For those unfamiliar with the residential park home sector, there can be some misconceptions about the robustness of a park home’s construction. The development of park homes has progressed enormously over recent decades, and with that, so has their quality, security and energy efficiency.
In this article, we explore the construction process of park homes to help you gain a better understand of what to expect from start to finish.
What Park Homes Are Made From
Park homes today are constructed to BS3632 regulations using a combination of steel framework, timber elements, and high-quality insulation materials such as fibreglass. Static caravans use similar base materials, but built to the less stringent EN1647 regulations. Their lower quality build, particularly when it comes to insulation, is what makes them suitable only for holiday use.
The exterior finish of park homes typically features quality cladding materials. CanExel cladding, made from composite timber, remains a popular choice among manufacturers, although there are many other alternatives. At Parklands, we opt for the painted stucco finish, but some of the homes here are a hybrid of both. For roofing, manufacturers typically use lightweight tiles that provide durability without compromising the structural load. EPDM rubber roofing is also another commonly used alternative.
An Overview of the Construction Process
The manufacturing of a park home begins with the chassis, which forms the structural foundation and core strength of the entire home. While these homes become permanent structures once installed, axles and wheels are initially attached to the chassis. During delivery and installation, the wheels help manoeuvre the unit into position on its designated plot.
Park homes can be delivered as one piece, providing they have a width no more than 13’. At Parklands, all of the park homes sited here are at least 20’ in width, which means that they’re delivered as two separate units and are manoeuvred and clamped together into the correct position when they’re sited on their designated plot. The plot itself is made using reinforced concrete and utilities are prepared for the plot, ready for the home to be connected to. When the home is in position, it is then elevated using jacks, so that the wheels no longer have contact with the ground
An electrician and plumber will then need to connect the unit to the utilities and certify their completion and safety. Once connected, finishing touches will often be added, including brick skirt to hide what lies beneath the park home, steps leading to the doorways and iron wrought railings leading up the steps.
How Long Do Park Homes Take To Build?
The time from ordering a home to it being ready to move into is dependent on the volume of orders at any given time with a particular manufacturer. The quickest one can expect a home to be built from scratch is one month, but two or three months is not unusual at the time of writing (16-12-2024).
If one orders an ‘off the shelf’ home, then these tend to be built quicker than one that is entirely bespoke. At the time when the home is complete at the factory, it then needs to be delivered and sited at the designated park and plot. For the fastest turnaround, show homes may be available for purchase, which are already fully constructed and ready for immediate occupation on site.
Get A Park Home Constructed at Parklands
Considering moving to a park home? We urge you to come and visit us at Parklands of Lincoln, a small retirement village in Lincoln, Lincolnshire. With everything you need right on your doorstep, it is the perfect place for retirement.
We work with many leading manufacturers to provide you with the perfect new home on our site, in a position of your choice, constructed to your exact requirements. To learn more about our luxury park homes, get in touch with us today.
