Modular homes the better, sustainable choice
As prices for raw construction materials and land prices surge amid uncertain market conditions, scarcity of land and other economical impacts, it’s time for developers and niche contractors to be looking at modular homes instead of traditional brick and mortar.
According to James Yeoh, Director of Solid Horizon Sdn Bhd, housing and construction industry players must start looking to move forward with the times and seek out alternative forms of housing that are more sustainable and faster to deliver.
Solid Horizon is a supplier and manufacturer of shipping containers. The company specializes in portable cabins, heavy duty cabins, labor quarter cabins, toilet cabins, guard houses, used containers and polyurethane cabins.
James’ sentiment is echoed throughout the global construction industry as more and more manufactured home companies are popping up in the international market, gaining a bigger share in the built industry.
Based on an article by Hi-Tech Modular Homes, an Australian-based manufactured home business, it makes real sense when considering the cost and speed of (of build) compared to brick and mortar construction.
“Inevitably, speed becomes a cost that with manufactured homes, those costs are controlled. Rural and sub-rural construction area great examples; with the level of construction in the major cities booming, attracting trades to rural projects is increasingly difficult and known to be unreliable which causes blowouts in timeframes and costs,” the article said.
Speaking to James, he explained that despite the construction of a brick house being relatively cheaper than modular homes, it has less wastage and is a more sustainable option compared to traditional houses.
“if we’re looking at a typical 3 meter by 6 meter bare modular home, we’re looking at a construction cost of around RM130 to RM150 per sq ft compared to a typical brick and mortar home which would cost RM110 to RM120 per sq ft. However, the market norm for the construction of traditional brick houses produces up to 10% of on-site wastage while a modular construction would produce 1% to 2% of wastage,” he said.
He also added that while a single unit of traditional homes can take up to 9 months to complete, a modular home can take up to only 3 months to complete.
In Hi-Tech Modular Home’s article, it added that the construction quality of a manufactured home equals or betters traditional on-site builds.
“What is crucial for high standards is, process and quality reviews daily at every stage of construction, and within a controlled environment. Unlike slab on ground, with manufactured homes, the supervision is in the factory and each project is constantly reviewed every day for quality and progress,” it mentioned.
The article concluded that there will always be opinions on modular homes versus brick and mortar construction.
“Though, as a finished home, modular homes can attract savings of up to 25%, which makes them a compelling and real game changer for your next home.”
For companies seeking container products or modular homes that fit local and international industry standards, please visit Solid Horizon’s website here, email the company at solid@solidhorizon.com or call them at 03 3396 3888.
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