Prefabricated building kits that are put together on site (much like IKEA flat-pack furniture) are gaining popularity in the construction world for many reasons.
Versatile and cost-effective, a building kit can be completely customized to suit your needs, as basic as just a framework or including every single part of the build designed to your exact specifications.
From a DIY Quonset hut kit that can be adapted from being simple outdoor storage for cars and tools to fully equipped homes to commercial warehouses and agricultural buildings, it is no surprise that the builder who wants to get a job done on budget and on time would prefer if the major construction elements were completed off site and then just brought into position to be put together.
Here are some of the reasons that building kits might be the future of home building.
Versatility
When you can choose every element of your design from a catalogue, knowing that it is designed to fit to other items in the range, you can afford to meet your very specific and personal requirements.
Steel buildings, in particular, are excellent for this because not only can you create larger open spaces (there is no need for an interior column to support the roof), but you can also insert different rooms and even different floors as part of your specification.
For a home, this means that the inside can be as versatile as you need it to be – and it can be modified and expanded later if needed.
Cost Effective
A building site has many costs involved, including the numerous materials needed, the labour costs, and the timelines that you just know are going to be extended for whatever reason.
Prefabrication significantly reduces the overall costs in materials, but the ease of assembly also helps to lower the labour costs and get projects to completion quicker.
Quick and Easy Assembly
Building kits are designed to make it as easy as possible to complete – so it includes pre-drilled and pre-cut components that match for easy attacking, and detailed instructions.
This means that even someone with limited construction experience can put the pieces together and create a home.
Sustainability
Steel is one of the most recyclable materials available, which means if you choose a steel customizable building kit, you will immediately improve the sustainability of your build.
Precision manufacturing in a facility reduces waste in the creation of the building, too – another tick in the box for sustainable practices in construction.
Durability and Longevity
Why choose steel? Well, it is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, it is corrosion-resistant and won’t be infested by termites – so it will stand longer than many buildings constructed with other materials.
Minimal Maintenance
With the above, homeowners won’t need to worry over maintenance, with fewer repairs and less upkeep over time than other types of building.
This reduces cost and effort in the long term as well as in the short term, with the only work needed as minimal as tightening bolts.
Energy Efficiency
If, during design, the structure is properly insulated and ventilated, a consistent interior temperature reduces energy consumption over the long term.
Steel buildings are perfect for alternative energy generation; adding solar panels, making use of geothermal energy, and even air source heat pumps can make them so energy efficient they can almost be net zero without much effort.
Safety and Security
Steel-built buildings are inherently strong, with superior protection against natural disasters as well as harsh weather conditions.
For your safety, prefabricated steel structures are resistant to earthquakes and hurricanes, and they are also non-combustible, so you don’t need to worry about fire destroying the building (as long as you protect the furnishings).
Aesthetics
When you can customize your structure, you can also incorporate your personality and the way you want it to look – making it both functional and visually appealing.
