ASK THE EXPERT


manufacturers target different market segments and costs can vary greatly depending on materials, designs, and eibility. t is worth checking what is included and that the materials used – as value is not the same as the price. Site clearance and groundworks are not usually included and check if your manufacturer has a partner. They can work together to produce a single price for all the work.


The initial cost of a kit home may seem higher than a traditional self-build approach. A key factor to consider is risk. Once the contract is signed, costs and timescales are fied. The risk of contingencies and contractor problems is greatly reduced as the house is manufactured to a standard process. Quality control is easier to manage, meaning that elements are built to millimetre tolerances.


HOW WOULD I MANAGE THE CONSTRUCTION PROCESS? The main advantage of the kit approach is that most of the project is managed by the manufacturer as they are


responsible for delivering the house. An initial price is agreed upon for designs and schedules. Once the fitures and fittings hae been selected a final fied price contract is usually drawn up. Manufacturers offer a wide variety of fitures and fittings allowing clients to choose a range to suit their budget. Once all the elements have been agreed, the client signs the final contract where the budget is fied. lthough it is possible to make changes once the build has started it is difficult to do so. t is important to be sure of your decisions in advance. At this point, it is in the hands of the manufacturer and almost everything happens offsite.


ARE THERE ANY DESIGN CONSTRAINTS WHEN CREATING A MODULAR BUILD? This is an important part of the kit home route. f you choose a timber frame manufacturer you will get a timber frame house. There will be some restrictions on the materials and design itself, but these ‘building blocks’ of the approach are why the manufacturer can deliver consistent quality and a


fied price. There is a wide range of options available on the market. Some manufacturers supply a small range of houses to focus on cost and quality, while others offer a wide range of custom options. By definition standard building elements are used for all houses.


HOW IS INNOVATION TRANSFORMING MODULAR HOUSE CONSTRUCTION? nnoation is a key drier for kit home manufacturers. Because we use modules and systems, we know how they perform and we can inest in RD. s an industry, construction has lagged behind when it comes to resource usage and sustainability. Manufacturers can focus on materials and supplier networks – we want to create sustainable houses. This is possible because we use common materials in every house and our processes are optimised to minimise waste. Consistent standards and quality control mean that we can produce very well insulated homes that lower energy consumption, and CO2


emissions. Oliver Rehm is CEO at Baufritz UK


Scandia-Hus celebrates 50 years I


n 2024, Scandia-Hus celebrates building energy-saving timber frame homes in the UK for 50 years.


SWEDISH INFLUENCE


Established in 1974, Scandia-Hus are one of the oldest self-build companies in Britain. Initially a UK distributor of timber frame kits for a Swedish company, with homes being designed and manufactured in Sweden and transported to the UK on lorries, only standard plans with minor modifications were aailable and the majority of house types were bungalows and Scandinavian-style chalets.


However, since 1996 all their homes have been manufactured in Britain, allowing them complete eibility oer the design and build process. Whilst they have a wide selection of designs to


SBH03_Scandiahus_HPAdv.indd 1 12 www.sbhonline.co.uk


inspire customers, they are now able to produce totally bespoke homes in any style.


ENERGY-SAVING DESIGN


Scandia-Hus have been championing energy-efficient design since its inception employing advanced Swedish technology to create low-impact homes with minimal energy consumption. Managing Director Derek Dawson eplains Combining our airtight timber frames with thermally efficient triple-glazed windows and high levels of insulation, all of which are standard in our builds, was a pioneering approach in the 1970s which has proven to keep our customers warm and significantly reduce their energy bills as well as their carbon footprint.”


PLANS FOR THE FUTURE As they enter their 50th year of business,


Scandia-Hus are enthusiastically looking to the future and their continued growth. Their newest show home The Lodge will be under construction this year with an outbuilding dedicated to sustainability and renewable energy technology, showcasing different components of a timber frame structure and incorporating information on renewables such as heat pumps and solar panels.


This will be located at their Show


Centre in Susse where there are currently three show homes open to visit. Appointments can be booked by contacting the office.


01342 838060 sales@scandia-hus.co.uk


mar/april 2024 08/03/2024 12:39


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