Modern modular homes are nothing like the homes that Sears once sold in their popular catalogs during the early 20th century. Home buyers, architects and home designers have created a movement that has changed the modular home industry.
Instead of designing homes that are drab and cookie cutter, these new homes have been revamped based on imagination, creativity and spirit. The ending result is that the new homes that are on the market have challenged the previous ideas of what a modular home should be.
Prefab or modular homes no longer look like large boxes. They have been transformed into beautiful and affordable homes that can be customized to fit your preferences and needs.
What Does Modular Mean?
Before you can understand what modern modular homes are, you need to understand the definition of a modular home. A modular unit is a structure that is built in a location and then transported or shipped to another location so it can be assembled. The second location is the building site and this location is typically the permanent location for the modular unit.
Modular homes are part of the prefab industry. Other types of structures in this category include:
- Mobile homes
- Manufactured homes
- Precut homes
- Panelized homes
Every one of these homes is constructed in factories. During construction, the measurements of the homes must be accurate to ensure that the home is properly sealed. This will prevent heat and cold from entering or escaping the home. The homeowner will also save money on their annual energy bills.
The modern customer of a modular home is looking for personalization, creativity and visual appeal in the home they are looking for. The demand in changes is a result of the advances in technology in the prefab industry. Because of the increase in demand, more manufacturers are exploring options such as:
- Hillside homes
- Pod houses
- Modular igloos
- Floating homes
The Components Of A Modern Modular Home
These homes can be assembled in the same manner as DIY furniture assembly. The panels for the home are pre built, and each panel contains siding, framing, insulation and drywall. Inside of the walls there are tubes for the electrical wiring and plumbing. This allows the home to be quickly and easily assembled once all the panels arrive to the building site.
After the panels have been constructed, they are placed on a truck to be delivered to the home site. Once the panels arrive at the site, the floor panels are placed into the foundation, the walls are put into place and finally the roof is attached.
The complete assembly of a precut home can often be completed in a month. With this type of structure, a contractor is not required. An experienced homeowner can often assemble a precut home with assistance.
Today’s modular homes no longer look like the ordinary double wide mobile home. They are available in various shapes, styles and designs. The homes that were sold through catalogs no longer exist, but the modern homes have elegance and creativity that cannot be matched.