There are a lot of misconceptions about what a “modular” home is. In some ways it’s simpler to first explain what a modular home isn’t.
What a Modular Home isn’t:
A modular home isn’t a “kit” home. A kit home arrives on your site in bundles of construction materials that need to be put together on your site.
A modular home isn’t a ”mobile home”. A mobile home is a bit like an oversized caravan that gets wheeled to your site…it’s the sort of thing you’d find in a trailer park.
A modular home isn’t a cabin. A cabin is as small structure for holiday parks – typically made up of only 1 or 2 rooms.
What a Modular Home is:
Once it’s been installed, a modular home is indistinguishable from a home that’s been built onsite. It’s built from traditional building materials, timber or steel frames, externally clad in the same way a site-built home is, with insulation in the wall cavity and plasterboard on the inside. The kitchens are built in exactly the same way as a site-built home with any type of cupboard doors, benchtops or appliances you like. The bathrooms are built with tiles, vanities and benchtops of your choice, just like a site-built home.
A modular home is a factory-built home. Your home is built in a quality-controlled environment under a roof where weather doesn’t negatively affect the quality or construction times. It’s then transported to your site in “modules”. These modules are joined back together on your site, utilities are connected, and the finishing touches are made in a matter of weeks.
in short, a modular home is one that’s built to a high level of quality, in a controlled environment, that looks no different (or looks better) than a site-built home. Modular homes are built faster and often more cost effectively than homes that are built on-site.
With so many building options available in the marketplace, you may be wondering how to choose what option is best for you.
Modular homes are one of the best kept secrets in the building industry at the moment, but many people may not be fully aware of the benefits of a modular build. A modular or prefabricated home is one that is constructed off site in a factory and transported and assembled on site.
Prefabrication has come a long way since its inception centuries ago. They are becoming the most innovative and progressive builds and evolving into state of the art architectural designs.
So why modular homes and more importantly why should you build with Hunter Valley Modular Homes?
Shorter construction time
Modular homes usually take less time than a traditional build due to a few factors.
A team of dedicated builders are constructing your home in a factory offsite, limiting interruptions from bad weather or site issues. Whilst the home is being built offsite, work can also continue with site preparation so everything is ready to go when the home is ready to be delivered. Working simultaneously in factory and onsite saves time in the overall build and usually equates to approximately 15 weeks from start to finish.*
The factory is on a tight schedule ensuring that all deadlines are met and your home is delivered during the agreed timeframe.
Modular goes where other builders won’t
If you are in a rural or remote location you might find it hard getting a builder to build onsite. As the major part of modular construction takes place off site in a factory setting, the need to access the remote location on a daily basis is reduced.
Flexible and less intrusive
As the majority of the construction phase occurs off site in a factory, modular companies do not need to access the site until 2-3 weeks before installation to prepare footings etc. This means less intrusion to your site, especially if you are living in a home on site that will need to be demolished before installation. This flexibility also saves costs on having to find accommodation across the whole construction period.
Versatile and Customisable
Just like traditional builds, modular homes can be added upon as your life stage changes without the builder intrusion. As your family grows, you can add another module, which once again will be built offsite in a factory and only brought to your home for installation. This planning for future modules can happen as early as the initial discussions with the modular company. Many of the modular designs are created with future additions in mind.
Sustainable options
Renovation and construction waste accounts for around 40% of landfills so it’s important to consider this when building.
The modular home construction process is more sustainable than a traditional build with less wastage being built in a factory under strict building processes.
In addition to this, your home can be very eco-friendly by choosing environmentally friendly building materials, positioning your home for the best natural elements and adding water efficiency and reducing energy consumption options.
Why build with Hunter Valley Modular Homes?
Onsite Draftsman
At Hunter Valley Modular Homes, we have an onsite draftsman who will be on hand to make any alterations to your plans to create the perfect home. Our draftsman will be able to guide you when you are out of ideas and let you know what is possible when it comes to your home layout.
Innovative and affordable designs
We have a large range of classic and contemporary designs to choose from at Hunter Valley Modular Homes, however if you can’t find something to suit your style and budget, you can work with our draftsman to achieve something you can afford and suits your living requirements. We pride ourselves on the quality of craftsmanship, construction standards and turnaround times of all our homes.
We are local
Hunter Valley Modular Homes has been building in Newcastle and the Hunter since 1973 and continues to work with customers to create their dream home. Hunter Valley Modular Homes travels to anywhere in New South Wales and with our sales office and display homes in Heatherbrae
We are with you every step of the way
Your journey of building your Hunter Valley Modular Homes will be closely managed by the friendly and supportive staff who will guide you through every step. From the moment you sit down with our staff you become family, and they will ensure that the process you are about to embark on runs as smooth as possible. From liaising with council to having the services connected to your finished home, Hunter Valley Modular Homes staff will be there from start to finish.
We look forward to being on this journey with you when the time is right!
Understanding the process of building a modular home may assist your decision in choosing a modular home over a standard build. The biggest difference is most modular homes are built in a factory and transported to your land but they also have the capabilities of building on site. The modular homes process takes place in 10 easy steps.
Please add some content.
Step 1-Do your research
If you are unfamiliar with modular homes, the first step is to do your research. Call, email, or drop in to our display homes in Heatherbrae to speak directly to one of the sales staff who can set you on the right path. This is a great opportunity to look at some of our designs on offer or talk about a custom designed option.
Step 2- Organise a site inspection
Once you have spoken to our sales staff, a site investigation will be required to ensure that an accurate quote can be given. We need to ensure that access is easily obtainable and if anything is going to obstruct or hold up the building process. The site could also determine the design and what is achievable.
Step 3- Design consultation
You may have some ideas of what you would like your home to look like or you may have no ideas and are happy to look at our range of designs. This is the step where the magic happens. Designing your home is the exciting part and our sales consultants and onsite draftsman are on hand to discuss all possible options. You may like one of our designs but would like to customize it to suit your living style. This is all possible when you sit down with our onsite draftsman.
Step 4- Project estimate & quote acceptance
After the initial consultation, design consultation, and site inspection has occurred, a detailed quote can be put together based on your unique vision, chosen design, and site requirements. Any changes to the design during the process or upgrades may add an additional cost to your quote. Once you’re happy with the design and inclusions of your new modular home, we can sign the paperwork once your deposit is paid and start bringing your dream home to life.
Step 5- Plans are drawn up
Once the quote is accepted, surveys will be obtained and detailed plans are done. Our team will complete all applications and reports, ready to submit.
Step 6- Colour Consultation
This is the opportunity to meet with one of our friendly team to choose your new modular home colour palette for your internal and external finishes. You will have the opportunity to see the home in 3D for the first time and check out the options for fixtures and fittings in our colour room.
Step 7- Council Approval
At this stage, the final plans are submitted to council for approval. This can take between 8-12 weeks on average. (NB: Hunter Valley Modular Homes have no control over how long the council process takes. The stated time of 8 to 12 weeks is an estimate only and depending on council workload and requirement, this could take longer.)
Step 8- Contracts are signed
Once finance has been secured and all the details of your build are confirmed and ready, contracts can be signed.
Step 9- Building work commences
Now everything has been signed off, we can get started building your dream home. The majority of your build will take place in our factory limiting interruptions from bad weather or site issues. Whilst the home is being built offsite, work can also continue with site preparation so everything is ready to go when the home is ready to be delivered. This usually takes around 10 weeks in the factory plus an additional 5 weeks on-site with full installation.
Step 10- Home Installation
When the build and final checks have been completed, it’s time to transport your finished home on a truck to the site and install it on your block. Full installation and connections of services can take up to 5 weeks after delivery. Once this is complete, you are ready to move into your new modular home and enjoy.
The 10 step process is really as simple as it looks and is definitely a benefit of choosing a modular home over a standard build. If there are any hurdles during the process, our sales staff will be there with you every step of the way to sort it out.
