The housing market, as always, is in high demand in some places, and not so high in others. But what’s slowing the growth isn’t demand — it’s the price of building or buying property. Due to the significant increase in property prices, people are seeking innovative ways to live (without needing to move back in with their parents). That’s where prefab homes shine.
Changes in construction over the past decades have brought prefab homes into the spotlight. These structures offer many of the same benefits as a traditional house, but often at a lower price tag. Adding the advantage of prefab’s sustainable features, and you have a winning solution.
How are prefab homes constructed, sustainable, and built to last? We’ll “cement” your knowledge of all things prefab here.
1. Starting With the Foundation
The stability of any home is only as strong as its foundation. Yet, prepping the site, digging, mixing and pouring concrete, and waiting for it to dry can take weeks. With prefab homes, this step is sometimes simplified by using a concrete slab.
Slab foundations are cost-effective if you don’t need to have a crawl space or basement. There’s less labor and material cost involved, and they reduce problems of moisture and leaks. With a slab foundation, the concrete is poured in a single day, requiring only two days to cure.
Building a prefab home on a concrete slab foundation also aids in energy efficiency and sustainability. There’s no crawl space to attract moisture and pets, which also serves a double advantage of reducing leaks and increasing insulation. The thermal mass properties of concrete help stabilize the indoor temperature, and the concrete is highly durable, resistant to fire, rot, and insects.
For more on the benefits and drawbacks of concrete slab foundations, read this article by FMP Construction.
2. Making Eco-Friendly Choices
Choosing a prefab home naturally means you’re making a more eco-friendly buying decision. Prefab homes come in multiple designs:
- Modular homes constructed in sections before they’re moved to the foundation,
- Panelized homes made up of pre-fab panels that are transported to the foundation,
- Pre-cut homes using pre-assembled components (often tweaked and designed for the owner’s tastes) and
- Manufactured homes, affordable options that are focused on mobility over durability
Each style has its own pros and cons, but no matter which option you choose, the timeline from start to finish is significantly reduced, saving resources. When construction time is expedited, waste is reduced. Prefab homes are mostly crafted in a climate-controlled facility, where a focus on environmentally friendly materials is streamlined. Safety and quality standards are followed, and as the building practices become more “green,” your prefab home naturally complies with those sustainable requirements.
3. Continually Improving Designs
Regardless of the type of prefab home you want, today’s continually improving designs let you customize your house to match your dream goal. Many manufacturers offer a variety of floor plans, and within those blueprints, buyers can select different finishes, adjust their layouts, and make other personalized changes.
Prefab homes aren’t just about customization, though. Unlike their original designs of decades ago, the latest prefab styles are strong enough to be assembled off-site, transported to the foundation lot, and constructed — and still withstand extreme climate challenges. Many prefab homes hold up under the strain of blizzards, hurricanes, and frequently tropical storms.
Debating on choosing prefab but concerned about your area’s climate? Talk to the manufacturers about the best style of home for your geography. You might be surprised at the statistics that show how these sustainable buildings are as durable as traditionally constructed homes.
4. Adding On Cost-Effective Perks
Found your dream home, but the neighborhood is too pricey for your budget? Looking for a needle in a haystack house in a particular location where no one is selling their property? Prefab homes take these issues away. Instead, you can choose the location, whether a big city or a rural area, and bring your dream house to you.
Because this perk gives you control over where you live, it’s possible to save money by buying land in a tax-advantaged area. Not only is the home more affordable upfront, but you also save money each year on insurance and property taxes.
Still looking for more ways to save? The latest building standards that determine your prefab’s construction mean lower utility bills. From efficient light bulbs to smart living features, your home will be well-insulated and designed to maximize green living (minimizing energy use).
Keeping up with maintenance on a sustainable home is also easier, and when something does go wrong, which happens to everyone, it can be cheaper to fix a prefab home.
Between the reduced construction time, strict building standard compliance, and energy efficiency, a prefab home is the cost-effective way to get your dream home and live in it, too.
Conclusion
Factory-built homes may have gotten a bad rep over the years, but today’s versions are rewriting the stereotype. With multiple advantages and only limited drawbacks, prefab houses are in demand. If you’re looking for expansive square footage with modern extras that fit your budget, a prefab home may be the way to go.
Read more: Can Playing At Online Games With Higher Traffic Increase My Chances Of Winning?