Nov 04 2024

Modern NZ Housing: Factory Tour of Modular Home Construction

 

The housing landscape in New Zealand is evolving rapidly, with innovative methods reshaping the way we design and build homes. For more than a decade, building a new home has been an expensive option, so consumers have been looking for more cost-effective options to realise their new build dreams.

A Step-by-Step Look at the Factory-Build Process

Our factory video tour offers a glimpse into how transportable houses are constructed from start to finish, with each stage meticulously planned to ensure quality and efficiency.

 

  1. Material Storage Bay
    At the heart of our operation is our material storage bay. Here, all our building materials are kept under cover to ensure they remain dry and ready for use. Having materials on hand and stored in the right conditions helps avoid delays due to weather and ensures the building process can proceed smoothly without interruptions.
  2. Build Bay - Assembly and Framing
    The build bay is where the magic begins. This is where your home takes shape with the initial framing and structural assembly of your home. Unlike traditional construction, which is subject to delays due to weather, everything is carried out undercover in a controlled environment. This not only speeds up the building timeline but ensures a high degree of precision throughout the build process.
  3. Painting and Weatherproofing
    Once the house structure is completed, it’s time for the exterior to be painted. This ensures that the home is weatherproofed and ready for exposure to the elements once it’s moved outside. With painting done in the factory, homeowners can rest assured that no detail is overlooked, and the finish will stand the test of time.
  4. Finishing Yard - Final Touches and Interior Finishes
    Now that the home is weathertight, it can be transferred to our finishing yard. Our team can now efficiently complete the interior detailing and decorating such as plastering, painting, flooring, bathrooms and kitchens. 
The Speed and Efficiency of Factory-Built Homes

One of the biggest advantages of factory-built modular homes is the speed of construction. Traditional building methods often face delays from factors such as weather, supply chain disruptions, and on-site complications. In contrast, Manor Build modular homes normally have a construction time of approximately 10 weeks from when the construction starts through to ready for delivery. .

  • Parallel Processes: With several tasks happening simultaneously—like painting the exterior while working on the interior fit-out, our build timeline is compressed.
  • Elimination of Weather Delays: Since the structural building work takes place indoors, rain, wind, and cold weather won’t halt the process.
  • Materials On Hand: Having our full range of materials ready onsite means the project isn’t waiting for supplies to arrive, keeping construction work on schedule.
  • End-to-End Team: we don’t need to wait for external parties such as architects,  glaziers or electricians to complete their part of your house build. Our team is onsite and ready to go, meaning your build continues at pace.

These efficiencies mean that you can move into your new home faster, reducing the stress and cost associated with extended building periods.

Sustainability and Environmental Benefits

Building modular homes isn’t just faster—it’s also more sustainable. As housing design and building move toward greener and more environmentally friendly practices, factory-built homes stand out for several reasons:

  1. Minimal Waste Production:
    Traditional construction sites often generate significant waste. However, factory environments allow for precise measurements and controlled material use, leading to reduced waste. Offcuts and leftover materials can also be reused efficiently within the factory setting.
  2. Energy Efficiency in Construction:
    The centralised nature of modular construction reduces energy consumption. Everything from material transport to construction itself is optimised, meaning fewer emissions are generated in the process compared to conventional site-based construction.
  3. Built for Energy Efficiency:
    Modular homes are often designed with high-performance insulation, efficient heating systems, and sustainable building materials in mind. These homes offer long-term energy savings, which benefit both homeowners and the environment.
  4. Reduced On-Site Disruption:
    Traditional construction sites create noise, dust, and other environmental disturbances. Modular building eliminates much of this disruption by moving construction off-site. Once the home is ready, it can be quickly installed at its final location with minimal impact on the surrounding environment.

For more insights into the sustainability of modular construction, you can check out this recent article on why modular homes are better and healthier for the environment.

A Smart Choice for New Zealanders

New Zealanders are increasingly looking for housing solutions that are both sustainable and time-efficient. Factory-built modular homes offer an ideal solution for those seeking a high-quality build and an environmentally responsible build. The ability to control every aspect of your home’s construction ensures a superior product, while the speed of the process makes it an appealing choice for homeowners.

As housing costs and demand continue to be an issue for many Kiwis, modular homes provide an ideal solution. Especially solutions that deliver environmentally sustainable outcomes and provide families a place they can be proud to call home.

 

Browse our full range of prefab house plans