Build Boarding Houses on Low Budget Using Modular Buildings

Building boarding houses often requires a large amount of capital, reaching up to around IDR 900 million. Knowing this, many people hesitate to proceed once they realize how high the construction costs can be. Even when financed through loans, the large investment poses a risk to cash flow, which can lead to credit payment delays if the property fails to attract enough tenants.

To avoid this, minimizing construction costs becomes a key strategy to shorten the investment payback period. Fortunately, modular buildings offer a cost-efficient solution to build boarding houses.

So, what exactly is a modular building? A modular building is a type of prefabricated construction built using a knock-down method, where building components are manufactured separately and then assembled into a complete structure.

The construction process for modular buildings is much faster compared to conventional buildings. In fact, a single modular unit can be completed in less than one day.

If you’ve ever heard about how China built hospitals in record time during the Covid-19 pandemic, that was possible because they adopted modular prefabricated construction. The modular hospitals built in China were capable of accommodating up to 1,000 patients.

Although classified as semi-permanent, modular buildings are strong and durable. Their structure is made of stainless steel frames, making them sturdy enough to support two or even three floors.

This modular concept is ideal for those who want to build boarding houses quickly without spending excessively. To get a modular building unit, you can reach out to Tradecorp.

Since 2014, Tradecorp has supported various business operations and field projects by providing shipping containers, offshore DNV containers, ISO tank containers, modified containers, modular prefabricated buildings, and RapidFrame construction.

Tradecorp has also contributed to several large-scale projects, such as constructing mining accommodation facilities in Sumatra and Kalimantan, supplying infrastructure for the 2018 Asian Games, and supporting the Formula E Jakarta event.

Curious to learn more about modular buildings for your boarding house project? Let’s explore further in the following sections.

Daftar isi

1 Modular Building Models to Build Boarding Houses
2
3 Comparison Between Modular Boarding Houses and Conventional Boarding Houses
4 Specifications and Materials of Modular Buildings
5 Key Factors that Determine the Cost of Building Modular Boarding Houses
6 Do Modular Buildings Require a Building Permit?
7 Are Modular Buildings Earthquake Resistant?
8 Are Modular Buildings Hot?
9 Check the Cost to Build Modular Boarding Houses at Tradecorp

Modular Building Models to Build Boarding Houses

Comparison Between Modular Boarding Houses and Conventional Boarding Houses

Modular Boarding Houses	Conventional Boarding Houses
The building components are manufactured in factories under strict quality control, resulting in more consistent and faster construction outcomes.	The entire construction process, from raw materials to structural assembly, is carried out on-site, making it prone to delays due to weather or field conditions. Construction time also tends to be longer.
More cost-efficient thanks to optimized material use, fewer on-site workers, and minimal construction waste.	Requires higher costs due to uncontrolled material usage, a larger workforce, and greater material wastage on-site.
Modular units can be dismantled and relocated to another location, making them suitable for temporary housing or areas with changing site needs.	Permanent and non-relocatable. If relocation is needed, reconstruction must start from scratch.
Uses eco-friendly materials such as lightweight steel frames and recyclable insulated panels. The factory-based process also produces less waste and minimizes environmental disruption.	On-site construction produces more waste, noise, and environmental disturbance.
Manufactured in standardized factory environments that ensure precision and consistent quality. The risk of worksite accidents is also lower since most work is done in a controlled indoor setting.	Building quality heavily depends on weather conditions and on-site labor skills, with higher risks of construction-related accidents.

Specifications and Materials of Modular Buildings

Component	Material	Durability
Ceiling	Corrugated iron zincalume	Resistant to rust and extreme weather while offering long service life
Wall	EPS sandwich panel, Rockwool, GRC	Functions as both thermal and acoustic insulation, minimizing heat and noise within the interior space
Floor	GRC laminated board, Vinyl SPC, Waterproof plywood, fiber cement board, PVC vinyl floor finishing	Moisture-resistant, anti-slip, easy to clean, and strong enough to support heavy loads
Column, Beam, and Corner Fitting	Corrosion-resistant lightweight steel	Strong, rustproof, earthquake-resistant, and stable under temperature and weather variations

Key Factors that Determine the Cost of Building Modular Boarding Houses

When you build boarding houses using modular construction, the overall cost can vary depending on several influencing factors. The main factors that determine the total cost include the size, design, materials, and installation location.

1. Building Size

The more rooms you plan to build, the larger the modular boarding house will be. In other words, the number of modular units required will correspond to the number of rooms. Additional units may also be needed for bathrooms, kitchens, laundry areas, or storage rooms if necessary.

While a larger number of rooms naturally increases the number of modules required and the overall cost, modular boarding houses still tend to be more affordable compared to conventional boarding houses.

2. Design and Layout

Design complexity is one of the main cost determinants. A single-story design is generally more economical than a two- or three-story layout that includes external staircases or additional structural elements.

3. Materials Used

Material selection significantly impacts the final cost of modular buildings. The use of stainless steel frames, the type of insulation installed, and the flooring materials all influence pricing. Choosing premium materials with higher insulation capacity or more luxurious interior finishes will naturally increase the total cost.

4. Installation Location

Location plays a crucial role in determining cost efficiency. Sites with good transport accessibility will incur lower logistical expenses compared to remote locations requiring special delivery arrangements. Additionally, land conditions that require leveling or extra foundation work can further affect the total construction cost.

Do Modular Buildings Require a Building Permit?

Not necessarily, if you build boarding houses with a single-story design, a building permit is generally not required. However, for multi-story structures, a building permit is needed since the construction involves deeper foundations or reinforced footing systems such as pile or pad foundations.

Are Modular Buildings Earthquake Resistant?

Yes, modular buildings are resistant to earthquakes because their design and materials are engineered to absorb seismic vibrations. In addition, the overall weight of modular components is lighter compared to conventional structures, which helps reduce the impact of ground movement.

Are Modular Buildings Hot?

Modular buildings, which feature sandwich panel components, are equipped with insulation that effectively minimizes excessive heat from outside, helping to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.

Check the Cost to Build Modular Boarding Houses at Tradecorp

If you plan to build boarding houses using a modular concept, Tradecorp can be the ideal partner to help bring your project to life. Each project is tailored to your needs, from the number of rooms and total building area to additional facilities such as shared kitchens or laundry areas.

Tradecorp provides modular buildings made with premium steel structures, insulated walls that maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, and durable, moisture-resistant flooring. Every unit is produced in a factory under strict quality control standards to ensure precision and can be installed on-site in a short timeframe.

The estimated cost to build boarding houses with modular construction from Tradecorp depends on factors such as size, design, materials, and installation location. With an experienced professional team, Tradecorp is ready to assist you in calculating your budget transparently and offering the best design solutions to suit your project plan.

To get a detailed cost estimate, you can contact the Tradecorp team and discuss your project specifications directly. Simply fill out the online form available on the website https://kontainerindonesia.co.id/en/ and our team will get in touch with you.