When you hear prefab, do you automatically think of a “trailer on wheels” or a mobile home? Does your mind tell you it’s poor or cheaply built? You are not alone.
I hear it all the time when people ask me if we’re a prefab company and I say yes. I also ask them what the word prefabricated means to them. Let me explain what it really means.
Prefab is explained in Webster’s dictionary as a prefabricated building or structure. If you also break down the word, you’ll see the prefix “pre”, which means before 1960 in history. The word “fab” means to assemble or fabricate. So if you really break it down, prefab means building something ahead of time. So let’s explore this.
If we are talking about a building or structure, it can mean dozens of applications, but let’s focus on the 3 most common types of buildings that are prefab, namely panel homes, modular homes, and manufactured homes.
Panel houses basically consist of taking a wood framed house or building and pre-framing the wall sections, usually in an enclosed building, and submitting our paneled walls to the website. The walls generally do not include wiring, insulation, or drywall and are therefore called open panel walls. Most, if not all, paneled wall sections are pre-coated. The benefits are numerous compared to vertical framing and can include less waste, more accuracy, no weather delays, and allow you to frame a typical home in sometimes half the time of vertical framing. The added bonus is that banks consider them tied to homeowner/builder loans. Drawbacks are often reluctant framing crews who prefer to glue the frame together, you still need to hire a contractor or coordinator as the project still needs to be completed turnkey.
Modular homes are becoming more and more popular these days and for good reason. They are built to the same standards as a regular house in your neighborhood and even exceed the quality in some cases. Typically, a modular home is assembled in a large enclosed facility and comes out in @ 5-7 sections, ready to be assembled by crane on site. Modular homes have most of the structure done ahead of time and assign many finishes, such as drywall, already attached. Plumbing, electrical and heating channels are already in the walls and have been completed on site. It may take about 30 days after assembly to finish the drywall, add cabinets, flooring, plumbing fixtures, and any exterior finishes that need to be completed. Obviously the benefits are that most of the work is done ahead of time and the quick completion time once on site. Most, if not all, modular companies have staff on hand to complete your home. The drawbacks are the restriction in design, as this style of construction generally requires a gabled roof for the structure to join. Once completed, they can cost more per square foot than conventional construction, and you may be restricted in finishing options. Keep in mind that modular projects require 5-7 truckloads, so shipping can be prohibitive the farther from the plant you are and access to your construction site can be an issue. It may be wise to check with your Bank and land use to confirm their policies on Modular use.
Manufactured or mobile homes are not what they used to be. Gone are the days of 2×4 exterior walls and little to no insulation. They are also prefabricated in a closed, environmentally controlled facility and most are now built with 2×6 exterior framing and comply with local building codes. The styles are much more attractive and vaulted ceilings, as well as an elegant master bath, are not uncommon. Manufactured homes predominantly come in 2 sections, already finished, including installed cabinetry and flooring, and can be installed and finished in 2-3 days. The other benefits are that you order a house and all you have to do is wait for it to show up and all the manufactured home dealers will quote the setup on their site so you just move your furniture.
Restrictions on manufactured homes may include plan selection, site access, bank policies, and whether you can put this style of manufactured home on your lot. Some cities and counties do not allow them in certain areas. Manufactured homes are known to depreciate in value, but not in all areas. Check with a real estate agent or dealer to get the facts.
Manufactured homes and structures can include commercial buildings, recreation cabins, as well as churches and schools. It is becoming more and more popular and acceptable in the North American building society every year and I hope I have been successful in helping you change the way you think about the word prefab and what it really implies.