A simple answer to the question of, “What are pre fabricated homes?” is that they are dwellings in which a significant number of its structural parts are manufactured offsite and in advance.  Quite often these pre-fabricated parts are constructed in a factory or warehouse and are then able to be quickly fitted together once they are delivered to the building site. The fact is that there are at least a few different types of prefabricated homes.  In this article, we’ll go over the various types of prefab homes and describe how they differ from each other.

Panelized Homes

Panelized homes, also known as open wall packages, are named because of the offsite prefabrication of the dwelling’s walls, floors, and roofing trusses.  The panels are quite often completely constructed to include doors, windows, exterior siding, and other related components. Because most of the pieces are created using Computer Assisted Design (CAD) programs, precision cutting and design procedures result in quickly assembled, weather-tight dwellings.  Panelized homes can be produced in almost any design type allowing for a custom-built housing unit to meet most any needs.

Modular Homes

Modular homes are composed of three-dimensional modules that are constructed offsite and fit together once delivered to the building site.  Many things such as insulation, plumbing, and wiring can be completed in the factory before being shipped to the building site. Once delivered to the building site the different modules are fit together and attached onto a permanent foundation. This means modular homes are not movable once constructed.  Modular homes can be custom built and will not necessarily all look the same.

Manufactured Homes

Manufactured homes are also known as mobile homes.  Manufactured homes can be moved from location to location as they are not typically installed on permanent foundations.

For the speediness of being able to move in, manufactured homes are the most efficient. Details such as the plumbing, wiring, insulation, flooring, and interior finishing are completed prior to shipment. They are completely constructed in the factory and can be ready to be lived in within a few days of shipping.