Prefab Homes

What Are Prefab Homes?

Prefab homes, short for prefabricated homes, are residences constructed in segments or modules in a factory setting before being transported to their permanent location. This method of construction offers a blend of quality, efficiency, and sustainability not always found in traditional on-site builds. Unlike the simplistic mobile homes of the past, today’s prefab homes boast a variety of designs, from sleek, modern aesthetics to cozy, traditional styles.

Types of Prefab Homes

• Manufactured Homes: Often conflated with mobile homes, these are fully constructed in a factory and then moved to the site, ready for occupancy.
• Modular Homes: Consisting of multiple sections built in a factory, these homes are then assembled on-site, offering flexibility in design and layout.
• Prefab Panelized Kit Homes: Prefab panelized homes come in partially completed sections. These sections are usually the roof trusses, the walls, the floors, etc. The sections are assembled on-site.

Advantages of Prefab Homes

Cost-Effectiveness

Prefab homes are generally more affordable than traditional homes due to standardized production processes, reduced waste, and minimized labor costs.

Speed of Construction

The controlled factory environment allows for rapid assembly of homes, significantly reducing construction time from months to weeks.

Customization

Modern prefab homes offer extensive customization options, allowing buyers to tailor their living spaces to their preferences without the cost of traditional custom-built homes. Some modular homes are fully custom and built to your specifications, architecture, and design. Other homes such as pre-engineered manufactured homes have limited customization. Personalized design choices are limited to exterior siding and paint, interior flooring, cabinet color schemes, bathroom designs, and the like.

Durability

Advancements in technology and materials mean that modern prefab homes are built to last, often exceeding the quality and durability of standard stick-built homes. As with a site-built home, all of our homes come with a 10-year craftsman warranty.

how long does it take to build a prefab?

Wondering about the timeline from purchasing to moving into your prefab home?

Several key factors influence this duration:

Do you already own the land? Purchasing land can take 1-3 months.

Are you purchasing the prefab home with minimal customizations? A pre-engineered plan needs just a building permit. A fully custom-built home will have additional time required for the design process. The engineering and design process can take 1-3 months or more (after you have decided on a floor plan and exterior look).

What permits and inspections are required by your area? The timeline to get a building permit can vary by location. Some permit officers are much faster than others.

Do you need financing? Loan underwriting can take 30 days or more.

The process can take as little as a few weeks to over a year.

For those satisfied with a basic floor plan, we might have ready-made mobile or modular homes ready for delivery.

Typically, the construction of your prefab home in the factory will take 1-2 months. Concurrently managing, preparing, and completing the site preparations ensures you’re ready for the next phase.

Assembly of the home on your land varies, potentially taking a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the complexity and size of the structure; the land itself; the local government, and building codes.

Navigating the permitting process is a crucial step, and depending on the local regulations and the complexity of your project, this phase can significantly impact your overall schedule.

If financing is required, this aspect can also add a few weeks to a few months to the timeline. Securing a loan for a prefab home involves various steps, including application submission, documentation, and approval processes.

While this is a necessary step for many buyers, it’s important to factor in this time to have a comprehensive understanding of the project’s timeline from start to finish.

Potential Drawbacks of Prefab Homes

Avoiding challenges Related to Financing

An important consideration for prospective buyers is the financing of prefab homes. Unlike traditional stick-built homes, securing financing for a prefab home can be more difficult. The primary reason for this is that many loan officers are simply unfamiliar with the nuances of modular financing. This complexity is further compounded due to different loan requirements set by financial institutions, with not all lenders offering loans for prefab or construction projects. The unique nature of prefab homes, including their construction process and delivery, may lead some lenders to view them as a more complex risk compared to conventional homes. This perception can affect the availability of loans, interest rates, and terms offered to buyers of prefab homes. For this reason, it is imperative to work with a qualified expert in both construction mortgages and modular financing loan guidelines. A qualified expert can offer a reduced rate and ensure a smooth closing. Call us to me matched to a qualified loan officer.

The logistics involved in transporting prefab homes

Transportation from the factory to the building site can be complex and costly, especially for remote or difficult-to-access locations.

Land Preparation and Utility Connections

Preparing the land for a prefab home, including laying foundations and connecting utilities, can be as expensive as a stick-built home. These costs can escalate based on the terrain, the home’s location, and the extent of site work required. For this reason, it is important to consider the land itself and choose appropriate prefab construction techniques. For this reason, an experienced project engineer is strongly recommended.

Customization and Upgrades

Prefab homes offer a range of customization options, allowing homeowners to tailor their properties to their preferences. However, these customizations and upgrades can quickly increase the overall cost. Even with customization, the typical costs savings of a prefab home vs site built is 15-30%.

Market Perception and Resale Value

The perception of prefab homes in the real estate market can also play a role in their overall cost-effectiveness. While modern prefab homes are built to high standards, some buyers and real estate professionals may still have reservations about their quality and durability. It is important to note that Blue View modular homes are made of the highest quality and have superior resale value and appreciate at the same rate as a site-built home. Furthermore, because of their lower cost of construction, they can offer an instant ROI.