If one has a specific vision for how they want their new home to look, exploring the conventional real estate market might not be helpful. After all, it is not as easy to find a fully built home that fits one’s requirements. In such cases, two options to consider are either stick-built homes or prefabricated homes. The latter is a modern option that is more beneficial than traditional stick-built homes.
What are prefabricated homes?
A modern prefabricated home, or prefab home, is a house that is built in a factory, then transported to the site, and installed. Prefab homes can either be built entirely before installation on the site, or in parts, which are then assembled. As would be evident, the main aspect in which prefab homes differ from stick-built homes is that the latter are built on the site from scratch. With prefab homes, homeowners also have the option of ordering prefabricated parts and then assembling those by themselves.
Advantages of prefab homes
Can be built quickly
When one thinks of getting their house built from scratch, it is natural to expect the construction to take a year or maybe longer. This would be true in the case of most stick-built homes since they are built piece-by-piece, on site. But such is not the case with modern prefab homes. The prefabricated sections of these homes are built off-site, generally in a factory, and then assembled on site. This eliminates issues that would hinder the on-site construction, such as bad weather. The only on-site activity needed with prefab homes is the installation and assembly of the sections. Consequently, these homes take a lot less time, usually just a third of stick-built homes. So, if a stick-built home of a certain size would take about 12 months to complete, the same home, with prefabrication, could be completed in just four months.
Affordable
One of the biggest advantages of prefab homes is that they are a lot more affordable than stick-built homes. The main factor that reduces the price of prefab homes compared to stick-built homes is that the former requires a lot less labor. Plus, once the assembly is complete, a prefab home is ready for move-in.
Easily customizable
With prefab homes, individuals can request any kind of customization as per their liking and requirements. Regardless of whether they want the house to have a classic design, a modern one, or a minimalist one, any kind of customization would be achievable. Not only in terms of the design but a prefabricated duplex or home can also have a custom layout based on one’s imagination.
Energy efficient
Prefab homes are also renowned for being highly energy efficient. The way these homes are built, with their walls tightly attached, barely leaves any gap for the heat to escape. This significantly reduces the energy consumption and bills. Along with that, prefab homes are also equipped with energy-efficient appliances, which further contributes to their efficiency.
Eco-friendly
When prefab homes are built, there is barely any waste produced. Even the waste that is produced, is then recycled by the factory for future use. This makes prefab homes an environmentally friendly option.
Types
Prefab homes are available in various types, which mainly differ based on the method of construction or their design.
Modular
These prefab homes are constructed in the form of individual modules, which are like boxes, in a factory. These completely constructed and finished modules are then transported on flatbed trucks to the site, where they are then assembled with cranes. The modules of these prefab homes are usually complete with all the elements, such as built-in kitchen sinks, flooring, etc.
Panelized
Unlike modular prefab homes, parts of these homes are built in the form of panels, such as walls or parts of walls. These panels are then transported to the site, similar to the modules, and assembled. A lot of times, panels are built with the key elements, such as doors and windows, already in place.
Kit houses
In the case of precut homes, or kit houses, the different parts and sections of the house, such as the roof, walls, etc., are made in the factory. These parts are then shipped to the homeowner, who can assemble them by themselves or hire a contractor to do so.
Villas
Those who are looking for more premium options or a luxury prefabricated modern home can consider a prefab villa. Since villas are built on a bigger scale, they would require more parts and would cost more. A great thing about prefab villas is that homeowners can add new rooms to them if and when required.
Container homes
Among the different prefab homes, the most affordable option is container homes, which are constructed using recycled or repurposed shipping containers. For a bigger space, one can also consider building a home using more than one container.
Finally, even though prefab homes are not exactly like traditional homes, they are still built on a foundation that is laid into the ground. So, before purchasing a home, one would first need to purchase land on which the house will be built. So, one must include land prices into their budget if one does not own land already. Also, despite being unconventional types of housing, prefab homes also need to follow the local rules and regulations set for properties and houses.