Modular is a happening word. Almost all of us, when we go out to get our interiors done, look for modular kitchens and modular wardrobes. But note that the reasons you are looking for modular might not be the same as reality. Here are some myths about modular interiors that you need to know.
A decent modular fitout including a modular kitchen and 3 big 4 door wardrobes with lofts, a shoe rack and a simple TV unit for a 3BHK should not set you back by more than 4.5-5 lakhs. And this INCLUDES BWP in kitchen and MR plywood in bedrooms, high gloss as well as textured laminates from good brands like Merino or Century, German hardware fittings from Hettich and the entire thing completed in modular finish from factory.
You might have a wonderful, luxurious home or a simple flat, the cost will obviously not change. There are brands which charge a lot more than this. There is no point in paying for that.
We suggest spending the rest of your budget on glamorizing your home or possibly opt for better finishes.
This is possibly one of the most common myths surrounding modular furniture. In fact, the exact opposite is true. Modular fittings can only be 90 degrees at the joints. Walls in apartments need not be. They could be 89 or 91 though usually variations are bigger than this. In addition, while measurements are always taken in mm, some margin for error is always incorporated. Its frankly easier to fit a smaller thing in a larger space than a larger thing in a smaller space. Hence you will always have “dummies” or a more glamorous word called “fillers” in sides or near ceiling. That wastes space and does not save it.
In addition, modular boxes are ideally made separately and joined together (or at least that’s how they should be made). Again, you waste space equal to the thickness of plywood multiplied by number of boxes.
Modular is so much more than just the finishing. There are instances where people have been told that framework will be done on-site and shutters in a factory so that they are “modular”. Believe us when we say this that if we have a factory, we will definitely prefer to do everything in it. That saves us a lot of money in terms of manpower and time with less hassles of traveling to site every day as well. In such a case, its one of two things that you will be facing.
If this is why you are opting for modular, then think again. Modular fittings evolved in Europe and USA for one simple reason. They could be changed frequently. And since cost of wood was expensive compared to particle board, it made more sense for them to made boxes which will last 4-5 years and then replace them. The more expensive stuff was done in hard wood and in non modular fashion.
Modular fittings can only use laminates for basic and acrylic sheets for a more premium glossy look. Membranes tear up and are not recommended for homes. There are many designs which a typical modular fitting cannot execute. In fact, a common word used by interior industry professionals for modular fittings is “dabba” which typically means a box and nothing else.
A lot of people are qualified and have experience to fit modular panels. That is different from being able to do modular work. Even in that case, both skill and experience is needed to ensure how much tight is tight and where the mini-fixes need to go as well as which panels end up in which area.
Coming to modular work, a factory needs an investment of a minimum of 1 crore for good non-Chinese machines. This is excluding things like land, shed, electrical connections etc which could easily triple the cost. Cheaper machines are possible but they beat the whole logic of using machines to give good finishes. An edge banding machine which shifts in alignment again and again will result in uneven edges. A panel saw which can sometimes vibrate will result in chipping of laminates as well as uneven cuts. These are just a couple of examples.
There will be numerous people who will come to suggest that whatever we say above is wrong. We do recommend speaking with friends and family about there experiences before deciding what you want with your home.
