Kit set houses

Types of Kit Set Houses

Kit set houses are also known as prefab houses or pre-manufactured homes. These are houses built using pre-manufactured materials that are sent to the building site for assembly. These houses have different types depending on the design and technology used in construction. Here are some major types of kit-set houses:

• Container kit houses

  These are permanent homes designed using shipping containers. Shipping containers are steel boxes used to transport goods across the world via ships, trains, and trucks. Shipping containers are an excellent option for building houses since they are durable, affordable, and easy to transport. Shipping containers are available in different sizes, mostly 10, 20, and 40 feet long. Shipping containers can be stacked on each other or arranged side by side to create a multi-storey house or a larger-sized home. This depends on the number of containers used and the desired house size. Shipping containers are mostly used to build urban and emergency houses. This is because they provide a good solution when there is limited space or when there is a need for quickly assembled homes.

• Cabin kit houses

  Cabin kits are a popular way of building log houses. They involve pre-building some parts of the house and then sending them to the construction site for assembly. Cabin kits come with all the necessary materials for building a complete house, such as walls, floors, roofs, windows, and doors. They also come with detailed instructions that guide one through the assembly process. There are different types of cabin kit houses, including; log cabins, timber frame cabins, and hybrid cabins. Log cabins are made from round or square-cut logs. Timber frame cabins are constructed using wooden frames, and hybrid cabins combine features from both log and timber frame cabins.

• Traditional kit houses

  These are houses constructed using traditional methods and materials, such as timber and steel. They are designed as pre-fabricated houses, meaning the house is pre-constructed in a factory and then transported to the site for assembly. Traditional kit houses come with all the necessary materials for building the entire house, such as floors, walls, roof, windows, doors, and a foundation. They also come with detailed instructions that guide one through the assembly process. Traditional kit houses are an excellent option for affordable housing since they are cheaper than conventional houses.

Functions and Features of Kit Set Houses

Some of the functions and features of kitset houses include:

• Affordable

  Due to their affordability, kit houses are perfect for first-time homeowners. They are also a good alternative for anyone looking to build a house on a budget. Because of their low price, these houses are also widely accepted in areas with low costs of living.

• Customization

  These houses can be customized to suit the owners' preferences. Various designs and layouts are available, allowing homeowners to select what suits them best. Also, extra features can be added to enhance comfort and improve the house's appearance.

• Quick construction

  One of the main advantages of these houses is that they can be constructed quickly. Since the materials are prefabricated, the onsite construction process is straightforward and requires minimal time.

• Portability

  Another important feature of kitset houses is that they are portable. Some types of houses, such like container houses, are only suitable for specific locations. However, with a kitset house, one can relocate and reassemble the house in a different location. This is because they are constructed using lightweight materials that allow easy movement.

• Environmental friendliness

  These houses are built using sustainable materials, making them environmentally friendly. Sustainable materials include timber, which, when cut to build a house, contributes to carbon storage. Other materials are usually recycled, such as steel, which can be reused after the house has been constructed.

• Energy efficiency

  Many kit houses are designed to be energy-efficient. This is done by optimizing the orientation of the house to allow maximum sunlight during winter while minimizing heat during summer. This orientation reduces the need for heating and cooling systems, which in turn saves energy.

• Quality materials

  Despite these houses being cheap, they are built with quality materials. Most manufacturers use high-quality materials to ensure the houses last a long time and their standards remain intact. Some even offer warranties to assure customers that they will be protected for a certain period.

Scenarios of kit set houses

As mentioned before, kit houses are prefabricated and packaged houses with DIY instructions. They are flexible and affordable, making them popular among homeowners and architects. There are various applications of kit set houses, including:

• Primary residences - A pre-cut house can be customized and designed to suit different climates and locations. This makes them an ideal and affordable option for a sustainable primary residence. They offer a wide range of options, from small-sized houses to spacious and larger homes. Additionally, they can also be designed with different layouts and sizes, such as apartments, bungalows, and duplexes.
• Vacation homes - A vacation home is a secondary residence where individuals or families can escape to for leisure and relaxation. Kit houses are a great option for vacation homes since they can be easily assembled in remote locations. They are also designed to blend in with the natural landscape and have unique architectural designs. Additionally, they are affordable, meaning families can pool together and get a vacation home.
• Accessory dwelling units - Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are small, independent living spaces located on the same property as a primary residence. They are also known as in-law suites, granny flats, or backyard cottages. These houses are an excellent choice for ADUs since they maximize the use of space and are easily customizable. They also provide sustainable living solutions and are cost-effective compared to traditional site-built homes.
• Workshops and studios - Workshops and studios are spaces for creating and working on various projects and crafts. This includes DIY projects, art, workshops, and crafts. Workshops and studios require customizable and open spaces that can be tailored to fit specific needs and requirements. Kitset houses are an excellent choice for these spaces as they are cost-effective and have a variety of layouts and designs.
• Emergency housing - In unfortunate events like natural disasters, traditional houses may be rendered uninhabitable. This leaves victims homeless and in need of shelter. Fortunately, kit set houses can be assembled quickly and provide sustainable and safe emergency housing in such situations. They are also portable and can be relocated to different areas.
• Flipping houses - House flipping refers to buying a rundown house, renovating it, and then selling it for profit. This is a lucrative business venture that requires choosing a house that is easily customizable and affordable. A kitset house is a great option since it is pre-designed and requires assembling rather than extensive renovations.

How to choose kit set houses

Before purchasing a house kit, it is important to consider several factors to ensure an ideal investment. Here are some essential factors to consider when buying a house kit:

• Cost and Budgeting

  It is important to check the total cost of the house kit and compare it with available budgets to ensure hassle-free investment. Also, some additional costs are associated with the construction and assembly of these houses, such as permits, land, and labor fees. A good budgeting plan helps to avoid overspending and sticking to the initial planned budget.

• Quality of Materials

  House kits often come with various materials, and it is important to check their quality before making any purchase. Quality materials provide durable and robust houses that will last many years. Look for companies that provide quality standards and certifications for the materials used in the construction.

• Design and Size

  When investing in kit set houses, it is necessary to consider various factors, such as accessibility to land and the number of occupants. This ensures buying a house that will be ideal for the available land and also accommodate all the required occupants. Also, one should check the additional features such as porches, garages, and extra rooms that come with the house kits to ensure they are included in the purchase plan.

• Customer Support and Reviews

  The best way to assess the reliability of a house kit company is by checking previous customers' reviews and testimonials. This gives insight into the experiences of other clients and the level of customer satisfaction. Also, it is important to check the type of support offered by the company, from the purchasing stage to the installation and after-sales support.

• Assembly and Construction Process

  It is important to check the assembly process of kit houses. Some require professional builders, while others can be assembled by individuals with basic construction skills. Understanding this process helps in budgeting for the additional costs required during assembly.

kit set houses Q & A

Q1: Will kit houses appreciate in value?

A1: Yes, kit houses appreciate in value. However, several factors will influence the value appreciation, such as location, which needs to be attractive and accessible. Also, the quality of the house will need to be excellent for the value to appreciate.

Q2: Are prefabricated homes a better option than traditional ones?

A2: Both options are valid. Traditional homes offer a more conventional approach, while prefabricated homes provide quicker construction and often lower costs. Choosing depends on individual preferences and circumstances.

Q3: Can someone build a kit house without professional help?

A3: Yes, it is possible to build a kit house without professional help. This is because a good kit house comes with detailed instructions that a homeowner can follow to complete the construction. However, it is advisable to seek professional help for a more secure and quality construction.

Q4: What is a smart kit house?

A4: A smart kit house is an automated house that incorporates technology. This provides homeowners with a convenient lifestyle. With automation, people can perform functions such as controlling lights, and locking doors using their smartphones.

Q5: What are the main advantages of buying a kit house?

A5: Kit houses are cheaper than conventional houses. They also provide detailed construction plans and require less building time. This means that one can have a house in a few weeks.