Please welcome guest writer, Mark Simon.
A Guide To Build Highly Energy Efficient Prefab Homes
The house that you build on your own may be of two types like the stick built a house and the prefab homes. Unlike the former, which is old fashioned, the prefab homes are constructed in prebuilt parts. These homes are like modular homes. They have earned a huge reputation to withstand the natural disasters. There is a misconception that these homes are mobile homes, but it is not true. They are like any other modern homes that have many advantages. They are built very fast, as the parts are available premade and you can easily assemble them, as per the needed utilities. They are the custom solution for the homebuyers that are energy efficient. They are also affordable. They are constructed following the rules of the state and the local building codes. You can build them anywhere and is not restricted to limited zoning restrictions.
Types of prefab homes
- The modular homes are built with one or more modules that are built in the factory and then transported. They come separately to the building site. After that, each module is completely outfitted with the interior fittings like plumbing, closets, doors, stairs, and electrical work. You will not have much work to be finished when the entire home is assembled.
- The other type of prefab homes is the panelized homes. This is built with a whole wall and then each panel is transported to the construction site. These homes require finishing work more than that of modular homes. So, the finishing work is done in the interiors like for example painting, installing stairs and cabinets has to be done on the site.
- The kit homes or the pre-cut homes are cut beforehand, as some specific designs in the factory. They are then shipped to the construction site. They almost look like panelized homes after the construction is done. The kit includes a detailed list of instructions and parts like furniture, which is assembled together to build the home.
- You will find that the pre-cut log cabin homes have the precut logs and framing materials that are ready to be assembled on the construction site. These homes are the longest on site building homes that can be done by oneself or by taking the help of the contractor.
- The prefab homes are literally made of the industrial steel shipping containers. These are known as shipping container homes. It has become popular due to its funky and creative designs. There is a difference in building these homes, as they are not like building a prefab home. They are sturdy and strong but are not designed for residential use.
Advantages to building prefab homes
There is usually a misconception that the prefab homes are either low-end manufactured homes or expensive custom homes. Nevertheless, in reality, these homes are becoming more accessible to the homebuyers of different budget levels. You can experience some of the advantages only after you have built these homes:
- The prefab homes are built in a very controlled environment. Hence, you can be confident that it is built with uniform quality. It maintains certain standards that are scheduled for the homes built on the site.
- They are very popular these days due to their energy efficiency and sustainability. They are a huge improvement over the traditional homes, as the extra materials are recycled on the site to avoid waste. Hence, the construction is accurate in which the joints are tight and the infiltration of air is minimized.
- The time consumed to build prefab homes is very less due to upfront planning as well as fast fabrication. The delays of the contractors on site are eliminated due to weather conditions.
- The custom homes are not expensive instead have cost benefits, unlike traditional construction.
Hence, prefab homes are the latest trends in home improvements that come along with many advantages.
