Building a house is no easy task, especially because there are so many aspects to consider. With that said, there are also options that homeowners can choose from if they want to take on the challenge of building their own homes. They can build the house from the ground up as a stick-built home, or they can opt for prefabricated or custom-built modular homes that would be assembled on site.

Prefab homes or factory-built homes which come in pre-made parts have grown by about 8.5 percent in the last few years, becoming almost an $11 billion industry. Prefab homes have both advantages and disadvantages, which can help homeowners decide what would best suit their budget, their circumstances, and the long-term livability of the home.

Pros of Prefab Homes

Buying and living in prefab homes have several benefits to offer for prospective homeowners out there. The following are the pros that prefab homes can offer.

• Affordability

Building prefabricated homes are generally less expensive in comparison to building a stick-built home. It provides homeowners an opportunity to save money in purchasing and building a house. They use fewer materials, and there are fewer expenses to consider regarding the labor needed to build the prefabricated house.

• Faster Construction

The shorter amount of time needed to construct prefabricated homes is one of its biggest advantages. The parts of prefab homes are already pre-made off-site in a factory setting, which means that there is also no onsite material waste. The only thing needed to do is to assemble them and hook up the home to the needed utilities. If you have a short timeline and want to have a new home quickly, prefabricated homes are among the fastest home construction options available for homeowners.

• Increased energy efficiency

An energy-efficient home such as a prefabricated home does not only lessen your monthly utility bills. Prefabricated homes are better for the environment compared to traditional homes in many ways. This type of home construction is usually airtight, which avoids leaks and lessens airflows that can increase the economic and environmental cost of heating and cooling your home. They also allow environmentally friendly home customization options such as solar panels. Its strict design guidelines ensure that prefab homes are constructed to help minimize energy loss as much as possible, making them suitable for those who want a home with a lower carbon footprint.

• Healthier option

Prefab homes can be a healthier option compared to traditional homes. When building a house, it would be exposed to various elements such as moisture, contributing to mold growth. Extensive exposure to mold can cause health issues and may even be life-threatening in some cases. While prefab homes don’t eliminate this risk of mold exposure, they can reduce the mold significantly.

• Easier relocation

When you have a prefab home, you have the luxury of moving around places for years to come. While you can sell your home and relocate somewhere else, it can be attractive and appealing when you have the option of taking your home anywhere you go. With the way that prefab homes are designed, they are practically made to be moved around. Prefab homes can be disassembled, and specialized moving companies can help you take your home to a new destination.

Cons of Prefab Homes

           While there are great benefits prefabricated can offer to homeowners, they also come with some drawbacks to keep in mind as well.

• Location restrictions

Before picking an ideal spot where the prefab home can be built, make sure you can settle there. Some cities and neighborhoods have zoning regulations and guidelines that might not allow you to place your prefab home even if you already own the land. There may also be wariness on prefab homes because of the perceived negative impact on other neighboring houses’ overall value. There may also be difficulties with the size and material restrictions, and that’s why it is beneficial to research possible locations beforehand in a thorough manner.

• Land costs

You could be strapped with high land prices depending on where you plan to build your prefab home. There is also a need to have land ownership and title. You will also have to make sure that you can hook it up to utilities such as electricity, water, and sewer.

Securing the land where you will build your home, inspections, and other additional permits that are required can add up the costs you’ll need for the home, your time, as well as your efforts. However, some prefab home companies can help you with this process and roll these expenses along with your modular home’s overall cost.

• Potential problems on transportation

When building your prefab home, there is also a possibility of running into problems of having the pieces of your house transported to the building site. It can get expensive and can add up to the overall cost that homeowners will be spending, especially if the home will be built in a rural area.

• Possible home assembly issues

Having a trained and experienced contractor on your team can help a lot in assembling your prefab home. Without their extensive knowledge of home construction, there is a possibility that your home would be assembled incorrectly. It could pose some potential damage, shorten the home’s lifespan, and minimize its energy efficiency benefits.

• Less customization

            There are instances that you won’t have as much control in customization options when it comes to designing a prefab home. While it’s true that they are more affordable because they’re pre-made in a factory, its line production also comes with lesser room for customization. Homeowners will still have a say in your home’s finishing touches, such as the color palette, the materials for storage space, and appliance units. However, your prefab home’s size and shape are set in stone and cannot be customized.

Opting for prefab homes has both pros and cons that homeowners need to consider thoroughly. Knowing the various advantages and disadvantages of prefab homes can help homeowners make informed decisions that would be a good fit for their lifestyle, budget, and personal preferences.