Building on farms and acreage: Why choose modular over volume builders?
September 26, 2024
Alana McNab
Building a home on a farm or acreage offers a unique opportunity to create a sanctuary that fully embraces the natural beauty of expansive landscapes. However, the challenges of building a new home with traditional construction methods in these settings can be quite different from building in a suburban neighborhood.
When considering your options, it’s key to understand the differences between modular homes and those built by volume builders. At Anchor Homes, we specialise in modular construction, providing a tailored approach that’s particularly well-suited for rural and large properties.
Building on Farms & Acreage
Have you thought about building a new home on a large block, like a farm or acreage? There are distinct benefits to building in these environments. Here are a few key advantages:
1. Space + Privacy
One of the most significant benefits of building on a farm or acreage is the abundance of space and privacy. Unlike suburban lots, acreage allows you to design a home that’s perfectly positioned within the landscape, offering stunning views, natural light, and complete seclusion from neighbours.
2. Customisation + Flexibility
With a larger plot of land, you have the flexibility to design a home that meets your specific needs. Whether it’s adding a guest house, a large shed, or even an expansive outdoor entertainment area, building on acreage provides the opportunity to create a property that’s truly your own.
3. Connection To Nature
Living on a farm or acreage allows you to be deeply connected to nature. Your home can be designed to take full advantage of the surrounding environment, with features like large windows, outdoor living spaces, and sustainable energy solutions that reduce your carbon footprint.
Modular Homes vs. Volume Builds
When building on rural land, it's essential to choose the approach that fits your property and requirements. While both modular homes and volume builds can work on farms and acreages, modular homes are often better suited to the unique challenges of these locations. Here’s a look at the key differences...
1. Tailored Designs vs. Standard Plans
Volume builders often rely on standard designs that may not be well-suited for rural properties. These homes are typically designed for suburban lots and may not take full advantage of the unique aspects of your land. In contrast, modular homes from Anchor Homes are fully customisable, allowing you to design a home that complements the landscape and meets your specific needs.
2. Efficient Construction Process
Building in remote areas can present logistical challenges, including access to materials and labour. Volume builders may struggle with these challenges, leading to delays and increased costs. Modular construction offers a solution by prefabricating the modules in a controlled factory environment. This approach ensures that your home is built to the highest standards and delivered to your site in a timely manner.
3. Minimal Land Disruption
Volume builders often require extensive site preparation, which can be disruptive to the natural landscape. Modular homes, on the other hand, typically require less site work and can be installed with minimal impact on the surrounding environment. This is particularly important on farms and acreage, where preserving the natural beauty of the land is a top priority.
Why Modular is Ideal for Farms and Acreage
Modular homes offer a compelling solution for those looking to build on farms and acreage. With their customisable designs, efficient construction processes, and minimal environmental impact, modular homes are uniquely suited to meet the diverse needs of rural living. Let’s explore why these homes are the ideal choice for expansive properties.
1. Designed for Rural Living
Modular homes can be specifically designed for rural living, incorporating features that enhance your connection to the land. From large, open-plan living areas to expansive decks that overlook the countryside, modular homes can be tailored to suit the unique lifestyle that comes with living on acreage.
2. Faster Build Times
The efficiency of modular construction means that your home can be built and ready for occupancy much faster than with traditional on-site construction methods. This is especially beneficial in rural areas, where weather conditions and logistical challenges can cause delays in conventional builds.
3. Sustainability
Modular homes represent a more sustainable building option than most traditional constructions, primarily due to the quality control embedded in the factory construction process. This is particularly crucial for farms and acreages, where sustainable living and self-sufficiency are often top priorities.
Here are some key sustainability benefits of building a modular home:
- Less Material Waste: Modular construction uses precise manufacturing processes, reducing excess material waste compared to on-site building.
- Reduced Carbon Footprint: Since modular homes are built in factories, transportation to the site is minimised, cutting down on emissions from multiple deliveries of materials.
- Faster Build Time: Shorter construction time reduces the environmental impact associated with long-term use of heavy machinery and on-site activities.
- Controlled Factory Environment: Building in a controlled environment leads to improved quality control and energy-efficient practices compared to traditional outdoor construction.
- Smaller Site Disruption: Modular homes cause less disturbance to the land and ecosystem, as construction happens off-site, reducing noise pollution and habitat damage.
- Design Flexibility for Sustainability: Modular homes can easily incorporate solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and energy-efficient appliances from the start.
- Off-Grid Capability: Modular homes can be seamlessly designed for off-grid use, and we’re here to guide you through the process—something many of our clients are excited to pursue.
- Energy Efficiency: At Anchor Homes, we ensure your new home meets the mandatory 7-star energy rating, and clients can request enhancements to improve this rating even further to suit their preferences.
Making the Right Choice
Building on farms and acreage is a unique opportunity to create a home that’s perfectly in tune with its surroundings. By choosing a modular home from Anchor Homes, you’ll benefit from a tailored design, efficient construction process, and a cost-effective solution that’s ideally suited for rural living.
Whether you’re looking to build a family home, a weekend retreat, or a self-sustaining farmstead, our modular homes provide the perfect blend of style, functionality, and sustainability.
Over To You
If you’re keen to kickstart your new home project, we’d love to help. Talk to our expert team or book a time to visit our display homes and take the first step towards making your dream home happen!
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