pre-fab homes?

Question

I read something about pre-fab homes recently. Does anyone know anything about these? Are they like modular/mobile homes? Are they cheaper to build than traditional stick built homes? If anyone knows of any websites that have prefab house plans, I'd like to take a look at them. Thanks!

Answer 1

Pre-fab means simply that the home is pre-built in a factory. Many types of housing are built in a factory. Modular homes are stick-built in a factory, then set on the owner's foundation (basement or crawl space) with a crane. They meet local building codes, are indistinguishable from site-built homes and may cost as much money as a site-built home.

Double-wide homes are also built in a factory but are built to a different building code call HUD code. They are basically fancy house trailers. The steel frame upon which they are built is left on the modules when it arrives at the home site. The wheels are removed.

There are many modular builders throughout the US. Here is one that has designs, pictures, and a "tour" of a factory to give you an idea of how they're built, what's out there and what's possible with a modular home..
http://allamericanhomes.com/

Answer 2

Usually prefabs are a little cheaper than stick built, depending on the builder. They are not considered double wides or anything. They are brought in on a big truck, but they don't have wheels like a double wide. They can be as expensive as you would want them to be.