Would You Like to Live in a Manufactured House?

Modular buildings are sectional prefabricated buildings consisting of multiple sections or modules which are factory built. They are manufactured in a factory, which is at a remote place and later shipped to the intended building site. These modules are assembled into a single building with the help of a crane or a truck. The basic material used in constructing single units is steel; however, the buildings are also made up of concrete, bricks and mortar. Modular building is the new trend building used in building construction.
The construction of modular buildings is simpler than the construction of other conventional buildings as no foundation is required. In the construction of modular buildings, the builder first visits the site and supervises the plot where the building has to be erected. Then, with the help of expert architects, floor plans are drawn. The builder then fragments the plan into separate components and each component is constructed individually in the factory.

The modular components are constructed in a large indoor facility on assembly lines. These facilities use assembly line track in order to move the modules from one workstation to other. Independent building inspectors are present on site to supervise the construction and ensure that the building rules are adhered to throughout the assembling of all the modules. Once all the modules are assembled, they are indistinguishable from typical built homes.

Modular buildings are broadly classified into two types, which are again subdivided into number of categories. They are:

1. Residential Buildings: These are modular buildings used for residential purposes. They were first developed as low cost and speedy accommodation for military personnel during Second World War. Till today, the modular buildings manufactured are majority for housing purpose.

2. Commercial Buildings: These are used for commercial purposes like shops, offices, businesses, etc. This use of modular buildings is growing rapidly.

The modular buildings have a wide range of uses like camps, schools, classrooms, civil and military housing requirements, churches, health care facilities, supermarkets, sales and retail offices, fast food restaurants, ship construction, offices, etc. They can be used for either temporary or permanent facilities, and also they are the perfect solution in remote and rural areas where conventional construction is not possible.

The modular technology was primarily invented for single room buildings like telephone booths, ticket counters, security outposts, check posts, etc. After the success of these single room buildings, this technology got extended to larger buildings. There are many advantages of opting for modular buildings which are as follows:

It is very cost effective and affordable in comparison to other constructions. When these buildings are done well, the efficiency of the manufacturer is converted into a better product at a very low cost.

They are a great amalgamation of factory-production techniques, engineering know-how and design.

These buildings are built efficiently and with a greater quality control.

From the year 2000, the demand for modular buildings has increased by 35%. According to a recent study carried on by National Association of Home Builders whose members are primarily stick builders, many Americans today are considering taking advantage of the modular buildings because of its lower cost and higher quality.