Founder | BPI® Energy Auditor Certified Professional
There’s a lot of debate about between homeowners whether modular homes last as long as traditional homes. Some people swear by the quality and durability of modular homes, while others claim that they do not hold up as well as conventional homes over time.
This post will further explore modular homes, their longevity, how they are built, the costs involved, and their disadvantages. This information should help you make an informed decision about whether such a home is right for you.
Do Modular Homes Last As Long as Traditional Homes?
Modular homes can last just as long as traditional homes. They are built to be just as strong (if not stronger) than conventional homes and are designed to withstand the journey from the factory to the home site. As a result, they are designed to be incredibly durable.
What Are Modular Homes?
Modular homes are houses generally built in a factory setting and then transported to the home site. These homes are also known as “prefab” homes.
These houses are typically made from prefabricated components like walls, floors, and roof trusses. They are designed to be durable, energy-efficient, and customizable to meet the needs of different families.
Because prefab homes are built indoors under controlled conditions by experienced builders, they tend to have a higher quality than traditional, site-built homes.
Their level of customization, meanwhile, makes them an appealing option for families seeking everything from spacious five-bedroom floor plans to pet-conducive condo units for apartment living.
Overall, prefab homes are an innovative alternative to conventional housing, offering high-quality accommodation at a reasonable price.
The main advantage of modular construction is that it allows for much greater control over the building process. With traditional construction, there are often weather delays and other issues that can impact the timeline and quality of the build.
In contrast, modular builders can work more quickly and efficiently to create a high-quality product in a controlled factory environment.
How Long Do Modular Homes Last?
Depending on the type of building materials used and the quality of construction, a modular home can last for decades—just like a traditional home. In addition, many modular homes boast an extended warranty covering structural defects for more than ten years.
Of course, as with any home, it’s essential to perform regular maintenance to ensure that it lasts for as long as possible.
One of the main reasons modular homes are so durable is that they are built to withstand extreme weather conditions. Like traditional stick-built homes, modular structures should be consistent with the building codes, but they often exceed these standards.
In fact, modular houses are often built with more robust materials than traditional homes because they need to withstand transportation from the factory to the home site.
Thus, modular builds are typically built with higher-quality materials and efficient construction techniques, contributing to their increased durability and longevity.
Modular Construction in Detail
It’s important to note that all prefab homes are built to meet or exceed local building codes.
This scrutiny means that they must meet specific required standards for strength and durability. In addition, modular homes are typically constructed with high-quality materials, making them just as strong as traditional homes.
Of course, the strength of a prefab home also depends on how it’s assembled. A poorly put-together one is likely weaker than a traditional home.
The assembly process for a modular home is much like building a car on an assembly line. Each structural component is built to precise specifications and then put together in a factory. This process results in a more durable product because there are fewer opportunities for error.
One common misconception about prefab homes is that they are not as strong as traditional homes, which isn’t true—in fact, modular homes are often built to stricter construction codes than conventional homes.
They are designed to be transported on large trucks and then lifted into place by a crane, so they must be solid and durable. As a result, modular houses are often just as strong (if not stronger!) than traditional homes.
Modular Construction Costs
Many factors contribute to the cost of building or buying a modular home. The first consideration is the size and structure of the dwelling.
Generally, larger homes will be more expensive than smaller ones, requiring more materials and longer build time. Additionally, it is crucial to consider any customizations the homeowner may need.
For example, if you want a more open floor plan or an extended deck, these additions can add significantly to the overall price tag.
Another thing to consider is whether to purchase a stock floor plan or customized residence from an existing modular home company, as this can impact costs in various ways.
Overall, it’s essential to keep in mind that despite its many advantages over traditional housing methods, a modular home does come with an initial investment of time and money.
But for many people, these upfront costs are well worth it for all the benefits gained from having a modern, energy-efficient home on your property.
Whether you’re building your first house or considering upgrading your existing modular space, the choice ultimately comes down to what’s most important to you and what best suits your unique needs.
Aesthetics of Modular Homes
Many people think that all modular houses look the same, but this isn’t the case. They can come in all shapes and sizes and are generally customizable.
Homeowners can customize prefabricated homes with various roof styles, windows, and other features. As a result, creating a modular dwelling that is truly unique and realizes your eidetic vision is possible.
One of the most important considerations is the exterior finish. Modular homes are often clad in vinyl siding, giving them a uniform look. However, many different types and colors of vinyl siding are available, so creating a unique look for your house is possible.
In addition, builders can make them look like traditional homes. Many people are surprised to learn modular homes can be designed to look just like any other.
Disadvantages of Modular Homes
Here are some of the drawbacks of modular construction:
Customization is Difficult
Once a modular home is built, it can be challenging to make changes. Permanence can especially be a problem if you want to customize your home after it’s built or need to make repairs.
It can also be tough to find someone specializing in repairing modular homes. Modular homes are not for everyone. If you want a completely unique home, then a prefab is probably not right.
Additionally, if you plan on making significant changes or additions to your home in the future, a prefab home may not be the correct option.
Modular Homes are Challenging to Resell
Another potential disadvantage of modular homes is that they can be difficult to resell.
This downside results from a perception that modular homes are lower quality or less desirable. As a result, sellers may need to invest more time and effort into marketing their homes to find a buyer willing to pay fair market value.
Damage During Transportation
Modular homes may suffer damage during transportation since they are built in factories and then transported to their final location.
If this happens, it could result in significant delays and additional costs. Additionally, if the damage is severe, it could compromise the home’s structural integrity, making it unsafe to live in.
As such, it’s imperative to carefully consider such risks before deciding to build a modular home.
Financing Is Tough
One of the most significant disadvantages of modular construction is that financing can be tricky. Many traditional lenders are reluctant to provide loans for modular homes, and the interest rates are often higher than the ones for conventional mortgages.
As a result, potential buyers may need to seek alternative financing options, such as private loans or leasing programs.
Buyers often have to put down a larger down payment and pay a higher interest rate. In addition, it can be slightly challenging to obtain a good insurance deal for a modular home, as insurers are also unfamiliar with this type of property.
Despite the above potential drawbacks, modular homes can still be a stellar option for those looking for an affordable and efficient way to build their dream home.
Conclusion
So, which type of home lasts longer, modular or traditional? The answer is that both types of homes can last long if they’re correctly cared for.
Modular homes can be built to higher standards and with better materials, making them more durable. Conversely, traditional homes have the advantage of being more common, making them easier to resell.
Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference and what you’re looking for in a home.
Both these homes have their pros and cons, but we believe that modular homes are an excellent option for those looking for a durable and long-lasting home.