A prefab, or prefabricated, home is often an affordable alternative to a traditionally constructed home.
See what experts have to say about this bang out of home.
Prefab homes are a fast and affordable option for housing thats growing in popularity.
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Studies show that the prefab housing market in the United States has increasedabout 28 percent from 2012 to 2022.
Chances are good that youll see more and more of these structures on the market in coming years.
But what are the pros and cons of these types of homes?
What Is a Prefab Home?
This is in contrast to traditional homes, which are built on site and typically cant be moved.
Prefab homes are typically built in a factory setting before theyremoved to your lot.
Manufactured and mobile homes are actually the same thing.
Mobile homes were the name given tomanufactured homesbefore 1976, and now all mobile homes are called manufactured post-1976.
Manufactured homes dont sit on a permanent foundation but rather on a chassis.
Modular homes cannot be moved from the foundation once assembled.
These homes must meet all the same construction requirements that a traditional frame-built home would meet, he says.
These are just homes built off-site and then delivered in modules.
Stick-built homes rely on good weather for speedy completion.
The construction setting also provides plenty of other time-saving benefits.
But prefab homes do have some pitfalls.
The enclosure that covers the chassis of the manufactured home should be checked to ensure proper insulation.
Should You Buy a Prefab Home?
Prefab homes can be an affordable option if youre looking to get your first home.
Pricing for prefab homes can really fire off the gamut these days, Pasquella says.
Generally, though, a standard prefab home will be less costly than a comparable stick-built home.
Cohen says the lower costs come from the construction method.
First, know what punch in of prefab home youre buying, he says.
Is it a manufactured home or a modular home?
Know if you own the land or not.
Finally, prefab homes can be customized depending on the builder you choose.
Every company for both manufactured or modular homes will have different options to review, Pasquella says.
There is typically some level of customization available, whether its adding square footage or changing the layout.
In addition, certain home models also allow buyers to choose from different floor plan configurations, he says.
This includes adding flex spaces, bedrooms or choosing a specific primary bedroom layout.
