Neither the global financial crisis nor the global pandemic was able to slow down the exponentially increasing house prices in Australia. We’re seeing house prices rise at the fastest rate in 32 years. This has left many first time home buyers with nothing but hopes of owning their dream house sometime in the future. If that’s your case you’re probably wondering how you can bring your dream home vision to life sooner and possibly without going broke.
Luckily, there is a way. Introducing the hosing solutions of the future – steel modular homes. I know what you’re thinking, you immediately got a blast from the past of that humble prefab structure from your childhood. If it was a school, it was a sign that it was going broke. If it was a home, it was usually a temporary solution. Either way, it certainly wasn’t a part of your daydreams.
However, the steel homes in question are nothing like those dull, mass-produced dwellings you may remember. Modern steel homes are keeping up with the times and offer a solid housing solution that tackles all the home-buyers pain points. Care to learn how? Keep reading!
Table of Contents
Why Modular and Not Traditional Construction?
Although buying a house isn’t something you should do in a hurry, no one wants to wait for an eternity to settle in their new home. Yes, the Aussie property market may cool down in the future, but no one knows when. And if you’re thinking of building a house the traditional way, it’ll still take a long time until you get your keys. How long we’re talking? On average, 8 to 12 months. But what happens when the weather decides to play with your plans or a contractor fails to finish the job in the agreed timeframe? You wait.
If you’re anything like me, don’t want to have anything with unpleasant surprises and uncertainties. And that’s the first reason why should turn to modular builders of bespoke steel homes. Some of these companies offer you a fixed timeframe meaning you can start planning your life from the moment you sign the contract. What’s more, since there aren’t any weather delays or multiple parties involved in the process, modular home builders can be done with your project in just 12 weeks. Check modlust.
And now to answer the burning question, are steel homes cheaper to build? To be honest, it greatly depends on your location, size and design preferences, but still, prefab steel homes can save you some big bucks. Usually, they cost around 10 to 20% less compared to their site-built counterparts. What’s more, prefabs can be built and delivered almost anywhere in Australia meaning you can find an affordable lot and have your bespoke home installed there with minimum fuss.
Why Steel and Not Wood or Concrete?
As you’ve probably noticed I tend to favour steel over wood and concrete building materials. That’s because machining steel involves rigorous scrutiny to ensure maximum strength and durability. A steel frame house will outlast a concrete or wooden structure because inorganic materials are less susceptible to deterioration. So how long will a steel house frame last? When properly built and maintained, residential steel buildings can last anywhere from 50 to 100 years.
Steel prefabs can bravely stand up to hurricane strength winds because they’re built to meet and exceed the Cyclone Building Codes throughout Australia. Then, if you decide to build right up to a Flame Zone, a steel house frame will help you meet the required standards because steel is a fire-resistant material approved for bushfire prone land. Steel frames are also highly earthquake-resistant because steel can dissipate the energy from seismic waves.
What Else Do Steel Modular Homes Have to Offer?
Although the list of modular construction advantages is virtually endless, for your time sike, let’s focus on one perk in particular. Energy-efficiency. Modular homes as the name suggests are comprised of several modules arranged in a way to make the most out of your location, orientation, layout etc. These elements are known as passive design principles. Why does this matter you ask? Because passive design can bring your utility bills down to a minimum, improve your quality of life and have a positive effect on the environment.
When your home is strategically designed to utilize solar access, you’ll stay warm and comfy in winter yet cool in summer without relying as much on your heating or cooling system. To make the most of this design feature, some modular builders also incorporate solar panels so you can produce and store your own clean energy. Like that wasn’t enough, most of these homes come pre-equipped with energy-efficient LED lights, double or triple glazed windows, high-performance insulation etc. to further increase your savings.
By reducing your energy consumption, you’re not just saving money but you’re also saving the environment. The less energy you spend, the lower your carbon footprint will be, it’s simple as that. If you want to do your part towards a better tomorrow for future generations, choosing a modular steel house would be a great way to take action.
Closing Thoughts
All things considered, it’s clear why modular homes are dubbed homes of the future. If you like what you’ve read so far, make sure to check out some of the pre-fabulous homes around your block. Trust me they aren’t hard to find, it’s just that they look equally good if not better than site-built homes, so you might confuse them for brick and mortar structures. If you aren’t up for a drive or don’t want to lurk around, you can always explore modular homes online and get inspiration for your dream home.
