Building time comparison: modular vs. traditional houses

Building a house is one of the most important investments in a person's life. Choosing between a modular home and a traditional home involves considering many factors, and one of the most important is construction time. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the differences between the two types of construction and explain why the time it takes to complete a house can be a decisive factor in your choice.

What are modular and traditional houses?

Modular houses are pre-fabricated, factory-built structures that are then assembled at the final location. They are built in modules, using modern materials such as sandwich panels, and offer the possibility of customization according to the client's preferences.

Traditional houses, on the other hand, are built directly on the land, from foundation to roof. This type of construction involves the use of traditional materials, such as brick, concrete and wood, and requires several stages depending on weather conditions and the availability of workers.

Factors influencing construction time

For both modular and traditional houses, construction time depends on several factors:

1. Complexity of design
   A house with a simple design will be built faster than one with complicated architecture, regardless of the type of construction.
2. Site accessibility
   If the site is difficult to access, transportation of materials and equipment can delay the process.
3. Weather conditions
   With traditional houses, the weather can seriously affect the pace of work. But modular homes, because they are factory-built, are not affected.
4. Availability of the construction team
   The number and experience of workers can influence the duration of construction.

Construction time of modular houses

Modular houses are renowned for the short construction time. Here's how the process works:

1. Design and authorization:
   This stage takes between 1-3 months, depending on the complexity of the project and obtaining the necessary authorizations.
2. Factory construction:
   The modules are produced in a controlled environment and this process usually takes 2-3 months. Because it is not weather-dependent, construction progresses quickly.
3. Transportation and assembly:
   Once the modules are finalized, they are transported to the location and assembled. Assembly takes 1-3 weeks.
4. Final finishes:
   Adding finishes such as flooring, painting or plumbing can take 1-2 months.

Total estimated time: 4-8 months.

Construction time of traditional houses

Traditional houses require a much longer process. The main steps include:

1. Design and authorization:
   Similar to modular houses, this stage takes 1-3 months.
2. Foundation:
   Foundation pouring can take between 1-2 months, depending on the terrain and complexity.
3. Erecting the structure:
   The walls, roof and other structural elements are built up gradually, a process that can take 4-6 months.
4. Interior and exterior finishing:
   Installing electricity, plumbing, wall tiling and other similar work takes between 3-6 months.
5. Other delays:
   Depending on the weather and availability of materials or workers, additional delays may occur.

Total estimated time: 12-24 months.

Time-saving advantages of modular houses

1. Saving time:
   Reducing construction time means you can move into your new home faster, which is ideal for families who don't want to wait years.
2. Better planning:
   With a more predictable process, modular homes are a great choice for those who want tight control over budget and timescales.
3. Less stress:
   A shorter process means less hassle and less time spent on project management.

Time constraints of traditional houses

Traditional houses, while favored by some for their classic look, come with significant drawbacks:

• Exposure to the elements:
  Any change in the weather may slow down the work or affect the quality of the work.
• Pace of work:
  Reliance on team workers and material suppliers can cause unexpected delays.
• Increased costs:
  The longer the construction takes, the higher the indirect costs, such as paying workers or hiring equipment.

The right choice: What type of house to choose?

The decision between a modular or traditional house depends on your specific needs:

• If time is a critical factor, modular homes are undoubtedly the best choice.
• If you want a house with a classic design and time is not an issue, a traditional house may be more suitable.

Conclusion: Modular houses win on time

Comparing the two types of construction, modular homes are the clear winner when it comes to speed. They offer a modern, efficient and adaptable solution to today's needs without compromising on quality or aesthetics.

If you're looking for a quick solution to realize your dream of owning your own home, a modular home could be the ideal choice. Contact a specialized firm to learn more about the options available and get started on your project today!