The importance of speed, flexibility, and cost efficiency in house manufacturing today.
The world in which we live has changed rapidly over the past few years. Nations that once felt predictable are now experiencing tremendous uncertainty and upheaval. Conflicts and social/economic crises are displacing vast numbers of people across the globe.
We have witnessed countries that were only recently comfortable safe habitats, become bomb-stricken war zones. Even on relatively secure ground in the UK, households that were once financially comfortable are now living on the breadline, struggling to pay bills. As a result, cost saving housing solutions have never been higher on the global agenda and the urgent need for adaptable, affordable homes more pressing.
For all the wrong reasons, we at HOMErs truly understand this need. The company began creating its factory made, modular homes in Kyiv, Ukraine in 2023, as a direct response to Russia’s invasion. Workers at our own factories had been made homeless by Russia’s bombing. So, we rapidly repurposed some production lines to deliver the galvanized steel modules, which form the core of our new housing concept, and we were soon producing homes in which people could live.
Cost-effective concept
Technology plays a huge role in this transition. HOMErs computer numerical machines are incredibly flexible, so the modules for the new homes can be made quickly and with precision. The result is affordable but without compromise on quality. The houses are easy to transport and quick to assemble, taking just a matter of days. Unlike traditional prefab this concept is designed to last for decades. Important for our own Ukrainian people, whether still living in the country or temporarily abroad, the homes can also be disassembled and moved to a new location if and when required.
Now looking outward at the global market, we see a need for cost effective flexible housing everywhere. Not just for refugees from war-torn countries, but for young families on every continent, unable to get their feet on the property ladder with the inexorable rise in inflation, interest rates and house prices. Attractive commercial markets also exist including glampsites, garden offices, and simple extensions for dependent relatives.
Property developers are constantly seeking cost-effective, solutions to meet this demand. Sustainable climate friendly solutions are in even greater demand. And here manufactured homes have considerable benefits. So modular homes are becoming a global game-changer, with an estimated market size of $420 million already in 2021.
So why are property developers choosing more and more manufactured homes?
Firstly, they save time. Time is money and in property development modular homes offer a significant advantage in terms of construction speed. Unlike traditional
building methods, which can take months or years, modular homes can be delivered in a matter of weeks from the order being placed, and then assembled in a matter of days. This rapid construction allows developers to streamline projects, reduce holding costs and accelerate the delivery of new properties to the market.
Yet speed isn’t the only draw. With environmental concerns also taking center stage in the modern global economy, developers are actively seeking to engage with firms that offer sustainable solutions. Modular homes are inherently eco-friendly by default, as they use much less energy during construction and normally incorporate many energy-efficient design features for occupants. The benefits of an environmentally friendly modular home in turn are passed to those living within it. Maintenance and heating costs are invariably lower. HOMErs’ current designs connect easily to existing utility grids and next gen concepts, including solar energy and water management systems in advanced design. These houses will be incredibly eco-friendly and independent of utility infrastructure, dramatically increasing the flexibility of their location and saving developers considerable site preparation costs.
Versatile and adaptable construction
And let’s not forget that people’s needs constantly change. For example, families can grow, and more bedrooms are needed. It is easy to add new modules to the houses to address this requirement. Or an owner may even choose to sell their HOMErs house but keep their land for a new development.
Turning in more detail to the design and production, let’s look at how companies such as HOMErs are manufacturing these new-age modular homes. Technology is at the heart of this innovation. Industrial CNC mills are poised to play a major role in shaping the future of the real estate construction industry. With their ability to produce high-quality, precise, and intricate components, they are an ideal solution for the production of the core structures in modular home construction. Furthermore, their advanced automation capabilities, can also produce complex and intricate designs with exceptional accuracy and speed, delivering high-quality results every time. HOMErs homes also boast a modern, dramatic look, which stands out from standard new builds and gives the occupier a real sense of pride in ownership.
Meeting dynamic demands
I speak from experience as my wife and I have been living in comfort in a HOMErs house since July last year while our own property undergoes a major renovation. This is another interesting market. The solution has allowed us to avoid moving out so we can manage the project on site. When our renovation is complete the HOMErs house can be disassembled and resold. There are already interested buyers.
To conclude, the housing market is now in a dynamic state, trends are shifting quickly. Modular homes are providing developers worldwide with the much-needed ability to adapt to these dynamic demands efficiently. Whether responding to a growing need for sustainable housing or creating affordable options for different demographics, modular construction allows developers to be agile, reducing risks and enhancing their investment returns.
By Chris Baxter
Chris Baxter
Chris Baxter is a Non-Executive Board Member at HOMErs. HOMErs is redefining the concept of modern living with its innovative modular homes. Engineered with precision and designed for efficiency, its homes represent a harmonious blend of cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and contemporary aesthetics. With a core belief that homes should adapt to your lifestyle, its modular designs offer unparalleled flexibility, allowing customization to meet the unique needs of every homeowner. From rapid assembly to eco-friendly features, each HOMErs modular home is a testament to a commitment to providing high-quality, sustainable, and stylish living solutions.