Modular Living: What Is A Factory-Built Home?

This blog covers the different types of factory-built homes, their history, and the benefits of modular living. It also compares modular homes to traditional homes in terms of building, materials, process, and cost. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or simply looking for a new home, this blog post is a valuable resource for understanding the benefits of modular living.

Factory-built homes have come a long way since the days of mobile homes and trailers. Today, there are several types of factory-built homes, each with their own unique characteristics and benefits. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the various types of factory-built homes, including modular, manufactured, and panelized homes. We’ll also delve into the history of factory-built homes, and take a closer look at modular living, including what it is, why it’s so great, and whether it’s a more sustainable and cost-effective option compared to traditional homes.

Different Types of Factory-Built Homes.

Modular Homes

Modular homes are built in sections, or modules, in a factory and then transported to the building site for assembly. These sections are typically built to local building codes and can include full bathrooms and kitchens, as well as electrical and plumbing systems. Once the sections are assembled on site, the home looks and functions like a traditional home.

Manufactured Homes

Manufactured homes, also known as mobile homes, are built entirely in a factory and then transported to the building site on a steel chassis. These homes are typically built to federal building codes and can be placed on a permanent foundation or on a rented lot in a manufactured home park.

Panelized Homes

Panelized homes are built with pre-constructed wall panels that are put together on the building site. These homes are typically built to local building codes and can include full bathrooms and kitchens, as well as electrical and plumbing systems.

All of these types of factory-built homes have one thing in common: they’re built in a controlled environment, which means that they’re less likely to be impacted by weather delays and other site-related issues.

Additionally, factory-built homes are typically more energy-efficient than traditional homes, due to the use of modern construction techniques and materials.

History of Factory Built Homes

The history of factory-built homes dates back to the early 20th century, when companies began building homes in factories to address the housing shortage following World War II. These early homes were often referred to as “prefab” homes, and were built with a variety of materials, including wood, steel, and concrete.

However, it wasn’t until the 1960s and 1970s that factory-built homes began to gain widespread acceptance, thanks in part to the introduction of new building codes and regulations.

A Closer Look at Modular Living.

Modular living refers to the concept of living in a home that’s built in sections, or modules, in a factory and then transported to the building site for assembly. These sections are typically built to local building codes and can include full bathrooms and kitchens, as well as electrical and plumbing systems. Once the sections are assembled on site, the home looks and functions like a traditional home.

So, what makes modular living so great?

Energy efficiency

For one thing, modular homes are typically more energy-efficient than traditional homes, due to the use of modern construction techniques and materials. Additionally, modular homes can be customized to meet the specific needs of the homeowner, and they can be built in a fraction of the time it takes to build a traditional home.

Sustainability.

Modular homes are built in a controlled environment, which means that they’re less likely to be impacted by weather delays and other site-related issues. This also means that less energy is needed to heat and cool the home during construction. Additionally, many modular homes are built with eco-friendly materials and can be designed to be energy-efficient, making them a more sustainable option than traditional homes.

Cost-effectiveness.

Modular homes are often less expensive than traditional homes, primarily because they’re built in a factory setting, which allows for efficient use of materials and labor.  The controlled factory environment can reduce labor costs and increase efficiency, which in turn can help to keep the cost down.

Flexibility and customization

Modular homes are also flexible in terms of design and layout. They can be designed to fit a wide range of styles, from traditional to modern, and can be customized to meet the specific needs of the homeowner. They can also be designed with a variety of floor plans, from one-story homes to multi-story homes. This gives homeowners the opportunity to create a home that’s tailored to their specific needs and preferences.

Key Differences Between Modular and traditional Homes

Site vs. factory

In terms of building, modular homes are constructed in a factory setting, while traditional homes are built on-site. The factory setting allows for efficient use of materials and labor, which can help to reduce costs. Additionally, because modular homes are built in sections, they can be transported to the building site on a flatbed truck, which can save on transportation costs. Traditional homes, on the other hand, are built on-site, which can make the building process more time-consuming and subject to weather-related delays.

Materials

In terms of materials, modular homes are typically built with the same materials as traditional homes, such as wood, brick, and steel. However, the materials used in a modular home may be more tightly controlled in terms of quality and consistency, since they are being manufactured in a factory setting.

Additionally, because modular homes are built in a controlled environment, they may be more energy-efficient than traditional homes, due to better insulation and tighter construction.

Building process

In terms of process, modular homes are built in a factory, which allows for a more streamlined and efficient building process. This can help to reduce labor costs and increase efficiency, which in turn can help to keep the cost down.

Traditional homes, on the other hand, are built on-site, which can make the building process more time-consuming and subject to weather-related delays.

Cost

In terms of cost, modular homes are often less expensive than traditional homes, primarily because they’re built in a factory setting, which allows for efficient use of materials and labor. 

Conclusion

Factory-built homes, especially modular homes, have come a long way since the days of mobile homes and trailers. They offer a variety of benefits, including energy-efficiency, sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and design flexibility. If you’re considering a new home, it’s worth exploring the option of a modular home.

Are you enjoying learning about Factory Built housing? For more articles  refer to:

https://upuphome.com/the-rise-of-shipping-container-homes/

https://upuphome.com/modular-homes-from-prefab-to-customized-dreams/

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