During the past week, while recovering from COVID-19, the concept of Tiny Houses emerged while watching various videos. This type of home seems particularly suitable for the current needs of many people in Thailand. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, finding skilled, reliable, and trustworthy contractors has become increasingly challenging. Delving into the root causes of this issue would be a long discussion. Instead, let’s focus on tiny houses in this space.
When discussing Tiny Houses, most Thai people refer to them as “Knockdown Houses.” However, internationally, they are known as prefab houses or modular houses. This style of home is especially suitable for Thai people now for several reasons, including:
- Home Extensions: Thai people often want to extend their homes, especially those with some available land. However, finding contractors for extensions can be a hassle. Consequently, prefabricated homes or container houses have become popular alternatives for home extensions. This trend has grown significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, as people needed to quarantine separately. The need for separate workspaces for those working from home or selling goods online has also driven interest in prefabricated homes.
- Land Prices: Land prices have soared, and property taxes have increased. If land is not utilized or left vacant, it incurs heavy taxes. Thus, some people plant crops or set up prefabricated homes to make the land appear occupied, reducing the tax burden. Registering these homes with local authorities also converts the land into residential property.
- Contractor Issues: Finding reliable contractors is a major concern. Delays and budget overruns are common problems with traditional construction. Prefabricated homes, on the other hand, are manufactured and assembled quickly, avoiding these issues. Options range from small to large homes.
These factors explain the rise of prefabricated construction in Thailand. Additionally, the rapid construction of modular hospitals in Wuhan during the COVID-19 outbreak shifted Thai consumers’ perceptions towards prefabricated buildings. More homeowners are now open to the idea of prefabricated homes.
FAQs about modular houses: Many people ask if modular houses are durable. Prefabricated homes have been used in Europe and America for over a century due to high labor costs and the need for quick construction. Durability depends on the materials used. Standard homes can last decades, while large buildings require more durable materials. Prefabricated buildings in Europe and America can reach up to 50 stories, demonstrating their robustness.
Thai Prefabricated Homes: Local knockdown houses are reasonably durable, but very cheap options might lack longevity. Standard construction costs around 15,000 THB per square meter. If a prefabricated home costs significantly less, it may not be very durable. Container homes, repurposed for living, also need significant investment to meet residential standards, averaging around 15,000 THB per square meter.
Overall, prefabricated homes offer faster construction and clear budget control. Quality usually aligns with price. For small extensions, traditional construction takes at least 1.5 to 2 months, while modular homes can be set up in just 2–3 days. The time savings are substantial.
In the near future, showrooms for high-quality prefabricated homes might be seen, offering consumers new options for purchasing homes. This will benefit those looking for new types of housing.
Written by: Surasak Wattanachindawong
Managing Director of ME DESIGN AND CO., LTD.
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