How Safe Are Shipping Container Homes?

Homeowners are skeptical about shipping container being converted into container homes. Who wouldn’t? There are a lot of people who just don’t see it, and who can blame them? Everybody knows what a shipping container looks like and basing on their appearance and structure, people are quick to dismiss the idea that they can be converted to a livable house. While this misconception is generally false, it has become one of the challenges of shipping container homes.

The Safety of Shipping Container Homes

Shipping containers are very well-known for their strength. Made primarily of steel, shipping containers withstand any weather conditions and exposure for very long time. Even natural disasters has come and gone for shipping containers. The perceived risk regarding shipping containers may be for the used one and never the newer ones.

Safety Risks Involved

There are used shipping containers which may have been spilled with chemicals which directly affects the qualities of its materials. If so, these containers are deemed to be unsafe. Also, some containers are used to store chemicals and they too will have safety risks involved.

Not only will these shipping containers damage the quality of its materials. When used, they pose a hazard to the occupants of the house. It is wise to opt for a brand new shipping container or use second-hand containers which you know never have been stored with harmful substances.

Shipping Containers Are Heat Magnets

Metals are known to be heat conductors and they sure are. Shipping containers are commonly associated with being heat trappers. There is a highlight of truth regarding this. This is why, a professional insulation need to be installed to your shipping containers to guarantee comfort. In comparison to traditional houses, using shipping containers to your home is guaranteed to be more energy efficient.

Shipping Containers Are As Safe

Shipping containers can pose potential hazards only when you did not do any research before purchasing them. Similarly, traditional homes are as hazardous when there is a failure to inspect parts of the house which is very much exposed to wear and tear.

No matter what type of house you choose, safety depends on how much effort you put to impose them. Installation of fire extinguishers, scheduling maintenance checks, and choosing the correct insulation equipment will make your residential space safer. As long you have prepared for any unforeseen circumstances, you are least likely to be bamboozled by safety concerns.

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The Pros and Cons of Prefab Homes

If you are looking for a house it is possible that you will not be able to find one which suits every specification that you want thus resulting you to opt to build one. Suppose you have decided to build a house, then you will have to decide then whether you will be going for the traditional way of building a house or go for the prefab house option. Here are the pros and cons of prefab houses:

Pro 1: Energy-efficient

The most common feature of a prefab house is being energy-efficient. The tight and well-fit seams of the modules will keep the heat thus reducing your energy consumption in the process. Tight construction of the modules of the prefab houses has gained them the popularity of withstanding many natural calamities. Many will assume that prefab houses equal mobile homes. This is very much farther from the truth as prefab houses have great foundations, high-quality materials, and elegant designs.

Pro 2: Fast Construction

Being a modular house, the parts of the prefab homes are constructed in a controlled environment in a factory then transported and assembled to the location site. With this, it would take fewer personnel to work on house construction saving you time and money in the process. The construction itself may not be the primary concern here as recurring permits for the construction can be a lengthy procedure.

Pro 3: Affordable

One of the most important pros of prefab houses is its affordability. Compared to traditional houses, prefab houses are cheaper. This is not because of the construction materials used to build the place but because of saving from labor costs, primarily. In the long run, the homeowner will also have saved a lot because of the house’s energy-efficiency. For renovations, a modular house will also allow you to save more compared to a traditional one.

Con 1: Costs of Land

Since you are only buying a house, you will need a land to put them on. If you already own a land then it would not too much trouble. However, if you do not yet, then you can be up for a lengthy process. Some companies who are selling prefab houses are also assisting clients to acquire permits for the land they want their homes built.

Con 2: Up-Front Payment

Unlike the traditional house where you can put a down payment of 20% then let your mortgage take care of the remaining amount; the prefab house will require you to pay the construction of the house before you can move in. While your home is built, you will be paying the installed based on contract. Depending on how much you pay initially, you can gain savings on interest.

Con 3: Installing Utilities

Another disadvantage of prefab houses is arranging the utilities for the house. Your house will need sewer, electrical, and water systems. In some cases the designs for these systems do not come with the house. If these are too much for you, look for companies who are offering prefab houses with these systems already designed and taken care of.

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Prefabricated Construction: A Closer Look at 6 Prefab Building Methods

While the idea of building prefab houses has become popular over time, builders have found other ways to ensure efficiency and precision in manufacturing modules of the prefab houses. Here are six types:

1. Panelized Wood Framing

Commonly used in roofing, the frames are made of pieces of timber, plywood or other materials. The laminated timbers are covered by plywood. These panels installed on the roof save more time and make the construction so much more dependable. The frames can have a length of 72 feet.

 

2. Sandwich Paneling

From the idea of sandwiches, this paneling is composed of thin facings of two of the following materials: concrete, stainless steel, or plywood. They are then adhered to an insulating core which can be made of cloth, paper, rubber, or foam.

 

3. Steel Framing

Steel has long been used as a building material for commercial and residential construction. Steel framing is taking durable and strong materials then creating prefabricated panels from them. These sturdy panels can then be used in building construction.

4. Timber Framing

Timber frames are also constructed in the factory then used to promptly raise prefabricated buildings. More popular than ever, many homes are currently using this system in their construction.

 

5. Concrete Systems

Using precast concrete panels for buildings offers time-saving and versatility options. Compared to other building components used in traditional building, concrete systems are heavier yet more durable and more aesthetically pleasant.

 

6. Modular Systems

These systems utilize all the prefab styles in creating a building. The modules are constructed in the factory then they are brought to the construction site where they are connected to an already constructed foundation.

It is good to learn more about prefab construction and modular house in Philippines for a deeper understanding on how it works. You may visit or contact Bahay Makabayan and their team if you need to know more about modular housing building in your area and read the different Modular FAQ’s before opting to buy or build your first modular homes.

Bahay Makabayan

(083) 225-3145
0942-361-5292
sales@bahaymakabayan.com

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5 Business Benefits of Designer Prefab Houses

The demand for designer prefab houses has been continually growing that it has created a massive shift in the real estate market. The expectations for the shipments of prefab homes are anticipated to skyrocket by 2020. This rise is mainly attributed to the benefits of prefab houses which are transportability, design options, world-class elegance, and energy efficiency.

Modern modular or designer prefab houses are more than functional, stylish, and very livable. Homeowners and real estate developers alike are looking into prefab houses in new perspectives where best benefits are reaped off.

Some Advantages of Prefab Constructions

Growing Demands

The trends for housing continue to change proportionally to its market demands. Housing developers are also always listening to the market determining what they need then ensure that they come up with the idea which is better than their competitor.

This massive rise on the prefab market has paved ways of opportunities for housing developers to decorate their portfolios.

Fast-paced Construction

The most important resource in housing operation is time. Project schedules always are the considerations for project costs. In some countries, the developers are required to pay home buyers an interest for the delays of the construction.

Compared to traditional houses, designer prefab houses do not have any weather-related constraints during construction. As they are manufactured in a controlled environment in a factory, there are fewer possibilities of delay due to weather or other aspects.

Less Surplus, Low Losses

In 2014, the record of houses which have been foreclosed was high. This remains one of the huge challenges for both developers and homeowners. Leveraging the increase in demand for prefab houses in Philippines can ensure the ROI for home developers and homeowners. The homeowners will see an increase in the value of their properties while home developers will see less of properties being distressed.

Flexibility

The cost of remodeling a house has gone through the roof and has been increasing every year.

One of the edges of designer prefab homes is that they allow for limitless possibilities for home remodeling. The flexible design of your home allows you multiple options and avenues for remodeling for lesser costs.

Design Status

The visions of many world-class architects are now widely realized in prefab homes. Before prefab houses were deemed not conducive to making a home, but the time has changed fast. The modern and stylish feel of the prefab houses have created a competition in the housing market where every individual is taking part in.

At present, famous architects and home designers have been vying for the more modern and sellable designs of prefab houses. If you want to look for more modern prefab home designs in Philippines, then you may visit Bahay Makabayan and inquire for the designs they offer.

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7 Benefits of Prefabricated Construction

Assembling various components of a certain structure in a site then transporting them to the location of jobsite is what prefabricated construction is. This technique has become so popular because of its flexibility on budgets. Numerous benefits have also been realized in using this method. Advantages also present for customers and businesses alike.

Top Benefits of Prefabricated Construction

Eco-friendly

Since the sub-assemblies of the prefabricated houses are construction in a factory, the waste materials are recycled thus lessening the waste to be directly thrown in the landfill. Also, the walls of the prefab houses are constructed in a controlled site which allows the developers to ensure that the walls are energy-efficient. Installation of the insulation of the walls is also better when done not on site, which also added to the energy-efficiency of the walls.

Cost Savings

The common misconception on the construction of prefab houses is that they are extremely expensive. Actually, modular approach to the construction of the houses will have more flexibility to the budget of the homeowner which maximizes the most affordable option in his/her price range. Also, the manufacturers receive discounts to the bulk order of materials and in turn will have an effect to the decrease of the cost shouldered by homeowners.

Flexibility

The opportunities which the prefab houses create is uncountable. Since the modules can be assembled and disassembled in location sites, they posit numerous opportunities for design flexibility. Furthermore, the homeowners will also have various choices on designs and aesthetics of the house as prefab houses can be customized in ways traditional homes can’t.

Dependable Qualities

Being manufactured in a factory, the modules of prefab houses follow very strict standards of prefabricated construction. The sub-assemblies need not to be made by a single manufacturer thus each of them needs to follow the designs and specifications of the modules so that they all fit together. Also, each component of the building which is constructed on the factory follows the local and state building codes.

No Time Delays

Since majority of the components are manufactured in a different site, there is no need for heavy machinery and equipment in the actual location site. With this, there is less cause for delays which the traditional site encounters and that is one of the great advantage of prefabricated construction. While boosting productivity, this method also streamlines the approach to constructing the house.

Shorter Time for Construction

In most cases, the prefab houses in Philippines are done with less than half the time it would take for the traditional house to finish. Because of efficient planning and minimal to no subcontractor scheduling conflicts, shorter construction time is practical not only to homeowners but to the developers mostly.

Safety

One of the most difficult challenges every construction site faces is wetness or moisture. In a controlled environment where prefab materials are manufactures, this issue can be eliminated. The construction will not have to stop because of bad weather and such.

Also the materials will not be exposed to moisture due to rain or snow. Furthermore, no accidents can be associated with workplace hazards caused by water or moisture due to rain. If you like to know more about prefabricated construction then you may visit www.bahaymakabayan.com and ask for information.

Bahay Makabayan
Upper Matin-ao
Polomolok, South Cotabato
Contact Information : (083) 225-3145
0942-361-5292
Email : sales@bahaymakabayan.com

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Choosing the Right Siding for Your Home

The exterior of your home is as important in determining its value. The siding of your house greatly affects the aesthetics of the exterior. Choosing the house siding is not an easy feat. Considering the right type of siding involves consideration of its durability, aesthetics, cost, and energy-efficiency, among others. The attributes to be considered are so immense the homeowner may be overwhelmed. Here are sample of the options one may come to choose:

Vinyl

Still a very popular choice among siding of homes, vinyl offers the unique blend of durability and affordability. Vinyl is not only available anymore in neutral tones. There are vinyl which comes with vivid colors should the homeowner prefer it. Insulated vinyl siding is also an option for a an energy-efficient siding.

Wood

Wood is also a very viable option despite the need for a regular maintenance of staining or repainting to avoid damage. You also need to ensure that they are not affected for any insect infestation in your home. When thoroughly maintained, they can last for a lifetime. What makes the wood a nice option is that it gives a natural vibe as a siding.

Fiber Cement Board

It gives a similar look to wood but it requires lesser maintenance but great durability. Pest infestation is not a problem with fiber cement board. The installation and warranty of the siding then depends on what the company can give you(see home designs customization). If you are very particular with the maintenance, the fiber cement board can be a great option aside from the comparatively lower cost, of course.

Brick

If the issue is durability, then the brick puts all issues to rest. Its popularity, despite being the old-fashion choice, is grounded to its unquestionable durability. Aside from the energy-efficient attribute, bricks also have a great sound-reduction property. The colors will not fade despite the direct exposure to sunlight but bricks are not waterproof thus need a membrane during the installation to protect the walls of the house. Brick can be expensive among the choices, but then again, it lasts the longest.

If you have a house design in your mind and want it to materialize, then contact Bahay Makabayan for professional advice regarding home designs and customization. They have expert people that can cater your needs.

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7 Home Design Mistakes You Could Be Doing

Altering the look of your space sure has it perks. But behind every perks are the struggles. Your decorations primarily depend on your tastes and preferences. Nevertheless, there are tricks and tips that can be useful to you to ensure that the results of your efforts are satisfyingly good.

1. Imitating too much

There are some people who are following every aspect of the designs from the catalogues inch-by-inch. It cannot be realistic all the time.

Making the book a guide is good but not everything must be as it is in the book. Consider the place you are working with as well as the colors you want to achieve. The size of the room you are working on must be considered to realize if the design you want to achieve is very doable.

 

2. Chaotic display of collectibles

Putting a personal touch in your design by displaying collectibles and whatnots is very advisable. However, make sure that you do not scatter them wherever in the house. Also, be mindful of the numbers of collectibles you display. They might be too much and would look like clutter.

As a general rule, private collectibles or objects should not be displayed on receiving areas or public spaces in your house. Identify these objects and, rather, display them in a more private room and space in your house.

 

3. Very many photos

It is also very common to display family photos to places which are easily seen by guests. But same with collectibles, these photos need to be limited. The more private photos need also to be displayed only at private spaces such as the bedroom.

Creating a gallery of photos to be displayed in public reception in the house is appropriate. Also, select photos which are rather formal and convey such.

 

4. A lot of kitchen utensils on countertop

The kitchen is arguably the busiest part of the house especially for a large family. Commonly, unattended kitchen tools and appliances sabotage the look of the kitchen.

Decluttering the kitchen involves the identifying which tools and appliance are used daily and which can be put to the cabinet away from the view. It will make room in your kitchen and can actually make it seem more spacious.

 

5. Pushing furniture against the wall

Lining bigger furniture against the wall may seem like you have saved spaces in your room. However, they may actually make the room uncomfortable and boxy.

The workaround this big furniture is determining the focal point of the room and designing the furniture around that. Placing a console table to the back of the sofa you don’t want seen is a great idea. Also you can place figures on top of that table.

 

6. Cramming furniture

Impulsively buying furniture is always not a good idea. First and foremost, consider the space in your house you want the furniture put into. The spaces in the mall where the furniture is displayed can be bigger and that can translate negatively in your house. Cramming the furniture will give you limited space to walk around the room.

Measuring the space in your living room is a brilliant start. Bringing a measuring tape when buying furniture will give you the exact measurement in relation to the space in your house. Also, consider mixing the sizes of your furniture by pithing smaller and bigger sizes in the mix.

7. Flooding pillows

Pillows are always propped on the sofa. There are times, however, where the sofa is flooded with unnecessary pillows. They take spaces which makes sitting on uncomfortable.

Comfort should always be a priority when designing. Choose a handful of pillow which will not suffocate your sofa. Also consider the color of the pillowcases which will blend with the color of your sofa. In decorating, always know when enough is reached and don’t make such mistake.

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