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Top benefits of prefab homes

Prefabricated construction has gained popularity over the past few years.

Updated

Prefab wall panels
Prefabs technology can cut construction costs by up to 30 per cent. PHOTO | FILE

Prefabricated houses, also known as modular homes or prefabs, are homes built in factories in standard sections that are later transported and assembled on-site.

Prefabricated construction has gained popularity over the years due to, among other things, its ability to cut building costs and timeline.

Here are some of the top benefits of prefabricated homes.

1.) Design flexibility

Prefabs 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

A 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 prefabricated houses 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.

READ: Builders making bold bets on prefab housing

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 material than site built homes. Excess materials are re-used for other 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.

Albert Andeso holds a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Nairobi. He has extensive experience in construction and has been involved in many roads, bridges, and buildings projects.