/drilling through the floor
during installation, are preferred. The Sanicompact is tankless and self-venting, meaning it does not need
to be connected to a vent stack. When flushed, waste and greywater are pumped
up and out to a septic tank or sewer line through small-diameter piping, rather
than flowing down like in a traditional plumbing system. Like all Saniflo products,
the Sanicompact is installed on top of any finished floor surface, thus
eliminating the need for homeowners/installers to cut through the floor to
install pipes – a time-consuming, labor-intensive and expensive undertaking in
a modular home build.
The demands within the construction industry are the same
as with all others; people want top quality innovation, and they want it now.
With both time and costing on its side, it’s easy to see why modular homes are
fast becoming a popular, modern approach to an age-old process – we’ve come a
long way from setting up camp in caves! And to show just how far we’ve come,
here are some of our favourite, creative modular home designs:
For
more information about Saniflo solutions for modular homes, visit Saniflo.ca or
call 1-800-363-5874 and follow Saniflo on Facebook @saniflocanada.
