Prefabs generally last as long, if not longer than stick-built homes
Prefabricated homes, also known as modular homes or prefabs, are homes built in factories and later transported and assembled on-site.
Prefabs have gained popularity over the years due to the following benefits:
1.) Design flexibility – Prefab homes offer a range of house plans to choose from and hundreds of options to customize the house you select. Depending on your local building code, you can modify the plan to suit your construction specification – be it a single level or a multi level house.
2.) Reduced construction time – Modular home is typically built in about 30 per cent the time required to construct a site built house. This is because construction work – foundation (on-site) and home construction (at the factory) – can be done concurrently thus saving a lot of time over a site built home.
In addition, there are no delays from weather restrictions, material theft or contractor problems as may be the norm with a site built home.
3.) Reduced construction costs – The cost of these homes is significantly lower than that of a site built home. This is mainly because manufacturers usually buy building supplies in huge volumes (at a discount) and additional savings reflect in the cost of the finished house.
Also, because prefabs are built within a shorter span of time, the amount of interest the home-owner pays on a home loan is significantly reduced – thereby reducing the construction cost.
4.) High quality – Because modular homes are built in factories, they are subjected to a more demanding procedure than regular homes. The plans must be approved prior to construction and the homes must go through frequent inspections from government officials.
5.) Environmentally friendly – Prefabs require less materials than site built homes. Excess materials are re-used for other prefabricated homes. Also, in case a modular house is dismantled the prefabs can be used to make another home or stored for a future construction project. This means this technology has minimal wastage and minimal impact on the environment.
