Prefabricated homes are homes that are made off-site. Their parts are manufactured in a factory and transported to the desired location, allowing for higher quality and safer homes. One reason for their excellent quality and safety is that the manufacturers specialize in their work and consistently repeat it. In addition, factories are subject to federal supervised quality control programs that require inspections. Plus, the tools are top-notch, creating faster construction with more precise results.
These homes are built for wind safety and energy efficiency appropriate to their geographic region. Also, they are subject to federal laws that require smoke detectors and multiple exterior doors.
The construction process can reduce waste and lower costs as well. The building industry creates an estimated third of the world’s overall waste, but with prefabricated homes, more materials can be reused or recycled. Also, better technology allows for less human error, preventing overordering. In addition, building these homes in a climate-controlled setting means fewer materials are damaged due to inclement weather. All these benefits might make prefab homes the right option for you.
If you’re looking for your dream home, consider some options that won’t break the bank.
1. Able Nook Properties
Able Nook homes provide elegance and convenience and as a bonus, they don’t require tools. They can withstand strong winds and hurricanes if you live in a coastal area. The installation jobs are simple and can be completed in a short amount of time.
You can also place one on uneven terrain, saving landscaping expenses. The home comes with insulated wall, roof and floor panels. You can move the house anywhere without the need for heavy equipment. The kit is flat-packed and made from aircraft-grade aluminum for extra strength. Other valuable features include full insulation and integrated electrical. The structure is also expandable and offers various uses.
2. The Avrame Solo 75
This model is a small-frame kit house with 180 square feet of living space. It has a single bed and bathroom, perfect for young professionals or recent graduates. The kit comes with a structural shell and interior and exterior finishes, and the company will ship the materials across the U.S. Therefore, DIY pros can save significantly on labor expenses by assembling the kit themselves.
The house costs around $100-$240 per square foot. It has a unique triangle structure that stands out from other homes. This style also reduces overall width, so the house is more energy-efficient, saving you money in the purchase process and on energy bills. The property has a wooden material that blends well into the environment. Keep in mind that Avrame may not be the best company if you’re looking for larger houses in a more finished state.
3. The Casita by Boxabl
This is a new housing product. The 375-square foot home features a studio layout, a bathroom and a full kitchen. The property is priced at $49,500. The house has an origami-style structure, so when it arrives on-site, it just has to be unfolded and it’s move-in ready. It’s perfect if you’re just starting a new job and need to get settled quickly.
Elon Musk was reported to be one of the first owners of these unique properties. You can even stack the Boxabls on top of or next to each other to create more square footage. The flexible design means you can easily integrate solar panels for more energy efficiency. The house is also bug, water, fire, wind and mold resistant. Plus, it comes with heating and cooling, high ceilings and dimmable mood lighting.
4. Cocoon Modules
These homes are environmentally friendly and made from converted shipping containers. Upcycling these containers can reduce waste in the trade industry. They offer energy efficiency through their quality insulation, reducing overall energy consumption, making the house more comfortable and allowing you to lower your heater in the winter and air conditioner in the summer.
The home allows for expansions and additional levels. Depending on your needs, you can adapt your home as you age. For example, you can add an extra bedroom if you expand your family. The structure also has a low net weight so you can stack multiple modules on top of each other to increase the height. It’s easily transportable if you plan to relocate for work or want to live in a new location closer to nature or to family.
5. The Jackson Pratt Home
This is a park model tiny home. Pratt Modular Homes offers beautiful selections at an affordable price — about $65-$100 per square foot to install. This home has two bedrooms, one and a half bathrooms, and a loft. It’s 399 square feet, making it perfect for couples or small families. The property has a neutral-colored exterior and porch to enjoy in the summer. The kitchen has stainless steel appliances and a range hood that gives it a modern appearance.
This company operates in the southern U.S. It offers various modular home styles, such as ranches and cabins. These are purchased and assembled with interior finishes and fixtures, including cabinetry and appliances. However, you can opt to complete this stage of the project yourself. Other perks include:
- Home financing through an in-house mortgage loan originator
- Assistance in all aspects of the home-build process
- A competitive price point
One thing to consider is the company doesn’t offer a high level of customization, which might be a deal-breaker for some.
6. The K5 Extended
The K5 is a 78 square foot home with a studio layout and a single bathroom. It’s finished in a modern design with large sliding glass doors for extra elegance, and you can use it as a home studio or an accessory dwelling unit. This is perfect if you work from home or often have guests. You also get plenty of natural light with larger exterior glass windows.
The K5 Extended is also easy to install and some don’t require permitting or piping. The house is designed by kitHAUS, which creates prefab homes for various uses like in-law suites or pool houses. However, this may not be the best option if you’re looking for larger spaces with a bathtub.
7. Kithaus Homes
These homes are tiny in scale but make up for that with their function and design. They have structural insulated panels on the ceiling, roofs and floors. This insulation can keep the home at a comfortable temperature and increase energy efficiency. The panels can even lower your energy bills. Other features include durable finishes such as aluminum framing, glazing and corrugated roofing. For your safety, there is even a proprietary locking system.
The homes are built with a strong, lightweight aluminum system, resistant to rust and termites. The exterior also doesn’t require painting. The buying process is fairly simple: you tell the company what accessories you want and it prepares a quote. The modules are then fabricated in the factory and shipped to your area flat. Financing solutions for prefab and modular homes are available.
8. Koto Design Co.
Koto Design offers beautifully crafted and energy-neutral homes. It also provides a unique design inspired by Scandinavian culture. The architecture features simple and clean details for a relaxing and modern vibe.
The sleeping cabins available are great for holiday rentals or a home office. They include high ceilings, open floor plans and quality finishes. The company develops modular houses, cabins and small sculptural buildings. The homes emphasize elements of nature, like timber exteriors. Each residence comes with energy monitoring and smart home technology. You can apply for the Help to Build: Equity Loan to finance construction.
9. Meka Modular Houses
Meka Modular homes offer functional and contemporary designs. You can choose from various materials and finishes to create a layout that matches your personality and style. You can permanently install them since each home is designed to meet local building codes. That said, you should always confirm with your local permitting authority. The houses are also durable and can withstand heavy winds, floods and earthquakes.
The Liberty 160 features one bedroom and one bath. It’s an affordable model with a base price of $59,200. You can choose your finish, such as engineered wood and double-glazed windows.
To get started purchasing a home, follow these three simple steps:
- Select your design
- Submit a land survey
- Work with your MEKA consultant through the design, permitting, building and installation processes
10. Qhaus Homes
These houses provide energy-efficient features, including windows, insulation and water heaters. There are also plenty of different design choices, so you can find the one that matches your style. You can even add fun features like a home spa, guest room or office space.
The company makes Cliff modular homes with three bedrooms and one bath. These residences also feature a living room with an open kitchen and dining area. The 73,9/77,6 m2 space can accommodate a larger group of people, such as ski resort renters. Qhaus also manufactures CORNER houses that you can use as a home office or guest house, as well as Teo modular systems.
11. The Stackhouse CoHo 320
This modern-style home is made from a shipping container and includes an open floor plan with a single bedroom and bathroom. It features 320 square feet, perfect for a single resident. The limited square footage means you can invest in smarter storage solutions like multipurpose furniture. Adding floating shelves or under-the-bed storage can also maximize vertical space.
Natural features like wooden floors create a calming atmosphere. It also has a spacious, covered porch if you like to entertain. Stackhouse only serves people in Texas, however. It’s a full-service company and can assist buyers at every stage.
The Best Prefab Homes for Your Budget
Prefab houses offer environmental and safety benefits, but choosing one that fits your finances may be tricky. However, these homes offer convenience and quality, proving that you don’t have to overspend to find your dream home. Consider these selections for properties that won’t hurt your budget.
Feature image: Ron Lach; Image 1: Andrea Davis
