Traditionally, the mud and grass were the basic types of building materials in Kenya.
Mud was used for filling the spaces between bricks and acted as a concrete and insulation, while grass was used as a roofing material.
Wood was also a common building material among the wealthier members of the society. Even though wooden buildings are still common, they have greatly reduced in number, with most people opting for concrete structures.
Concrete is a composite building material made of aggregate and cement. It is ideal for all types of construction projects.
Today, new types of construction materials are being used, including metals (for the structural framework of larger buildings), asbestos, plastics and fabrics.
Most of these high-quality building materials are quite expensive and this has prompted material manufacturers to embrace the use of prefabricated technology to help provide eco-friendly building materials at more affordable prices.
The concept of prefabricated building materials (popularly known as prefabs), involves a factory providing ready-made buildings or parts of buildings to contractors and property owners alike.
One of the best known types of prefabs is the fabricated house, which buyers only need to carry to the site where they want to set up their home.
Other popular types of prefabs are panelized homes that are factory-made homes wherein panels (walls with doors, windows, wiring and outside siding) are transported to the construction site ready for installation.
