ASK THE EXPERT Prefab-ulous


Discoer how kit homes can offer a streamlined approach to your self-build project, while minimising risks along the way. Baufritz’s Oliver Rehm sheds light on some important FAQs


WHAT ARE KIT HOMES & MODULAR SOLUTIONS?


A kit home looks the same as any other self-build, the key difference is the way the building components are assembled. Rather than materials arriving on site to be assembled by tradespeople, most of the construction takes place in a factory and these finished modules are then shipped to the site and assembled like a giant jigsaw puzzle.


The two main options available are a shell, and a full turnkey solution. A shell, as it implies, includes the walls, roof windows and oors. n this case the self-builder finds contractors for the internal finishes.  full turnkey solution deliers the finished house. The amount of work done onsite depends on the manufacturer. Some companies deliver the house almost complete, others allow more customisation onsite. One important factor is that kit house manufacturers may not include


10 www.sbhonline.co.uk


foundations and groundworks. So make sure they have a partner who understands the process, as there is very little margin for error when measuring the oor slab. Some groundworks companies are not used to delivering to these tolerances.


WHAT SHOULD I CONSIDER WHEN BUILDING A MODULAR HOUSE? As we have already discussed, how much of the project do you want to manage and how much do you want to hand over to the kit home manufacturer? This will then determine whether you go for a full turnkey or a shell solution. Most self-builders who choose the kit home route do so because they do not want the risk of managing the project and the appeal of a full turnkey solution is what motiates them in the first place. t is important to inole your


architect in the process. As the house is manufactured the designs must fit


the system. This requires customisation and some options may not be possible. One of the advantages of a kit home is that you know the house will be delivered once the manufacturing plans are complete. Some companies have a limited range of houses so they will not accept designs from external architects. Others are eible and can adapt most designs to their system. t is worth inestigating to find the correct match. Most manufacturers offer a range of materials and finishes in which you can go to their sampling centre and have a look in person at what they offer. This can be an enjoyable but intense few days where you select all the internal and external elements of your home.


WHAT DOES A MODULAR SOLUTION COST AND HOW SHOULD I CALCULATE MY BUDGET?


How much should you budget for your home t depends. Different


mar/april 2024


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70