Kit Houses Vs. Modular Houses: A Buying Guide
Let’s be honest. We might share the same feeling when looking for a house. All the options make us baffled. Two popular choices on the rise are kit houses and modular houses. You can find both at wide span homes. And both offer unique advantages, but how do you know which one is right for you?
In this buying guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about kit houses vs. modular houses so you can make an informed decision and find your dream home.
Determining Kit Houses
Kit houses, also known as mill-cut homes or precut homes, are a type of housing that comes in pre-manufactured kits. These kits include all the necessary building materials for homeowners to construct their own homes with some basic carpentry skills. The biggest advantages of kit houses are, of course, cost savings and customization. But they lack building standards and require some level of DIY experience.
Explaining Modular Houses
A modular house is a type of prefabricated home built off-site and then transported to the final location for assembly. The construction process of a modular house involves building individual modules or sections in a factory setting with strict quality control measures. Once the modules are complete, they are transported to the site, where they are assembled using cranes and other heavy equipment.
The final result is a fully functional and structurally sound home that meets all local building codes. The biggest plus sides about these houses are the speed of construction and cost-effectiveness, all of these whiles still providing all the amenities required for comfortable living.
The Key Differences: Kit Houses VS Modular Houses
Though both may seem similar at first glance, some key differences can be seen. Firstly, kit houses are typically sold in pieces that the homeowner must assemble themselves or with the help of a contractor. Modular homes, on the other hand, come pre-made in sections that are then put together on-site.
Another difference is customization. Kit homes offer more flexibility when it comes to choosing finishes and features since homeowners have more control over the construction process. In contrast, modular homes often have fixed designs and limited options for customization due to their factory-made nature.
Zoning regulations should also be considered as kit homes may not meet local building codes, while modular homes generally do since they are built according to strict national standards.
Which House to Pick
Now we’ve come to the grand final question, which type of house should you choose? Once you’ve determined your budget, see if you can hire contractors or not. If so, modular homes might be for you. But if you prefer DIY, kit houses are for you.
In short, consider your budget, timeline, desired level of customization, construction experience, or willingness to learn new skills. Consulting with local contractors or builders will also provide valuable ideas of what will work best for your specific situation.
Weighing these factors against each other based on what’s most important for you as an individual buyer will help guide you toward choosing either option confidently.