Prefabricated homes are gaining traction. Their shorter construction times and high-quality results often make them a preferred option over traditional building in certain situations. Because they generally cost less, price also plays a role in the decision. It’s worth noting the current price level for second-hand houses in Spain. According to the monthly sales price report from pisos.com, the rate was 1,951 euros per square meter in August 2022.
Whether traditional or prefab, land selection remains a crucial consideration. What should be evaluated beforehand when choosing to build or install a home? Although many people assume the decision is final, a prefabricated house typically reduces some land requirements. In most cases, the home is treated as real estate and the site must meet certain urban characteristics in addition to general topographical conditions.
The land where prefabricated houses will be built
In recent years, and especially since the pandemic, installing prefabricated homes has become a more common option. They allow housing to be placed in convenient locations at a lower price than traditional construction. However, most plots need to be on urban land, a factor that should be considered during selection and will influence the overall cost.
Legally, the land must be suitable for construction as long as the house is treated as real estate. Real estate encompasses all homes, including prefabricated ones, that are fixed to the ground through foundations and require public resources such as electricity, water, and plumbing. The only situation where a home could sit on rustic land is when a mobile, self-contained option is chosen.
If the structure is real estate and therefore buildable, the plot must meet certain requirements under the Technical Building Code and regional regulations: provision of electricity, potable water, lighting, proper drainage to the sanitary network, and access from paved roads, among others.
Within the General City Planning Plan, the municipality can be consulted for soil cataloging. The town-planning file reveals essential data about site-specific constraints on construction and what the land can offer, including buildable area, the number of units allowed, and setback requirements, among other details.
In addition to being real estate and compliant with zoning rules, obtaining the necessary permits and approvals is mandatory to install a manufactured home. The process mirrors conventional construction: a project, a topographic and geotechnical survey, a building permit application to the city council, and ultimately a first-use license.
Topographic features for the installation of a manufactured house
For a prefab home to be installed properly, the land must display certain topographic characteristics and align with the standards set by regulations. A geotechnical and topographic study becomes essential to determine soil type, water table, and the permissible bearing capacity of the land, among other factors.
Details such as the house’s dimensions and height may influence installability, so it is important to provide builders with complete information about the intended structure. Depending on the findings, a suitable foundation type will be selected.
Additionally, the terrain’s features can make installation more or less challenging and costly. The slope of the land stands out as a key factor: sloped lots may require leveling, driving up costs, while flat parcels can carry higher prices as a trade-off.