When you think of a transportable home, you might picture – a plain, boxy building that looks like every other one.
And for a long time, that wasn’t far from the truth!
Many transportable homes were designed to be simple and easy to move.
But thanks to new technology, these homes have evolved a lot.
Now, transportable homes can be stunning pieces of architecture.
In fact, a quick search for ‘transportable homes’ on Pinterest will show you just how beautiful they can be – sleek, modern designs.
In this article, I’ll explain what transportable homes are really about. And give you the information you need to decide if one could be your perfect new home.
By the way, did you know that the transportable home market is expected to grow by over 7% in the next few years? Let’s see why these homes are becoming so popular!
So, What Exactly is a Transportable Home?
A transportable home is a house built in one place and then moved to a more permanent spot using a truck.
The term ‘transportable home’ covers different types of homes that are built in one location and moved later.
This includes-
-prefab homes, which are made in factories and delivered to stay in one place, as well as
-modular homes,
-relocatable homes,
-and even tiny homes.
In simple terms, a transportable home can be any size, and you can design it to easily move from one place to another – once or several times.
Why Should You Choose Transportable Homes
Building your own home can be exhausting. There’s a lot for future homeowners to manage, like-
-getting permits,
-sticking to a budget, and
-meeting deadlines.
This was the norm before transportable homes became an option.
Why is a transportable home easier than building a traditional house? Let me share some reasons, starting with how transportable homes save you time.
It will Save you Time
Time is really important when building a home. The longer it takes – the more costs pile up – and extended construction can annoy neighbours. Trust me, no one wants.
A traditional house takes about 3 months to build. But it can take longer due to things like bad weather or limited resources. Transportable homes, however, are built offsite and delivered on a set schedule after being bought. This ensures that the home finishes off on time without any delays.
Because the building and setup follow a fixed schedule – transportable homes also tend to be more cost-effective.
They are Cost-Effective
As mentioned earlier, staying on schedule helps avoid extra costs, which makes transportable homes more affordable. Another reason is that transportable homes usually cost less overall than building a traditional house.
The lower price doesn’t mean lower quality, though. I will explain them in more detail next.
Transportable Home is Sturdy
Because you can move transportable homes from place to place, they need to be very strong. In fact, they can sometimes be even sturdier than traditional homes.
Home builders make sure that each part, including the bolts and fixings, can handle bad weather and frequent moves. This means homeowners can trust the home’s durability. Plus, you can customize modern transportable homes with unique designs.
You can Customize Transportable Homes
Yes, you read that right. When transportable homes first came out, they only had basic designs and floor plans. However, as more people started wanting them, more design and layout options became available for future homeowners.
They are Environment Friendly
Finally, transportable homes are more eco-friendly than building a traditional house.
Building a house the usual way creates a lot of waste. Some of this waste can be harmful to the environment. It can also damage the area around the construction site – especially if the project takes a long time.
Manufacturers build transportable homes at their locations, so they don’t create that kind of waste. When delivered, these homes arrive fully built and only need to be installed on-site.
Transportable Homes are Low Maintenance
Transportable homes are stronger than regular homes as they tend to move a lot. A stronger home means less maintenance. The bolts, fixings, and attachments use high-quality materials that can handle harsh weather and frequent moving.
This strength means you won’t have to replace parts every couple of years or fix a pipe every few months. A transportable home lasts longer and stays intact, even when you move it around.
They are Flexible
One of the biggest benefits of a transportable home is flexibility. You can move your house to any location you want. It’s like having the best of both worlds – you build your home and can take it with you wherever you go.
Location is important when owning a home! And if you’re not happy with where you are, you can move your house instead of leaving it behind. Be it – a rise in crime, a natural disaster, a new job, or kids switching schools – you won’t have to give up the comfort of your home if you need to relocate.
Transportable Homes vs Built on Site Homes, which is Better?
Just because you’re building in a remote area doesn’t mean you have to compromise on design or quality. Let’s break down the differences between transportable homes and those built on-site to help you decide.
The Basics
Transportable homes, also known as – modular, prefabricated, or relocatable homes – are constructed away from their final location – usually in a factory or yard. They arrive mostly assembled, ready to be placed on a prepared foundation with a few finishing touches.
On the other hand, homes built on-site are constructed from the ground up on your land, tailored specifically to your needs.
Price Comparison
When comparing transportable homes to custom-built homes, you’ll find that transportable options often offer significant savings. While both types of homes cost about the same for materials and labour – transportable homes can save you money during production thanks to their efficiency in a factory setting. The extra costs for moving the home to your land can be more than offset by the lower overall price of transportable homes.
Design Flexibility
Transportable homes offer a variety of designs, so you won’t have to sacrifice style for convenience. Although they must fit on a truck for transport, manufacturers have developed creative solutions to provide a range of attractive layouts. Plus, many transportable homes come with modern finishes that can easily rival traditional homes, giving you the best of both worlds.
Transportable homes are sturdy structures without compromising on beauty. You can enjoy your beautiful space without the long wait times associated with traditional builds.
Site Requirements
Transportable homes are often more flexible regarding site requirements. Many new housing developments and council areas may have restrictions on traditional builds. However, transportable homes can often meet these requirements while still looking great. Their design minimizes the impact on the surrounding area, making them an appealing choice for many neighbourhoods.
Quality of Build
When it comes to quality, transportable homes easily meet strict building codes. They can readily withstand the rigours of transportation. This means you can trust that your home will be durable and built to last.
Build Timeline
Transportable homes are easy to build. Because they’re produced in a factory, where multiple homes can be worked on at once. However, transportation time will vary depending on the company and whether the foundation is ready.
In comparison, the timeline for building homes on-site can be reliant on many factors. These include location, holidays, material availability, and changes made during construction.
Final Verdict
There are pros and cons to both transportable and built-on-site homes. Ultimately, the decision is yours, as your home should match your vision perfectly. But, if you’re looking for a home that fits your vision without the long wait and additional expenses, a transportable home could be the perfect choice for you.
