Types of prefabricated houses in Liberia
There are several types of prefabricated houses.
Modular house
A modular house is a house to which it is possible to add or remove "modules". These modules can be for example an additional bedroom, a garage, a bathroom or even an entire floor.
Modular home builders offer basic plans that you can customize according to the space you need and the size of your family.
Kit homes in Liberia
The difference between prefabricated and kit homes is slight. The building components are delivered to the site, but it is not usually possible to customize the kit. It is a package with little room for maneuver.
A kit can be ideal for building a small cottage, a tool shed or a garage.
Mobile homes Liberia
More commonly known as a mobile home, the mobile home is a house on wheels (but not a caravan). In France, mobile homes must not exceed 40 square meters of living space.
If you wish to install a mobile home on your land as your main residence, you will first need to obtain a building permit, and you will be concerned by the habitation tax as well as the property tax as for a normal house.
Container house
Creating a home out of an old container is possible, and it's in vogue. Being completely watertight, containers transformed into houses are considered as ecological.
It is a great alternative to traditional construction, provided that you accept its very industrial exterior and its limited dimensions. It is difficult to find containers measuring more than 2.43 meters wide!
Tiny house
Another hot house style of the moment, the tiny house. This concept advocates a simple and minimalist lifestyle within ten to thirty square meters of living space.
Tiny houses are often mobile and can be towed on a trailer. Taxes are minimal, and there is no need for a building permit.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of manufactured homes in Liberia?
A manufactured home can be an attractive option, but you need to understand its limitations before taking the plunge.
Advantages of a manufactured home
Lower price
Generally speaking, manufactured homes cost less than traditionally built homes. However, once a manufactured home becomes large or is equipped with many options, the price can rise considerably. Among the least expensive manufactured homes are tiny houses, kit homes, and container homes.
Shorter lead times
For a traditional house, construction takes about a year at least, with some exceptions. Prefabricated houses, on the other hand, can take only a few months. In addition, since they are mainly built in closed factories, their manufacture is not affected by weather conditions that could potentially delay a normal construction site.
Energy efficiency
This point is often emphasized by many builders, who promise low-energy homes. In addition, the materials used are often environmentally friendly.
Prefabricated house: disadvantages in Liberia
Additional costs
It is necessary to evaluate all the additional costs before launching out. This includes the land, the connections, the sanitation, or the transportation of the house to the construction site. If you choose a builder based in Brittany, for example, but your land is in Strasbourg, it could be expensive.
Customization
Of course, it is possible to modulate your prefabricated house more or less depending on the builder. However, this remains far from the extent of possibilities that one finds by starting from scratch with an architect.
Resale
It can be more difficult to resell this kind of house, especially those with a more or less marginal style as can have the tiny house or the container house.
Life span
Prefabricated houses tend to last less than traditional houses made of stone, brick or breeze block.
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