In the US alone, 80% of contractors have started embracing off-site building techniques now. It proves that people are moving from traditional fixed houses to flexible prefabricated houses. But the bitter truth is, people still don’t have a complete understanding of what is a prefabricated house. Beyond that, they have a lot of misconceptions that need to be cleared.
Prefab homes are misunderstood to be low in quality, and during the 2nd World War, the houses destroyed by bombs were replaced by prefab homes. But they were made temporarily, and so were of low standards. Plus, there are a number of different approaches people make under the prefab term, leading to a lot of confusion.
So we are here to clear all those confusions and provide you with a clear idea of what is a prefabricated house.
1. What is a Prefabricated House?
If you aren’t familiar with prefab houses, then this part is for you. What is a prefabricated house? What does prefab house mean?
It’s a broad term in the modern days of building homes. They are known as “Prefab” or “made before” because they are mainly built off-site in advance and then delivered and assembled on-site. The surprising fact is that prefab homes have a history dating back to the 1st century. The Romans used this method to build forts after conquering Britain.
Nowadays, modern prefab homes are more often associated with quality and efficiency. It might not be a new concept, but with advanced and innovative techniques, they are a better option for many.
2. Do Prefab Homes Offer Faster Completion?
Compared to the time taken to build traditional homes, prefab home construction takes just half of the time. This is because while the foundation part is made on the site, the other parts are made in the factory. This process is made in parallel, saving a lot of time.
Capsule Castle offers space capsule houses that deliver them within a short period, and the installation is done within 3 days.
3. Are Prefab Homes Built with Customization?
Prefab homes don’t mean limited choices. If you think so, you are completely wrong.
You might think, even though they have customization options, they too might be limited. But the truth is, it depends on the manufacturer you choose. Different manufacturers offer different options for customization — design, materials, layout, and advanced features that suit the preference of the buyer.
Apart from the builder and type of prefab home, the construction actually allows flexibility, customizing both interior and exterior to match your needs.
4. What is a Prefab House Made Of?
Prefab houses are not made with different materials. Many of the materials are the same as the ones used to build those traditional homes. It differs with each builder building to suit different specifications. It mostly depends on efficiency and the cost that it takes to construct using those materials.
If you wonder whether these houses are environmentally friendly, yes, it is. The construction also uses sustainable or recycled materials. With energy-saving parts and airtight construction, the building is made to be eco-conscious to minimize energy loss.
5. How Much is a Prefab House?
The cost of prefab homes varies. It depends on the materials, customization, labour, and finishing.
Average cost of a prefab home
- Cost per square foot: $100 to $200
- With Customization: $300
Average cost of Land
- From $5000 in rural areas to over $100,000 in urban settings
- Land preparation cost: $10,000 to $50,000
Transportation Costs
- Distance and size of home: From $5,000 to $15,000.
Assembly and Installation Costs
- Depending on the complexity and the labor market: Between $5,000 and $15,000
Interiors
- Utilities: Estimates range from $10,000 to $30,000.
- Finishing touches: range from $10,000 to $25,000
Total Costs
Customizable Homes (Basic model to larger homes): From $150,000 to over $500,000
A 1,500-Square-Foot Typical Prefab Home: Between $200,000 and $300,000
6. Can They Be Adapted Over Time?
You might want a small house, but then you want to add another room or another floor. It’s way easier with prefab homes compared to traditional houses. This is because prefab homes are usually made with the convenience of future modifications.
7. Are Prefab Homes Worth It
Are prefab houses good enough to invest in?
They have short-term benefits like,
- Faster construction time than traditional homes.
- More predictable costs from start to finish.
When it is about a long-term return on investment (ROI), you need to consider a few factors, especially the local real estate market.
- If you plan to live in the prefab for a few years, the chances of it increasing in value over time are similar to traditional homes—especially if local property values are rising.
- Looking at property trends over the last 5–10 years in your area can help you predict potential resale profits.
- You can rent by estimating the potential rental income by checking what other, similarly sized rental properties are going for in your neighborhood.
Lastly, prefab homes are also eco-friendly:
- Their construction process produces fewer carbon emissions.
- They’re often built with better insulation, which can help you save on energy bills in the long run.
Final Thoughts
What is a prefabricated house? They have come a long way from early perceptions. Now they provide modern, efficient, and more sustainable alternatives. With faster construction, customization options, and eco-friendly benefits, they are better for both practical and future-focused life.
Whether you plan to own a prefab house, you can contact Capsule Castle to get your capsule houses faster and of high quality, at affordable prices.