Casas Modulares e Pré-Fabricadas
What you should know about Modular and Prefabricated Houses
Modular and prefabricated houses are indeed an interesting alternative to the traditional masonry construction method.
Construction Process: While traditional houses are built on site with building materials such as bricks, cement, etc., modular, and prefabricated houses can be built in factories or specialised facilities.
Construction Time: Due to being manufactured in a controlled environment and assembled on site more quickly than traditional construction, modular and prefabricated houses tend to have a significantly shorter construction time.
Cost: Although costs can vary depending on the design and materials used, modular and prefabricated houses can often be more economical than traditional constructions. This is partly due to the efficiency of the manufacturing process and the reduction in construction time.
Sustainability: In some cases, modular and prefabricated homes can be more sustainable than traditional buildings. This can be due to the ability to use more sustainable materials and the reduction of waste during the manufacturing process.
Variety of Designs: There is a wide range of designs available for modular and prefabricated homes, from more rustic and conventional options to more modern and minimalist designs. In addition, there are models with different floor configurations, including those with more than one floor.
Legal and tax issues: It is important to consider the legal and tax issues related to modular and prefabricated construction, which can vary depending on the region. This includes issues such as building permits, zoning regulations and property taxes.
Additional advantages include the ability to customise, the controlled quality of the manufacturing process and the possibility of dismantling and moving the house if necessary. However, challenges can arise, such as design limitations compared to fully customised constructions and restrictions due to local regulations.
To summarise, modular and prefabricated homes offer a viable and often attractive alternative to traditional construction, providing benefits such as time and cost savings, sustainability, and a variety of designs. However, it is important to carefully consider all aspects before opting for this type of construction.
In many competences, modular and prefabricated houses are treated in a similar way to traditional constructions in terms of their legal framework as buildings. This means that they are generally subject to the same regulations, building codes, licences and permits needed to ensure that the construction complies with safety and quality standards.
However, there may be some differences or additional requirements depending on the specific laws and regulations of the location where the construction is taking place.
In summary, although modular and prefabricated homes are generally considered buildings and are subject to similar regulations to traditional constructions, it is important to consult local authorities and specialised professionals to ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements specific to the region in which the construction is taking place.
The companies supplying the modules and prefabs are not responsible for preparing the land for placement and assembly, as well as paving the rest of the plot and walls or other means of delimiting the plot, these tasks being the responsibility of the owner.
Although modular homes can offer cost savings compared to traditional constructions, it is essential to consider all the costs involved in the building process. Here are some additional points to consider:
- Costs:
Licences and Permits: As mentioned, modular homes also require licences and permits from municipal authorities, which can add additional costs to the project. This includes licence fees, inspections, and other administrative costs.
Project creation: The cost of creating a project for a modular home must also be considered. This can include architects' or designers' fees to develop the house plans according to your needs and specifications.
Land studies: Before building a modular home, it is important to conduct land studies to ensure that the site is suitable for construction. This can include soil studies, topography and other surveys needed to ensure the stability and safety of the construction.
House size and finishes: The size of the house and the finishes chosen will also influence the total costs. Larger houses and more luxurious finishes Therefore, when considering a modular house, it is essential to take all these factors into account in addition to the initial cost of the construction and the land. This will help you get a more accurate understanding of the total costs involved in the project.
Modular homes don't usually hold any surprises when it comes to price. Once aspects such as the design, floor plan, materials and finishes have been defined, the budget is set and doesn't change much.
Prefabricated houses also need constant maintenance, which is carried out more regularly than traditional houses.
As for whether prefabricated houses are worth it, it will always depend on what each person is looking for. There are various options for modular and prefabricated homes, from the most customisable to the most sustainable and efficient, so you'll be able to make the right choice to get your dream home.
- Credit for modular and prefabricated houses.
In Portugal, there are several banks ready to finance the purchase and construction of this type of housing, and they even offer a specific financing solution:
The Housing Loan - Prefabricated Houses for those who need to buy, build or carry out work on their modular or prefabricated house, whether it's intended for their own permanent home or for a holiday home.
- How does the loan for modular and prefabricated houses work?
The maximum term for this loan for prefabricated houses is up to 25 years, provided that the customer's maximum age does not exceed 75 at the end of the loan.
But what are the conditions and maximum amount of the mortgage?
The minimum credit amount for financing modular and prefabricated homes is 5,000 euros and the maximum will depend on the type of home. For the purchase of a permanent home, the maximum amount is the lower of 85% of the appraised value and 90% of the investment value. For a holiday home, the maximum limit is 80% of the appraised value or the investment.
As for the interest rate, there may be differences between the various banking institutions and contracting campaigns that exist at any given time.
Insurance: you must have life insurance on the entire capital, and property insurance.
Guarantee: you must take out a specific mortgage on the house to be financed.
When considering a construction loan, it is essential to bear in mind both the cost of acquiring the plot and the amount needed to start the work. Here is an overview of the important financial aspects:
Credit to support the purchase of the plot:
Percentage of financing: Depending on the financial institution, it is possible to get up to 75% of the value of the plot financed.
- Credit for construction:
Initial amount needed: Normally, it is recommended that the owner has at least 20% to 30% of the total construction cost available. This amount will be needed to cover the initial costs, as the bank doesn't release the total construction amount all at once, but in stages as the project progresses.
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