Differences between traditional or modular house.

In this post, we will try to clarify concisely the differences of the construction of traditional or modular house in the Canary Islands. Nowadays there are many possibilities to choose from, and it is very important to be clear about the advantages and disadvantages of each system and which one best suits your needs and priorities.

First of all, by modular we mean a house where 80% of the manufacturing process is carried out in a factory (a much more automated and controlled environment). As if it were an automobile, all the elements - from facades, installations, enclosures and finishes, to bathrooms - come off an assembly line and are then installed in modules, which are transported by road and assembled on the site. The process is completed by connecting the service connections. In turn, there are different types of modular houses: wood, concrete, steel and light frame, among others.

From GLOCIas architectural professionals with experience in the fields of traditional and modular construction, we recommend that in the case of choosing industrialized construction, you opt for a wooden construction system. Because it is the most ecological construction material with great recycling capacity that provides more precision, versatility, flexibility and, of course, the feeling that you breathe inside a house made of wood.

Next, we will show a series of questions that are the ones that most concern you and for which you ask the most questions, to help you to choose one type of construction or another:

Budget:

• • Modular: Thanks to the standardized construction system, you can know very precisely before making the decision to buy. There are no surprises or variations with money during construction.
  • Work: Throughout the process of the work, we may encounter unforeseen events that generate slight variations in the final budget. A disadvantage if we have a very limited budget.

Design:

• • Modular: As customers, we can decide the style and geometry we are most interested in. But only before we start manufacturing. For this reason, it is very important to have it very clear, because when the process starts, changes can be very expensive.
  • Work: In this case, the traditional work has no limits and we can do everything we want and imagine. And even, modifications can be made during the work, if so, we consider it.

Customization:

• • Modular: In this aspect, we can choose the finishes. It is also possible to make slight modifications to the distribution, but always starting from a pre-designed model.
  • Site: The customization of a construction site has no limits, and we can do anything. As long as the budget allows us to do so.

In this regard, GLOCI takes on the characteristic of traditional construction and we can realize any totally customized design, thanks to our industrialized system.

Modifications:

• • Modular: It is very easy to make an extension by manufacturing a module. In addition, it is possible to leave it in the initial design, and to execute it in a few years.
  • Work: Modifications or extensions can be made, but it is always necessary to carry out work in the finished areas.

Quality:

• • Modular: 80% of the production process is carried out in a factory, under very high quality standards and controlled safety and weather conditions.
  • Construction site: 100% of the work is carried out on site and relies more on the professionalism of the workers of the construction companies. And under unstable weather conditions, which will set the pace of the work.

Intermediaries:

• • Modular: We only depend on one company and you only have to talk to one architect until the house is delivered.
  • Site: In this case, we will need to talk to more professionals. First hire the architectural team, and then hire one or more companies. In addition, to make the appropriate arrangements at the town hall.

Labor:

• • Modular: More automated processes and more specialized workers. Each worker performs a very specific task.
  • Work: It depends on the technical capacity of the human labor involved in the work.

Deadlines:

• • Modular: Less than 6 months
  • Work: More than 12 months

Energy Efficiency:

• • Modular: The modular house reduces energy efficiency by more than 80%, thanks to a construction system that reduces energy losses. Consequently, we need less energy to achieve the ideal indoor temperature.
  • Site: Systems with high energy efficiency can be installed, but they fail to reduce demand and therefore fail to significantly reduce energy efficiency.

Respect for the environment:

• • Modular: Control and optimization of construction site waste. Surplus can be reused for other works.
  • Construction site: Greater amount of resources and energy used in the construction site. In addition, a large volume of waste is generated.

After this analysis, we hope to have cleared up some of the doubts between the traditional or modular house that people usually have about modular construction. If not, do not hesitate to let us know in the comments what information you think would be useful to help you.

If you have in your mind the beautiful project of building a modular house, and you want to know if it adapts to your needs. Now you already have a few differentiating features with the traditional building system. As we have been detailing throughout the article, GLOCI works as an integral office that accompanies you throughout the whole process, from start to finish. We are waiting for you!