Prefabricated extensions
Add space and value with these super-quick solutions
While brick and block remains the preferred construction method for many homeowners who want to add extra living space to their property, off-site methods that involve some degree of factory prefabrication are growing in popularity as an alternative. Often, this type of addition will feature some form of timber or steel frame modular structure, which is pre-designed and manufactured under factorycontrolled conditions. Numerous options are available, ranging from smaller build components that are developed in a workshop and then assembled on site, to fully-finished pod-style structures that are craned into place. But how do you know which one is right for you?
The options
A range of pre-manufactured solutions are available, depending on the type of extension you want to create. “When it comes to selecting a construction system, be open minded; don’t approach your project with fixed ideas,” suggests Dan Marks, founding director at Mata Architects. “All options should be on the table from the early stages. As conversations about the design and the plot evolve in detail, various methods should be assessed against numerous factors – site logistics, design goals, costs etc – and determined for their suitability.”
Where a new prefab structure is attached to the existing house, precise measurements will be taken at the design stage to ensure the addition fits to the original building accurately. If the extension is to be formed from a different material to the existing dwelling, it’s likely that each one will expand/contract at a different rate, so a movement gap needs to be incorporated to accommodate any thermal movement or shrinkage that occurs over time. These are typically created using a stainless steel channel tie setup.
Quadrabuild develops fully-formed extension structures that are manufactured in the firm’s factory and dropped into position on site using a crane. “Our additions are designed to sit on top of our own unique piling system, Quadrapile,” says Trevor Staffron from Quadrabuild. “This foundation solution provides a concrete-free base and is instantly usable, allowing rapid on-site construction times.” Typically, the company’s extensions will be formed of a timber frame, SIPS (structural insulated panels), light gauge steel framing or heavy steel. “Internal and external finishes can be chosen by the homeowner,” says Trevor.
Offering both extensions and loft conversions, Moduloft provides tailor-made structures designed to your unique specifications. Each of the company’s systems comes complete with a roof, internal and external walls, and floorboards. “Our structures are made using W-shaped timber fink trusses and attic trusses. The modules are built from a number of those, fitted together with the floor, wall and external boarding components,” says Paul Thompson, purchasing and contracts manager at Moduloft.
Depending on the scale of the project, external finishes such as cladding or render can be applied in the factory, in addition to roof tiles. “The entire structure is put together in the factory and then craned into position on site,” says Paul. “If you’re doing an extension to the side of the house, for instance, we would clad that in the factory and drop it in, sealing it where it meets the wall. This type of structure would reach watertight stage in just one day.”
What are the advantages?
Homeowners going down the prefab route can expect much swifter construction times, as the extension can literally be lifted into position, fully finished, by crane. “A typical Quadrabuild project would be fully completed within a week on site,” says Trevor.
Of course, a swifter build speed comes with a raft of advantages, including less mess and noise on site –
potentially benefitting both you and your neighbours. “You don’t have to go through the palaver of your house being a building site for several months,” says Moduloft’s Paul. “For a fully finished loft structure, including a new roof, we can be on site for as little as three or four weeks. So you only have scaffolding in place for a short period, rather than months. It also means you don’t have to move out whilst construction is taking place, which could save you paying for a rental property for the duration of the works.”
Cost certainty is another potential benefit, as some design and build companies offer full quotations with a fixed price at the outset of the project. “A higher degree of accuracy can also be achieved in off-site conditions,” says Dan from Mata Architects. “Some highly engineered or precise, complex designs might require this.”
Key considerations
Access is one of the most important aspects to factor in if you’re thinking about going down the off-site route. “Transporting the modules to their destination requires meticulous planning, consents and approvals,” says Trevor from Quadrabuild. If road closure is required for the crane to access the site, for instance, you’ll need to seek permission from the local authority. “Crane sizing and access may determine the maximum size a module can be. For larger projects, however, modules can be joined together on site,” says Trevor.
When building with a Moduloft system, assessing how close the delivery crane can get to the house is a vital consideration at the start of the project. “If we can only get so close to the house that the crane will be at full rig while it’s lifting the extension structure, this will need to be factored in,” says Paul. “For example, a five-tonne module could be too great a load to lift by crane. In this case, we might opt to reduce the weight of the structure by leaving the roof tiles off. These can then be added once the loft is in position, meaning an extra two or three days on site.”
Cost is another key consideration, as you’re likely to pay a premium for factory manufacture and the luxury of a shorter time on site. However, this should be weighed up against the money you can potentially save on labour, plant hire and scaffolding (if you’re doing a loft or multistorey extension). “Including the initial meeting, surveys, architectural design, planning, engineering and design through to finished installation, a typical extension project might cost in the region of £2,000 per m2. This, of course, fluctuates depending on the size of the scheme, roof type and finishes,” says Trevor from Quadrabuild.