4 Eco-Friendly Benefits For Modular Home Owners
Modular homes have made real possibilities that were unimaginable earlier. And this scenario is only getting better. Not only are modular houses making the dream of home ownership come true faster, but they are also doing so in a manner that is friendly to the pockets and the environment.
If you are wondering about the economic and environmental benefits that modular homes offer a homeowner, continue reading for more information.
Eco-friendly benefits of modular homes
#1 Reducing construction waste and costs
The designs of modular homes are prepared after much consideration. These designs benefit from the experience and expertise of professionals. The construction takes place in tightly controlled indoor environments. This means fewer defects and almost no discards.
Precise information about the requirements of raw materials is available at the time of ordering. Specific measurements are known, therefore no excess material is ordered, which means less construction waste.
Bulk ordering (for all the modules that are being manufactured in the facility) helps in the reduction of construction costs. The materials are safe from the detrimental effects of the external environment.
It takes less time to build a modular home than a stick-built traditional home. A shorter production time means using less water compared to conventional methods of construction. Modular homes are also built using the latest technology, therefore they facilitate the use of recycled materials for insulation and similar purposes.
Throughout the production and installation of a modular home, there is minimal waste and minimal impact on the environment. The reduced waste and lower production costs result in a lower price for the one buying the house. The homeowners will also have the peace of mind that all the processes involved in readying the house were eco-friendly.
#2 Energy and water efficiency
The way modular homes are made, they are geared towards energy efficiency. With carefully selected modern appliances and garden irrigation systems, they can be built for water efficiency as well. Even the most energy-efficient HVAC systems won’t be very useful if the house itself is not designed and built properly. Modular homes undergo rigorous inspections during construction and assembly.
The air sealing and insulation are superior to those of the conventional on-site constructed houses. These advantages put modular homes in a better position when it comes to maintaining temperatures and optimal utilization of HVAC systems (which make up almost half of the energy needs and costs of an average home).
Depending on the package selected, modular homes may come with pre-installed ductwork. In this case, the ducts are of suitable size and are properly sealed, again working wonders for the efficiency of the HVAC system.
Some modular homes might make use of solar panels to harness the power of solar energy. Other than that, they also use low-energy lighting solutions. It is easier to add smart features to modular homes. Modifications to improve efficiency and appeal are simpler in the case of these houses.
Modular homes are also a great fit for rain barrels, that hook into standard downspouts and collect water off the roof for garden irrigation.
Many modular homes come with Energy-Star certification. This means that their energy efficiency is 10 percent higher than others and can be improved by 20 percent on average.
Because of the energy efficiency of modular homes, homeowners see a reduction in their utility bills. If the homes are certified, then they will have a higher resale value (3 to 8 percent premium).
Reducing the energy use of homes has multiple benefits: conserving resources, lowering toxic fumes from power plants, and protecting the ecosystems.
#3 Healthier homes
Modular homes are built using next-gen technology that facilitates greener construction. The modules are produced in controlled settings with well-planned designs, which facilitates moisture and mold prevention.
The carefully selected materials emit less formaldehyde. The paints, adhesives, and sealants are low VOC and non-toxic. The insulation is often natural or recycled. Modular homes are healthier for the occupants as well as the environment.
#4 Durability
Modular homes are designed and fabricated in ways that enhance durability. They are made to be better resistant to fires and earthquakes. Durability has economic as well as environmental benefits.
Since modular homes are produced in factory-like settings with proper calculations and durability in mind, they do not have to be repaired or replaced often. This translates to a lower impact on the environment. Deformities that develop in a part can be isolated and fixed quickly. Modular houses are relatively low maintenance.
If you are about to get your own modular home, select a company that pays greater attention to sustainability and reduction of carbon footprint. Because of all the eco-friendly benefits of modular homes, the future is looking green and modular.
This is a guest post written by Moriah West.
Moriah is the head of sales at Next Modular. She has an extensive background in urban planning and 4 years of experience in modular home construction. Mixing her years of expertise with a passion for writing, she’s an expert in helping clients find the home of their dreams and contributing through content creation.