Factors that Determine the Durability and Livability of Prefab Homes
- Quality Construction Materials
- Transportation and Assembly
Prefab homes are built strong enough to survive the journey from the manufacturer’s premises to the construction site. Every section of the building needs to remain intact during transportation and when being lifted into place with cranes. The integrated modules should be capable of shrugging off processes that are often reserved for steel shipping containers. Every detail of modular houses is elaborated and the higher health and safety standards in the factory increase the quality of work. Once your prefab home has been assembled, the strength of each module contributes to a reliable finished home that can last for years.
- Energy-Efficient Rating
Quality prefab homes are built with airtight seams and include wool fiber insulation that prevents air from entering or leaving your house. This allows your heating and cooling systems to run more efficiently, leading to reduced energy costs all year round. When compared to stick-built homes, prefabs have higher energy efficiency and cost savings than every homeowner dream of. Other features in prefab homes that reduce monthly energy costs include energy star appliances, LED lighting, and even solar panels in a few designs. The high-energy efficiency rating of this type of residential dwelling makes it durable and long-lasting.
- Diverse Environments
Prefab homes are often built to standards that meet or exceed the building codes of wherever the owner wants it installed. Every state or country has its specifications regarding the housing structure that every homeowner has to abide by. The solid framework and sturdiness of prefab homes make them durable and livable to meet the wind loading codes of different states. Unlike conventional building codes, the HUD code requires manufactured homes to be constructed on a permanent framework. You can expect prefab homes to last for a very long time since they are built on the same foundation as conventional buildings.
How Long Do Prefab Homes Last Vs Old Stick-Built Homes?
The durability of both prefab and conventional homes significantly depends on the builder. Since the real estate market grows increasingly competitive, most building companies attempt to cut costs using shoddy materials and building practices. This results in fewer durable homes that do not stand up to their required expectations. A traditional home will most likely last a lifetime if it is built with high-performance insulation and a super-tight building envelope. Similarly, a prefab home can be extremely durable if built from sturdy structural insulated panels. However, the greatest advantage with prefab homes is that the manufacturer adds an extra focus on durability due to the shipping process.
Homes built in factories and warehouses should be structurally sound enough to withstand movement during shipping and being lifted by a crane onto a permanent foundation. Since modular home builders want to avoid extra costs that come with fixing a prefab home on site, the structure is made sturdy enough with rigorously tight building envelopes.
It is the dream of homeowners to never worry about how their home would fare all year round. Since the quality of modular homes may vary depending on the manufacturer, it is important to choose a reliable building company that has exceptional work standards and delivers great results as promised. Before deciding on a particular prefab builder, you need to do a thorough background search about their services, experience, and authentic reviews from previous clients. This not only helps to protect your investment but also gives you peace of mind during the transportation and assembly of your prefab home.
