Home buying is a daunting task, to say the least. Why? It’s a massive investment for one. Moreover, the time and effort it takes to find the best suitable option are unavoidable, even more so when considering delving into unknown terrains, like getting a prefab house.
Though buying a prefabricated house is not something entirely novel or unheard of, ignorance makes most people sceptical about it. In fact, prefabs are extremely popular in Japan, Europe, the USA, and Canada. And the global prefabricated buildings market will reach $153.7 billion by 2026.
Yet unsure about getting one and thinking of calling it home? Read on to learn more about these houses and what things you should consider before buying.
What is a Prefabricated House?
A prefab or prefabricated house is a custom home, built 80% in a factory setting and then transported on-site. There are three prefab-type homes – manufactured, panelised and modular. Manufactured homes get pieced together after building in small sections.
Kit homes follow an uncomplicated and identical style of building. At the same time, a modular home is more personal and custom-made. Most companies will often let you customise the floor plan of a modular home.
Top Factors to Consider Before Buying a Prefab House
Prefabs are comparatively easy to build than traditional homes. Instead of hiring a builder to construct your house brick-by-brick, your house can get assembled like a jigsaw puzzle. That’s the beauty of it.
Whether a first-time home buyer or seasoned home investor, you may consider the following things before owning a prefab.
Total Cost of the House
A prefab home typically saves you 15% compared to traditional homes. How? Well, a company builds prefabs in a climate-controlled area. It drastically reduces the costs of building a house. It also eliminates labour and material costs.
However, you may need to prepare the plot to accommodate the house and help to make a more stable foundation.
Expected Time Taken to Assemble
As the builder won’t need to construct your house brick-by-brick, it becomes easier to build prefabs. The most time taken is usually to create the parts in the factory. Weather-related delays aren’t a factor as these homes get made in a controlled environment.
Design Flexibility
If you’re getting a modular home, there is much more design flexibility. However, penalised and manufactured homes are less customisable. You can work with the home manufacturer to determine the type of prefab best suits your needs.
Though you still must get your floor plan approved by authorities before ordering a prefab.
The Safety Factor
Prefabs offer higher reliability than on-site-built constructions. Companies follow strict building codes and regulations to make prefabs for customers. Further, they must meet with regular on-site inspections at every building stage.
Again, prefabricated houses are not affected by the weather and other unforeseen factors, making them more reliable.
Concluding Notes
Are you thinking of buying a prefabricated house? Prefab homes are an excellent option to get a place to live faster. These houses are more affordable, but additional costs are also attached. There are both advantages and disadvantages of buying a prefabricated home.
Consider the above factors to see if a prefab house is what you’re looking for or not. Do your research and weigh the pros and cons before purchasing a prefab.
