FAQ
General information
1. Your first move is to specify the location where you want to place the iHouse and set a financial framework within which you can move.
2. Complete all the bureaucratic procedures in order to obtain the documents that allow the installation of the iHouse in the location you have chosen.
3. iHouse makes the initial study and inform you on the total cost and the steps of the project. In the case of an agreement, you should sign a contract for the assignment of the project.
4. The next steps refer to the implementation of the plan and the various phases of the construction of the unit.
It is a fact that the standard structures usually have very low cost, but they come with a number of compromises on the characteristics and the quality of the final product.
iHouse focuses on humans, it provides a residence that offers comfort and quality of life, without making any concessions on the quality of materials and production methods used.
The iHouse is delivered fully equipped with high aesthetics and ready for habitation. From the kitchen all the way to the sheets, the towels and the toilet brush… all is in place, apart from your personal belongings.
The dimensions of the basic iHouse unit, are such that it can be easily trasnfered on a truck to any location, without requiring any special procedures.
iHouse offers a range of standard alternative designs of an iHouse unit, with infinite combinations, that can meet almost all of your wishes.
Even if you are looking for something more personal and specific, our production processes include the custom construction that you may ask for. Therefore there is always the possibility to request any changes you wish.
But you should keep in mind, that the custom orders usually lead to a small additional charge and an extrension of the delivery time.
As with all construction projects, the total expenses consist of the following parts:
Value of site + space construction costs (roads, earthworks, foundations, technical infrastructure networks, etc.) + price of the iHouse unit + iHouse transportation and installation costs.
However, the costs depend on your chosen location, the ease of access and also your own extra requirements.
At iHouse we will do our best in order to create the house of your dreams, at the best price.
- iHouse units, fully equipped are occasionally presented in exhibitions that have to do with construction matters. The time and venues of these exhibitions, where iHouse takes part, are communicated through this page and our social media pages.
Several iHouse units are available for rent, for a weekend getaway or for longer periods. This is a great way to enjoy the “iHouse experience”, before buying your own.
For more information contact us or visit the links below:
Most materials used to manufacture an iHouse are produced in different factories which belong to the structural applications company, named interSCALA.
For example, the wood used for the interior claddings, is produced by interSCALA floor, while the thermally modified timber that is used for the exterior claddings is produced by interSCALA, the interior and exterior frames re produced by interSCALA velko while the bathroom and kitchen furniture and all other furniture and equipments are produced by iTem unique.
The body of the unit is constructed in the iHouse factory, where all the raw matterials are gathered and assembled.
Anyone interested is welcome to the iHouse factory, and can tour the production spaces. If desired, you may arrange a visit to the separate production plants of the raw materials.
Yes, in the case of the iHouse being permanently installed on a foundation, it is necessary to issue a building permit.
In this case, the engineer who will undertake the issue of the building permit; he will receive the complete building design from iHouse, which will attach to the other documents.
The iHouse is based on the principles of sustainable design, such as the construction of small but fully functional homes.
With its philosophy, it actively contributes to the fight against excessive reconstruction and adds value to the modern and constructive lifestyle.
The iHouse is a totally ecological construction, mainly made of wood and other recyclable materials. The excellent insulation in combination with the wooden sliding doors, limit the energy requirements to a minimum.
The design of iHouse himself, prevents those who live in it unduly consume natural resources and energy.
All these combined with the use of renewable energy sources (solar panels, wind generators, geothermal energy, etc.), can reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions to a minimum.
iHouse is part of interSCALA, a structural applications company, and it is active in the construction of modern residential spaces. The experience, the industrial equipment and expertise of interSCALA, guarantee the high quality of iHouse products.
interSCALA has been a part of the market since 1964 and it is active in the construction of indoor stairs under the name interSCALA, in the construction of wooden frames under the name interSCALA velko, in the construction of wooden floors under the name interSCALA floor, in the production of wooden pellet under the name powerPELLET, in the production of handmade furniture, kitchen furniture and bathroom furniture under the name iTem unique and in the manufacturing of ecological houses under the name iHouse.
You can find our satisfied customers all across Europe and many other parts of the world.
On request, we are able to provide you with a list of our customers and suppliers list, who will be willing to inform you about our reliability.
About the location of the unit
Some things to consider about the location are the following:
1. The costs necessary to clean the area and properly prepare for the installation of the iHouse.
2. Foundation options: The installment of the iHouse can be done without issues on most types of foundations. But it is preferable, before proceeding with the foundation work, to discuss this matter with our technical department.
3. Access to networks: Although the iHouse can be completely autonomous, access to water supply networks, sewerage and electricity networks can be significantly useful.
4. Road access: The iHouse can be delivered in areas that are accessible by a large truck.
Also, an open space next to the installation location is required, for the installation and operation of the unloading crane.
A real estate agency may be of help to you in choosing the right location, an engineer may be needed for the appropriateness of the construction, while local residents can give you information about the general area.
Generally do not be “afraid” to ask questions! The more you ask, the more data will can gather on the location of your dream house.
The photographs and the topographical plans, can give a good picture of the work site, but an on-site visit allows us to directly interact with you and your land.
We produce an extensive research of the space and always guided by your desires, we can determine the details that will further highlight your house.
Usually yes. You should consult a structural engineer, who will inspect the existing house in order to determine its strength.
In old houses, there may need to be some support work done before the safe placement of an iHouse unit.
The iHouse weighs approximately 150 – 200Kgr per square meter. However, the weight varies depending on the design, its type and its furnishings.
The access stair, the connection with the water supply network, the sewerage network and the electronic network, are also factors that need to be considered.
The iHouse may be placed on a circumferential foundation, a foundation based on columns and a solid foundation (including a basement) without any issues.
It can even be placed on a platform on water!
Moreover, in its basic form it may also be put on adjustable precast concrete footings. The same pads can also be used in case of transporting the iHouse elsewhere.
Under some conditions, the iHouse can be placed on a floating platform.
Almost all your wishes can come true, but first they need to be discussed with us, in order to sort out the construction details.
Construction
No. There are many reasons why we recommend that you receive the iHouse entirely built by us.
The study made is the same, whether it is for the backbone, or for the entire iHouse. Therefore, the study cost is the same in both cases.
Note that there is a strict line of operations, such as the placement of claddings on the walls that require the placement of all electrical and plumbing installations.
There is also a special production line for the standard processes, within the factory, that makes them more efficient and competitive than any other third manufacturer.
The iHouse philosophy is not to deliver a house with four walls. We study and deliver a house ready for use, including everything the owner needs.
And finally, in order to be in a position to guarantee the quality of the final product, all work on the iHouse has to be done by us.
Each iHouse is delivered fully equipped. It features integrated electrical, hydraulic and sewerage system, floors and interior and exterior wall claddings.
It also includes a fully equipped bathroom, doors and sliding doors, a kitchen and a balcony.
Particular attention has been paid to the details of the furnishings, the chairs, the table, the bed, the wardrobes, that are all made of solid wood.
Of course the iHouse does not lack of the necessary electrical appliances such as the ceramic hob, the fridge, the TV and the AC.
The specially designed LED lighting, will give you plenty of light where you need it and a warm atmosphere throughout the house.
Finally you will not need to worry for the smallest detail. In the iHouse you will find from sheets and towels to the caseyou’re your toothbrushes!
All you need is your personal belongings.
Yes! In the relevant section you can find the appliances that we recommend.
There is always the possibility to choose your preferred devices, but depending on their size, they may likely require a special design to be incorporated in the iHouse structure. This could mean extra costs, and also less usable space.
The iHouse is actually stronger than a building built based on the conventional methods. In order to withstand the pressure from winds and other weather phenomena, all corners of the frame, all doors and sliding doors are reinforced and the floor and the subfloor are embedded within.
In all versions (even the wooden), the exterior claddings are designed to withstand both sunlight and bad weather.
Your iHouse will “live” the same or more than any other building with the known building methods… especially since we assume that it will enjoy your care!
The roof may look flat, but it has a 3% inclination. It is well insulated with EPDM membranes (rubber that provides very good resistance to weather conditions) for absolute water insulation.
A unique aspect of the iHouse is its balcony. It is a closed balcony, in front of the large window of the iHouse.
In its basic form the iHouse has a balcony of 12m2, which can easily be converted into a main living space, increasing the usable residential space from 27m2 to 39m2 per unit.
The next standard width is 5,10m and it is a synthesis of two basic iHouse units.
For structures with different dimensions, contact us to discuss their implementation capabilities.
The iHouse has an on-the-wall AC, which, in most cases, is enough.
For areas with low temperatures, it is also possible to install a wall-mounted pellet stove, which offers high-quality heating and requires minimal power consumption. If the unit is used as an autonomous residence, the pellet stove can operate with batteries, without requiring connection to an external power supply.
Depending on the climate in your area, you can install a heat pump or a boiler/burner in combination with underfloor heating, but also plain wood stoves or anything you wish.
On your request, we will arrange for the installation of the required pipes for the heating system or the air conditioning you choose.
The iHouse is offered with 2 standard claddings, in order to easily fit in any environment.
1. Wood: iHouse dared to do it! Wooden exterior claddings for the housing unit. As for the durability, it is guaranteed, since the wood used for the claddings has been through a special thermowood heat treatment, entirely ecological, which makes it immune to weather conditions.
2. Facade: The famous facade offers insulation, durability and a sight of plastered and painted in any wall color.
Any other type of cladding, will be made upon request and will be included in the specific requirements.
Certainly, we can design a garage to accompany your home. It can be open or closed, with the same cladding as the rest of your iHouse unit.
The construction of the garage is an additional requirement, which is priced and charged separately.
The placement of an iHouse unit on a garage roof is a good idea that saves space. It is possible, only if requested from the start, before the iHouse’s study.
When several iHouse units are manufactured simultaneously, there are better work management capabilities, that result in reduced production costs.
The cost difference is translated in the final price which benefits the customer.
Because each case is different and unique, please contact us for more details.
Delivery
The iHouse units can be delivered across Europe. The only limitation is that the installation location needs to be accessible by a large truck, and there needs to be an open space around it so that the crane can be placed at.
Practically, iHouse units can be delivered anywhere in the world, but in this case the transportation costs will be reconsidered, according to the international trade agreements.
Contact us and we will produce the relevant research, depending on your country in order to calculate the transport costs.
Generally, its transportation from the factory costs approximately 3-5€ per kilometer.
This amount includes the cost of transportation and the different circulation fees.
These costs can be altered due to various causes, such as fluctuations in fuel prices, weather conditions, etc.
The delivery is limited to one unit per truck, so two iHouse units require twice the transportation costs.
It requires a road with a minimum width of 5m for a loaded truck. Generally, if large trucks have no issues reaching your area, then our truck will have no problem too.
The crane that be used to unload the iHouse, should be able to lift and carry to a distance of 10m, a load of 9 tons. Overall, the crane requires an area with a diameter of at least 10m, in order to stand.
The ground must be stable enough, to support the weight of the loaded crane.
The cost of a crane varies from region to region, but generally is billed by the hour.
For more information, look for similar crane services in your area.
The design and construction of a basic iHouse unit lasts approximately 3-4 months, from the signing of the contract.
The delivery time may be extended if there are special requirements added to the construction.