The concept of prefabricated homes in the country isn’t new. First built as a temporary answer to the housing shortage after World War II, these homes were cheap and quick to put together. Today, prefabricated homes have come a long way, offering buyers access to modular designs at a fraction of the price. These factory-built homes can be customised to suit one’s taste and specifications, including factors such as plot size, budget, and lifestyle.

Construction style

Prefabricated (or prefab) homes are constructed in a factory and then fully assembled on-site. The term broadly refers to homes built in small components and includes modular homes, manufactured homes, kit homes, panelled homes, and even mobile homes.

On average, these homes can last for three to five decades, depending on the quality of construction, materials used, and overall maintenance.

Advantages

The steadily rising popularity of prefab homes can be credited to various advantages they offer, including cost savings, environment friendliness, energy efficiency, and more.

1. Affordability

One of the biggest perks of prefabricated homes is that they tend to be much more affordable than stick-built homes (those constructed on-site).

2. Energy efficiency

Due to their enclosed and airtight structure and design, prefab homes significantly reduce energy consumption. Such homes are delivered with components like tight seams and cutting-edge windows, each part adhering to strict energy guidelines. That is why buyers end up with a strong, tightly sealed home that prevents leaks and loss of airflow, effectively reducing energy bills.

As a bonus, prefab homes are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions and natural calamities, including severe rainfall and tornadoes.

3. Sustainability

Factors like energy efficiency, controlled construction, and reduced manufacturing waste make prefabricated homes more sustainable than regular constructions. Moreover, materials like recycled steel or reclaimed wood are often used during construction for such homes, making them eco-friendly alternatives to conventional stick-built homes.

4. Quick turnaround time

All the pieces of a prefabricated home—irrespective of the type—are designed and constructed off-site. They are then returned to the home’s site to be assembled and set up with utilities. Since these materials are partially built when they are delivered to the site, putting them together to get the house running is a rather swift process. Not only does it require less workforce, but it also reduces vulnerability to the weather.

That being said, it is important to note that just like regular homes, prefabricated homes also need to undergo a detailed site preparation process (to ensure readiness and regulatory compliance), which can stretch the construction time out.

Cost

Given the variety of prefabricated homes on the market today, it is difficult to offer a rough estimate of the cost of constructing one. The final cost of the home is dependent on features such as:

1. Materials

The material used throughout the construction process plays a major role in determining the final cost of the house. For example, timber is priced at £75 per square metre; structural insulated panels begin from £95 per square metre, while an oak frame will easily cost £195 per square metre.

2. Foundation

Prefab homes also require extensive groundwork to build a proper foundation. Factors such as the complexity of the construction, the house’s size, and the design will impact the overall cost of a prefabricated home.

3. Size and design

As with regular homes, the size and design of the house are also major factors affecting the construction cost.

• Small and simple modular homes (1050 square feet), for instance, can be found for as little as £14,000 for self-builders. These come with detailed instructions and support from the manufacturer. Premium variants with added features may cost around £35,000.
• Medium-sized kit homes (around 1388 square feet) with a deck and outdoor space may cost around £30,000 to £65,000, depending on the features and add-ons chosen.
• Prices for larger homes (2,100 square feet and more) can easily go up to £100,000.

The cost of prefabricated homes may also differ based on the type of home one opts for. Flat-packed homes, for instance, may cost around £75-200 per square metre, while a prefabricated kit house may range anywhere from £40,000 to £100,000. That being said, it is important to note that these costs may vary by geographical location, company, features, etc.

Most buyers generally purchase their prefabricated homes directly from the manufacturers, as this gives them control over customisation. To find out more about prefab homes for sale, it is recommended to contact modular home manufacturers in one’s area and ask them for a quote.