The Types of Prefab Homes

There are several different types of prefab homes. According to the National Modular Housing Council (NMHC), factory-built homes that must meet local building standards include the following.

1. Panelized Homes

Panelized homes are built in panels – a whole wall, for instance – then each panel is transported to the building site and is constructed into a home. Typically, panelized homes require more finishing work than modular homes, as the interior finishing work, such as painting, installing cabinetry and stairs, and installing flooring, must be completed on-site.

Factory build-time is still similar to that of modular homes (about 6 to 12 weeks), but on-site build time is longer. It might take a week to construct the panels on-site, then it could take an additional month to complete the interior work, depending on the schedules of the subcontractors. Total build time can be estimated at three to five months, give or take, depending on subcontractor schedules. We can deliver a wide variety of home styles, such as Cape Cod, modern, ranch, or French country.

2. Pre-Cut Homes

Pre-cut homes are “kits” homes, such as log cabin kits or dome homes. The homes are cut to design specs in-factory, they are shipped as a kit to the building site to be constructed on-site. Some pre-cut homes are panelized homes, but not all panelized homes are pre-cut homes.

One factor that sets apart pre-cut homes from panelized homes is that pre-cut homes are often designed for the motivated home buyer who wants to construct the home on-site themselves using the materials and instructions supplied by the manufacturer. The kits come with a detailed list of instructions and parts, much like a piece of Ikea furniture. The home buyer then works to piece the home together, either alone or with the help of a general contractor.

3. Modular Homes

Modular homes consist of one or more modules that are built in a factory (according to the state and local building codes where the home will be built) and then transported separately to the building site, where construction is completed. Each module usually comes fully-outfitted with interior fittings – plumbing, electrical, doors, closets, and stairs – so there’s little finishing work to be completed when the home is assembled.

Build times from the point of order to move-in are roughly three to four months.

4. Shipping Container Homes

Shipping container homes (homes made, quite literally, from industrial steel shipping containers) have made a splash in the media because of their funky and creative designs. Much like modular homes, shipping container homes can be stacked and pieced together like Legos to create homes, offices, and funky eateries.