In the past, the words “prefabricated house” simply meant a double wide trailer. Though many people still hold this misconception, the truth is that prefabricated homes have become a whole lot more than just a trailer. Also known as modular homes, prefabricated homes can be a cozy cabin, a large luxury house, or anything in between.
A prefabricated house is constructed into several large pieces a factory. These pieces are then shipped to the location, where final assembly is completed. More people are now considering modular homes as a viable housing option. These houses are becoming a big trend because they offer many advantages to a traditionally built home.
When people think about the time involved in building a house, it is a large project that will usually take 4 to 6 months to complete. Many times a family ends up moving into a rental home, apartment, or a spare room at a family or friend’s house because their old house has already sold, but they’re still waiting on their new one to finish being built. The need for short term solutions like this are greatly reduced with prefabricated house. Typically a modular home will take about 2 months to construct completely, though once they ship to the site it may be livable in a matter of days. This is an even greater advantage in cold climates, where there are only a few months that are suitable for construction.
Prefabricates houses typically cost less than their traditionally built counterparts. One of the biggest reasons for this is how quickly they can be built in the factories. Usually they can be built in about one third of the time of a traditionally constructed house. When buying a house, part of the cost is the salary for the workers to build it. Reducing the number of hours spent working on the house reduces the cost to hire the workers. Because the designs are all built using a standard set of parts and pieces, waste is reduced. This also helps keep the price lower, because less waste means fewer material costs. The pieces being standardized also helps prevent additional costs and hold ups due to mistakes.
Modular homes are also more eco-friendly. They are better insulated than a traditional home, lowering the energy requirements to heat and cool the house year round. Recyclable, renewable, and sustainable materials are used, limiting negative impacts on the environment.
Quality is also enhanced in a prefabricated house. In addition to the improved insulation, these houses are more durable. Part of this comes simply from the construction process. Because building a home takes time, all parts of a traditionally built home are exposed to nature. Not only are bugs an issue, but during the months of building, it will also rain, most likely at the most inconvenient and inopportune times. Modular homes are constructed in a factory where they are protected from these elements. When they are taken outside to be shipped to the site, they are complete, so only the finished siding and roofing will be exposed to rain and bugs. They are also made to be very strong and sturdy, making them better equipped to withstand a natural disaster such as a hurricane or tornado.
Another great advantage to modular houses is personalization. When looking for a house, few people have both the time and money available to purchase a custom traditionally built home. With a prefabricated home, the customer is in charge. Whether you need a lot of bedrooms for a large family, want a large kitchen, or simply have a specific layout in mind, it is all possible with a modular home.
Though they were once considered inferior, prefabricated houses are a great option for people looking for a house today. With so many great benefits and advantages, modular homes are the future of house construction.