The world is changing quickly, and new ideas are emerging quickly to benefit us. Similarly, modular homes have gained popularity because of their numerous benefits. These are the prefabricated houses built off-site and then transported to the interested location for assembly on a foundation. It offers a cost-effective and time-efficient alternative to traditional construction methods. In this blog, we will discuss modular homes and their potential benefits in Pakistan.
What Are Modular Homes?
Modular homes are also known as factory-built or prefabricated homes in Pakistan and worldwide. These are sometimes called mobile homes as well, houses that are constructed off-site in modules or sections. These modules are then transported to the desired building site and assembled together on a sound foundation to create a complete home.
The main benefit of modular construction is its speed and efficiency compared to traditional on-site construction methods. Also, these modular homes offer a chance for customization for homeowners. They can choose from various designs, features, and finishes to suit their needs and wants.
Modular homes are manufactured off-site, and these are constructed in sections. After the construction, these home sections are transported to their final location for assembly. These homes offer less construction time, cost efficiency, and design flexibility.
Generally, these traditional mobile homes cost 10-20% less per square foot and are cheaper. In Pakistan, where people cannot afford luxurious houses but still want a customised home in less time, modular homes are ideal. The ability to customise the floors and finishes attracts more buyers looking for the best and unique living experience.
Pakistan Modern Modular Homes
The concept of modern modular homes is gaining more popularity in Pakistan. When you make up your mind to buy a modular home, you must know the details. It is to be ensured. that the houses have good aesthetics as well as functionality. It should be ideal for living for businesses and modern families. Whenever you buy a modular house, ensure these three things:
Versatile: the home should have the best design and enough size to suit your requirements.
Energy-efficient: the home should be designed to be environmentally friendly, reducing the utility bills and carbon footprint.
Durability: the home should be constructed with high-quality materials to withstand the longer period. The safety of a home is important, so ensure that the house is safe for every weather condition.
Modular Homes Timeline
The building process of a modular home is straightforward, and your builder will be your guide from the beginning till the end. Here, we’re going to list down the five easy processes you should know.
Step No. 1
The first step is to get pre-approval and finalise the budget. You will make a decision about how much money you want to spend on a modular home. This budget will help you make all the decisions in the next steps.
Step No. 2
The second step includes preparing your plot; you will need land tests and site inspections. If you don’t have a plot, your builder will help you to get one at a reasonable price.
Step No. 3
Next, the engineering department of your builder will work with you to design the best home according to your taste. All the decisions and customisations will be finalised at this stage. Once the modular home ideas, designs, and plans are approved, your builder will pass it to the next steps.
Step No. 4
Once you manage your finances and everything is set up, the construction of your dream home can begin immediately. The building process takes 30-120 days from setting to complete handover. First, the construction bulk is completed off-site, in the factory, and then the home is shipped to your location. It is delivered to your plot with 70-90% completion.
When the home is completed in the factory or off-site, the initial site work starts. The workers will clear the lot, dig the septic system, lay a foundation, and ground the electric system for the foundation and electrical system.
After the groundwork, the home is set onto the foundation, and the mechanical installation gets started.
Step No. 5
Lastly, the home is inspected thoroughly to check for any issues in it. If the house passes this walk-through step, then you can occupy your new house in no time.
Many people get confused about the material of modular homes. Here are some of the materials that are used for modular homes.
| Material | Features | Benefit |
| Wood | Renewable, easy to work with, and versatile | Wood is best for interiors and framing, offering aesthetic vibes. |
| Steel | Fire-resistant, durable, and recyclable | Gives long-lasting support and structural strength. |
| Concrete | Energy-efficient, strong, weather-resistant | Concrete is used for walls and foundations and ensures thermal insulation and stability. |
| Engineered Wood | The wood is combined with adhesives for better durability and cost efficiency. | It is good for floors, roofs, and walls and resistant to warping. |
| Fibre cement or vinyl | Weather-resistant, low-maintenance | It provides long-term protection with minimal maintenance. |
| Insulated panels | Prefabricated panels with insulations | It simplifies the construction and is energy efficient. |
| Glass | Double-pane energy-efficient glass | It is used for doors or windows to maximise the natural light while reducing the heat loss. |
This list of materials gives an idea of how each material works for the module house. You can mix the materials to build a complete mobile home. For instance, wood floors, concrete walls, glass doors, etc. You can choose the material that is more durable and ideal for each part of the house.
Lastly,
At last, the most important question is what a modular house costs in Pakistan. Well, a modular house can range from PKR 2,500,000 to 20,000,000. The prices depend on the material and the location of the house. If the house is luxurious, then the interior and exterior design will cost more than the small modular houses. Per square foot cost can be 2,500 to 4,500 PKR depending on the customisation, labour, and material quality cost. Remember, prefabricated homes can be a good choice for you, but focus on choosing the best material and location for a better experience. Still, get detailed information and guidance from a real estate developer before buying a modular home.
