Modern houses are more durable as they are made using strong materials like stones, cement, bricks, metal, and concrete hence making them permanent.
Examples of modern houses include:
- Bungalow
- Mainsonette
- Flats or Apartments
Bungalow
A house where all rooms and facilities are constructed on the ground floor. Comes in different shapes like L-shaped, U-shaped and rectangular shaped.
House where different areas are constructed on two or more floors hence occupying less ground. Different floors are connected by stairs.
Flats or apartments
Housing units where one complete house is built on top of another. The compound is a common ground floor shared by all. There are three ways of providing family shelter.
These are:
- Renting a house
- Building a house
- Buying an already built house
Advantages of building a house
One is able to:
- Build according to taste and specifications that meet the family needs and values. Rent it out and enerate income.
- Have an investment for future.
- Have a feeling of permanence and stability.
- Use it as security for loans.
- Alter and renovate it.
- Choose the type of materials to use.
Disadvantages of building a house
- Expensive
- If expertise is lacking the quality of work may be sub-standard.
- It is involving and time consuming.
Advantages of buying a house
- The house is available for occupation as soon as the transactions are complete.
- One can choose a location that he/she likes.
- One can select a house design that best meets his/her family requirements.
- One can use it to secure loans.
- Expensive if bought through mortgage.
- If mortgage is not completely paid, the house can be repossessed.
- A house already built may not meet all the family requirements.
Advantages of Renting a House
- The owner is responsible for maintenance.
- The tenant rents a house that suits the income and family size.
- The tenant may vacate the house at will.
- The tenant chooses a desired location. For example, near social amenities or place of work.
- Renting is expensive in the long run.
- One lacks a sense of permanent land ownership.
- The owner may decide to increase the rent.
- One cannot modify the house to suit his/her liking.
- Repairs may not be done on time as required.
Factors determining the building a House
- Family Size
The house should take care of family members as well as different sexes and ages. This factor is considered for all the methods.
- Cost
Choose a house within your means. One that you can afford.
- Social Amenities
A house should be in close proximity to social amenities.
- Security
Ensure a safe locality and hazardous free zones far from factories, industries, airport and sewages for health reasons.
- Construction
Quality of material used in building the house should be durable. Workmanship should be of high quality.
- Type of Soil
The type of soil affects the cost of building e.g. black cotton soil is most difficult to manage and hence increases the cost
- Drainage
The site should be well drained to avoid flooding which leads to dampness, pests and damage to property.
- Orientation
The positioning of the house in relation to the sun and direction of wind should be considered.
- Ownership
Ensure you are the legal owner of plot/land /house and that all legal requirements are taken care of.