If you open the Internet and ask the search engine the question "What is a modular house", you will get a quick answer - "It is a house that is very quickly built, but its service life is short". In fact, these are not all the characteristics, and the description is not exhaustive at all.

We suggest you learn more about what modular homes are. And how appropriate it is to build them in Cyprus.

General characteristics of modular houses

A modular house is a building constructed from so-called modules. The module is a maximally ready unit for construction (if to speak quite roughly and simply, a piece of wall, a piece of roof). It is prepared in a factory using modern technology, so the quality usually meets high standards. As a rule, the basis is a frame (metal or wood), on which everything else is "strung": floors, insulation between them and so on.

Important: you need to contact only proven manufacturers - this guarantees high-quality materials, durability of service, and excellent characteristics of the future house as a whole.

In fact, a modular house is a frame house, only half "built" and brought to the site for final assembly. From the outside it may seem that building a house from modules is very easy, but it is not quite so. It is absolutely necessary to know the subtleties of installation and the sequence of actions, and you can not do without specialized large equipment.

Construction stages and the cost of a modular house

The construction of any house begins with the development of its project. Usually, manufacturers of modular houses offer ready-made options, but it is not necessary to take what is available: for a fee you can "modernize" the existing project or ask to make an individual.

After agreeing on the project make an estimate, and here you need to be extremely careful. The fact is that each company differently considers the final cost of the project. Some have almost "all-inclusive" (and the foundation, and communications, and finishing), while others have every little thing that goes separately. In addition, you can find a price tag marked "from N thousand euros" - most likely, here the cost will be calculated based on square meters of housing, and N - the price of the smallest house.

What usually makes up the final amount of the construction of a modular house in Cyprus:

creation or adjustment of the design project;
erection of the foundation or installation of piles (for mountainous areas - a common option);
the cost of all modules;
laying of communications;
additional insulation;
design of the ventilation system - usually separate from the communications;
exterior and interior finishing;
installation of windows and doors;
construction of additional elements - terraces, bay windows, balconies;
all installation works;
departure of special equipment (yes, it can be paid separately).

Please note: each firm makes calculations in its own way. It can include half, three quarters of all services or only the very basis (the module plus the price for its assembly). Be sure to clarify what is included in the voiced cost, and ask about the points that need to pay extra.

After the contract is drawn up and the project is approved, it is necessary to assess the land on which the house will be built. It is important to take care that there is a good passage to it for a variety of, even large-sized equipment. It is quite possible that preparatory work will be needed to level the site. This is especially true for land located in the foothills or mountains of Cyprus.

Erection of the house itself is very fast, within a few weeks. After construction, there is no need to wait for the building to shrink. If finishing is included, you can move in almost immediately. Be sure to talk through all the stages of construction and do not be lazy to travel to the site to observe the work.

Pros of a modular home in Cyprus

The biggest plus of any modular home is the quick construction. You can have a new home in a month, and it will not cost too much. There are other advantages that should definitely be mentioned.

Budget

Modular houses are usually cheaper than conventional houses. In Cyprus, the difference is not so tangible, because the delivery of modules and building materials is carried out from the mainland. Nevertheless, a house made of gas-block or brick in any case will be more expensive than a modular. Therefore, this type is often chosen by young families with a limited budget.

Variability of layouts

Indeed, from modules you can assemble a variety of different designs. As a rule, manufacturers on their websites demonstrate many options, and also offer to develop an individual project.

Everything is already ready

As a rule, modular houses are ordered with everything you need: communications, terraces, insulation, windows and doors, interior and exterior finishing. There is no need to wait for the building to "stand still" and then spend time, effort and money on repairs. Newcomers will only have to buy the necessary furniture inside the house.

Ideal as a country house - that is, a dacha

Modular houses come in very small sizes, up to 20 m2. This is a great option for those who are looking for a house for seasonal living and are not ready to spend a lot of money on a dacha. And to install it will be easier, which is important for mountainous areas, where in Cyprus are usually built all the cottages.

Seismic stability

For Cyprus, the essential quality of any house is resistance to earthquakes. Modular in this sense has great advantages. If ductile metal has been used as the framework for the modules, the risk of the house collapsing even in a major earthquake will be minimal.

Possibility of being put on piles

With the terrain and climate of Cyprus, this also becomes a significant advantage. The hilly and mountainous terrain means that it is not always possible to make a full foundation. A modular house will stand perfectly on piles, under which you can make a so-called "ventilated" foundation - this will keep the floors from excessive dampness. Which, of course, in Cyprus is not uncommon, especially for the fall and winter season.

The possibility of moving the house

Immovable property may well become movable. And in some cases this is a very big plus! Just imagine: a house can be disassembled, taken to another lot and reassembled again. Sounds like a fantastic idea!

Sufficient insulation

Some people complain that modular houses do not keep heat well. For Cyprus, this remark becomes irrelevant: the degree of insulation here is perfectly matched to the climate. The main thing is to make sure that no gaps appear during assembly. If you ensure that the house is not blown, it will be warm enough even in the winter months.

Minuses of modular house in Cyprus

Of course, miracle houses have disadvantages that you need to familiarize yourself with in advance. Perhaps they will be decisive in your choice.

Longevity of service

Manufacturers declare the service life of the building in the range of 50-70 years. Is this a lot or a little? Let's try to understand. Even if you are only 20 years old and you decide to build yourself a house, with good operation and timely repair, it will be enough for a lifetime. Another issue is that there will be no inheritance for children. Whether this is acceptable - it is up to you to decide.

In addition, not always, taking care of the house, you can provide it with the longest service life. It will inevitably age, and it is not known at what point the stage of discomfort will come. What if in just 20-30 years it will be unpleasant and even dangerous to live in such a house?

So far, the experience of living in modular houses is very little, and it is not counted for 20-30 years. Therefore, the term of its service life and comfortability at the moment - some lottery.

Small area

Modular house is not the kind of construction that assumes high shelves under 3.5 meters, 10 bedrooms and 4 floors. The maximum height is only 2 floors, and the average area of the modular, about 100 m2. So to calculate it under a large family, of course, it is not worth it.

It should be borne in mind that to expand the space visually and actually still possible: no one prevents you to make a second light and build a large front yard terrace. If you take into account that in Cyprus it is comfortable to be outdoors for about 9-10 months a year, then this option can suit the whole family.

The likelihood of poor quality

With prefabricated modules, it is very difficult to trace the process of their production and control the quality of materials. The assembly, of course, is easier to observe, but even here you need special knowledge and understanding of what is going on. In order not to make a mistake and not to get "out" uncomfortable for life house, choose proven manufacturers with good live reviews and try to get into the process as much as possible.

Only options with metal structures are suitable for Cyprus

In some countries, fully wooden houses are popular. They are not suitable for Cyprus: there is a high risk of deterioration from humidity and salty air. In addition, the wooden structure can literally "fold" in an earthquake, so it is better not to risk it.

Choose a base made of plastic metal and make sure that the foundation under the house was laid as competently as possible. Then you will get safety and protection from unfavorable environmental influences.

Relatively high cost

It can not be said that modular houses are much cheaper than any other. In addition, in Cyprus, building a house - in any case, the pleasure is not cheap. Of course, you will get for your money a high speed of erection, while paying less than for a conventional house, but do not think that you will be able to save half.

When does it make sense to build a modular house in Cyprus?

Modular homes are suitable for young or any other small families who want to settle in the suburbs or in the countryside. It's a great start for those who don't want to live in an apartment and yet aren't prepared to wait a whole year for a cottage to be built. Also modulars are good as a dacha house. In this case, they fully justify themselves, and you can live in them very comfortably and for a long time.

Interested in housing on the island? Visit DOM, the #1 real estate agency in Cyprus! The agency's website has the largest real estate database in the country - more than 30 thousand residential and commercial properties all over the island. Choose and contact professional brokers who will help you make the right choice!

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Source: DOM

Photos: Pixabay, Flickr

Interested in property on the island? Check out the number one real estate agency in Cyprus, DOM! The website features the largest database of real estate in the country – over 100,000 residential and commercial properties across the entire island. Choose and consult with professional brokers who will help you make the right choice!

Irina Zholnirova